Addendum to Agreements Between Owner and Construction Manager and Between Owner and Design Professional for Design-Assist Services - 541
Improve collaboration from the start of your construction project with the ConsensusDocs 541 Design-Assist Addendum. This groundbreaking contract integrates design and construction teams for better planning, efficiency, and cost savings.
Included in:
Full Package, Owner Package

In modern construction, success often depends on early collaboration between design and construction teams. The ConsensusDocs 541 Design-Assist Addendum is the first standardized contract of its kind, designed to formalize and streamline coordination among design professionals, construction managers (CMs), and trade contractors during the critical design development phase.
This powerful addendum enhances project efficiency by offering a wide range of optional services—including constructability analysis, value engineering, and life-cycle cost analysis. These services allow project stakeholders to identify cost-saving opportunities, address constructability issues early, and make informed design decisions that positively impact the project from start to finish.
By fostering close cooperation early in the process, the ConsensusDocs 541 helps minimize redesigns, delays, and budget overruns—ultimately contributing to a more seamless transition from design to construction.
This addendum also integrates seamlessly with the ConsensusDocs 305 Lean Construction Addendum, enabling users to adopt Lean construction tools and workflows that begin in the design phase and continue through project delivery. These Lean principles promote:
- Early involvement of key stakeholders
- Waste reduction through better planning and coordination
- Continuous improvement and streamlined communication
Whether used on its own or in conjunction with Lean construction practices, the ConsensusDocs 541 Addendum empowers project teams to build smarter, faster, and more collaboratively.
Designed with flexibility in mind, this contract document supports a variety of project types and delivery methods, making it ideal for owners, architects, engineers, and construction managers looking to drive innovation and reduce risk from day one.