DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT
A design build contract between a provider and a client, ready to customize, send, and e-sign.
PREPARED FOR
Acme Co
PREPARED BY
Northwind Studio
DATE
August 18, 2026
DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT
An agreement between Northwind Studio and Acme Co covering integrated design and construction of the project described in the scope, delivered under a single agreement.
PREPARED FOR
Acme Co
PREPARED BY
Northwind Studio
DATE
August 18, 2026
Northwind Studio
DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT
This agreement is entered into by Northwind Studio (the "Design-Builder") and Acme Co (the "Owner") for the engagement described below. It sets out the key terms, deliverables, fees, and acceptance required to move forward.
PROJECT TYPE
Design-build
Single-source design and construction under one contract.
PHASES
3 stages
Design development, construction documents, and construction.
SCHEDULE
20 weeks
From kickoff to substantial completion, per the schedule of work.
The Owner wishes to engage the Design-Builder on the terms described in this contract. Both parties confirm they have the authority to enter this agreement and that it supersedes any prior verbal or written understanding on the same subject.
Northwind Studio
DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT
The engagement runs across three phases. Each closes with a written deliverable and a review before the next begins.
PHASE 1 · DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Schematic design, materials selection, and design review meetings with the Owner. Closes with an approved design package and a target budget.
PHASE 2 · CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Detailed drawings, specifications, and coordination with structural, mechanical, and electrical trades. Includes filing and follow-through for required permits.
PHASE 3 · CONSTRUCTION
Construction of the work per the approved documents, weekly Owner walkthroughs, punch list resolution, and closeout with warranties, manuals, and as-builts.
Not included: furniture, fixtures, and equipment not shown on the drawings, landscaping outside the work area, and Owner-directed changes after documents are approved. New scope can be added in writing at any time.
Northwind Studio
DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT
The fees below cover the scope of work in the previous section. Payment terms are set out in the schedule that follows.
| Item | Rate | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design fee | $28,000 | 1 | $28,000 |
| Construction cost (target) | $220,000 | 1 | $220,000 |
| Contingency (10 percent) | $22,000 | 1 | $22,000 |
| Total | $270,000 | ||
| Milestone | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| On signature (design retainer) | Kickoff | $14,000 |
| Monthly progress draws | Monthly | Per schedule |
| Final payment on substantial completion | Closeout | 5% |
Change orders in writing are required for any scope, schedule, or cost changes. Time is of the essence, subject to weather, permit, and Owner-caused delays.
Northwind Studio
DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT
To proceed, complete the fields below and sign. This agreement is valid for 30 days from the date on the cover.
PROJECT ADDRESS
TARGET START DATE
OWNER
Acme Co
DESIGN-BUILDER
Northwind Studio
The Design Build Contract template is a five-page document for putting an engagement between the Design-Builder and the Owner on paper before work begins. It carries an overview with stat cards, a three-phase scope of work, a fee table with a computed total and payment schedule, and an acceptance page with inputs and signatures.
It is intentionally simple: rename what needs renaming in Bonsai, edit the scope and fees to match your engagement, and send. Merge fields handle the party details and date, and the last page collects the fields you need plus both signatures.
Everything below comes pre-configured. Turn sections on or off, edit the copy, or add your own — Bonsai remembers your choices for next time.
What if construction costs rise? The target price includes a 10 percent contingency. Anything beyond that is documented as a change order and approved before work continues.
Who pulls the permits? The Design-Builder files and follows through on all permits required for the scope shown in the construction documents.
Is the design fee separate? Yes — the design fee is a fixed amount invoiced during phase one; the construction cost is drawn against monthly per the schedule.