In the design-build project delivery method, the design-builder (a single entity or team under one contract) is responsible for both design and construction. Industry guidance consistent with CSI’s CDT framework explains that, unlike Design–Bid–Build (where the architect prepares construction documents and a separate contractor builds), design-build uses a single contract covering both the design and construction phases, with a “design builder” responsible for meeting contract requirements.
During the design phase of a design-build project:
The design-builder leads planning and design and, together with its architectural/engineering team, creates the detailed design needed to build the project.
Once design details are in place, this design is used to set prices and proceed into construction.
In CSI/CDT terms, the output of this design effort is the Construction Documents (drawings and specifications) that define the scope, quality, and requirements for the work and become part of the contract documents for the project.
Why the other options do not match the CDT/CSI role at this stage:
A. Submittals – Submittals (shop drawings, product data, samples) are primarily a construction-phase contractor responsibility, responding to the already-issued construction documents. They are not the primary deliverable of the design phase.
B. Record documents – Record documents (as-built drawings, O&M manuals, etc.) are post-construction deliverables, produced near the end of the project to show what was actually installed.
C. Geotechnical reports – In many project delivery methods, geotechnical investigations are owner-provided information or obtained early by the owner; the design-builder may coordinate or rely on them, but they are not the core design-phase deliverable the question is seeking.
Therefore, in a design-build delivery method, during design, the design-builder is responsible for producing and delivering Construction documents (Option D) to the owner.
Core CSI-aligned references for this question (no URLs):
CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide – sections on Design-Build roles and responsibilities (single point of responsibility for design and construction).
Industry explanations of design-build (single contract; design builder leads design and then construction).
