Design Assist

A Collaborative Approach to Building Better Architecture

Design Assist is a collaborative project delivery approach in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries that brings architects, owners, contractors, and fabricators together early in the design process to ensure ambitious ideas can be built efficiently, economically, and with confidence. 

Balancing creativity, cost, and constructibility is one of the central challenges of contemporary architecture. Architects pursue expressive design. Contractors seek efficiency and clarity. Owners expect predictability, quality, and lasting value. Yet many projects encounter friction due to gaps between design intent and engineering realities, materials and applications, attachment strategies and installation methods.  

Design Assist helps close these gaps by introducing technical expertise at the moment it matters most—before construction begins.

Zahner’s Role in the Design Assist Process

For decades, architects, owners, and design professionals have turned to Zahner for solutions to some of the most complex challenges in architectural metal. Within a Design Assist phase, Zahner contributes a rare combination of architecture, engineering, metallurgy, digital technology, and fabrication expertise—all working in concert.

Rather than reacting to drawings as issued, Zahner participates as a design partner, helping project teams think through risks, opportunities, and alternatives while designs are still flexible. This early collaboration reduces the need for late-stage “value engineering,” minimizes uncertainty, and improves both cost predictability and design outcomes.

What Happens During Design Assist

During a Design Assist phase, Zahner works closely with the project team to:

• Develop system details and attachment strategies
• Evaluate materials, finishes, and fabrication approaches
• Establish realistic budgets and schedules
• Improve constructibility and installation efficiency
• Identify opportunities to simplify or enhance the design

This process creates a clear technical and economic framework that Operations teams can follow smoothly through fabrication and installation, reducing change orders, Requests for Information (RFIs), and costly field adjustments.

In many cases, early technical clarity also creates space for design ambition—allowing the vision to go further, not just stay within bounds.

Beyond the Design Phase

When needed, Zahner can also provide long-term, on-site consultation to support complex projects through fabrication and installation. Depending on scope and complexity, these efforts may involve multidisciplinary teams to broaden the expertise available to the client.

As a comprehensive organization with design, engineering, fabrication, and installation capabilities under one roof, Zahner helps ensure continuity from concept through completion.

A Smarter Way to Build

Design Assist is ideal for architects, contractors, and owners who want to reduce risk, control costs, and deliver high-quality architecture without compromising design intent. Engaging Zahner early in the process creates clarity, confidence, and momentum—setting projects up for success before construction begins.  

To learn more, contact the Zahner sales team to discuss a Design Assist engagement.