Design team

The modern development in design is toward addition of previously separated specialties, especially among large firms. In the past, architects, interior designers, engineers, developers, construction managers, and general contractors were more likely to be completely separate companies, even in the larger firms. Presently, a firm that is technically an "architecture" or "construction management" firm may have experts from all related fields as employees, or to have a linked company that provides each necessary skill. Thus, each such firm may offer itself as "one-stop shopping" for a construction project, from opening to end. This is designated as a "design Build" contract where the contractor is given a performance specification, and must carry out the project from design to construction, while adhering to the performance specifications.