I generally like the concept of Design/Build because there's no chance of miscommunication between the Architect and the builder, with the client/owner getting caught in the middle....
...or the Architect making pretty plans that simply aren't practical to build.

thank you! it also seems more economical--but at the same time, we met a designer who we really like. and think we might get better design, and more detail. but, not sure yet! thanks again for the input.

I'm on the other side of the coin on this (not surprising given my background).

First, having the right team is the best approach and should be the aim. Often with a design/build firm you don't get that. You don't have an opportunity to select the key players on your team as you're usually not in a position to select the architect or project manager of your choice.

Second, there are several different types of design / build firms out there. One is builder led which I don't like because everything becomes a factor of what the builder may or may not be able to do and how much the builder will charge for doing or not doing it. Another type of design / build firm is architect led which I don;t like either because architects are really good at design but not so much at managing construction. The third option is a design / build firm that's sales and marketing focused which are definitely firms to stay away from.

So if you want to get the best project for the least dollars you definitely want to go with an architect separate from a builder. The trick here is to make sure that a builder is brought in early to help be a sort of check on the process and the architect and builder have a track record of working together in the past (they've danced with each other before so won't be going through all the awkward stuff on your project).

In the end, though, you'll have to decide if the convenience of a design / build firm outweighs the potential downsides (extra cost, design not thought through, you have no advocate during the project, etc.) this approach more often than not results in.

great perspective, thank you for your reply, bud

Okay, time for the contractor's wife to chime in!
As Bud says, it is all about the team.

Architects and Builders and/or Designers and Builders can and should provide an integrated approach to home improvement projects. A contractor brought in early, often at no cost to the homeowner, can provide "value engineering" (ideas on how to get the best bang for the buck so to speak).

Bill Fry has completed about 15 projects with one architect and 7 with an interior designer - both long term and successful relationships. So the client definitely has had a collaborative experience and also with architects who he's worked with just once. Yet each of these design professionals, wouldn't necessarily recommend our company for a particular client/project in order to get the best fit and vice versa.

I've also noticed that the most talented architects and designers working for design/build firms tend to move on to design-only firms.

Your very best bet is to go with a personal recommendation from someone who's values and aesthetics you share (which might well be a design/build firm). Net net, it could go either way - but I lean toward the separate model.

:) Rhoda