The delivery method decision is one of the earliest and most consequential choices on any project. It determines who designs, who builds, when those parties engage, and how risk flows between the owner, architect, and contractor.

Four delivery methods dominate practice. Design-Bid-Build (DBB) separates design from construction with a sequential process. Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) brings the constructor in early as an advisor, then shifts them to an at-risk role during construction. Design-Build (DB) combines design and construction under a single contract. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contractually binds the owner, designer, and constructor into a shared-risk, shared-reward agreement.

Each method creates a different contract structure. DBB uses the traditional B101/A201 family. CMAR requires agreements that address both the advisory and at-risk phases. DB shifts the architect from the owner's agent to a subconsultant under the design-builder. IPD needs multi-party agreements that do not fit the traditional bilateral contract model.

For the PjM exam, the connection between delivery method and contract requirements is tested frequently. You need to know which AIA document families apply to which methods, how the architect's role changes, and how risk allocation shifts across the four approaches. The right contract for the wrong delivery method creates gaps that lead to disputes.