ACCO – Ahmed Construction Company · Updated 22 October 2026 · Reviewed by ACCO architects and engineers
Architecture · Engineering · Costing · Construction
Design-Build Construction Services in Lahore
One accountable team for your building's architectural design, structural and MEP engineering, BOQ-based costing and construction, under a defined scope and contract.
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Quick Answer
Design-build is a project delivery method in which one company is responsible for both designing and constructing a building under a single agreed contract. Ahmed Construction Company (ACCO), a PEC-registered Lahore firm established in 1998, provides design-build construction services in Lahore and across Pakistan, covering architectural design, structural engineering, MEP design coordination, BOQ-based cost estimation and construction for homes, commercial buildings, hospitals, schools and industrial facilities. Architectural drawings are free when construction is awarded to ACCO. Scope, cost and programme are defined project by project in the contract.
How ACCO Coordinates Design and Construction
On a conventional project, the owner hires an architect, then separate engineers, then puts the drawings out to contractors. Each party works to its own brief, and gaps between drawings, budget and site often surface only once construction has started. In ACCO's design-build approach, the architects, engineers, estimators and site team work within one company from the first meeting, so cost and buildability are considered while the design is still being developed.
As a client, you can expect:
- A single point of contact responsible for design and construction under the agreed scope
- Budget feedback from ACCO's estimators while the design is developed, not after it is finished
- Architectural, structural and MEP drawings prepared to work together
- A BOQ-based estimate and a written contract that defines what is and is not included
- Site supervision and stage-wise quality checks through to handover
What Design-Build Means
Design-build combines design and construction responsibilities under one agreed project delivery arrangement. Instead of managing separate contracts with an architect, engineers and a builder, the client contracts with one company for a defined scope. It suits owners who want coordinated decisions and clear responsibility, while still approving the design at each stage.
Design-Only, Construction-Only, Design-Build and Turnkey Compared
| Arrangement | What it covers | Who coordinates design and site | Suits clients who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design-only | Architectural and/or engineering design; construction is not included unless separately contracted | Client coordinates designer and contractor | Already have a trusted contractor or need drawings for approval |
| Construction-only | Building to client-provided or separately prepared drawings and specifications | Client coordinates design questions between parties | Have complete, approved drawings |
| Design-build | Coordinated design, engineering, cost planning and construction under a defined scope and contract | One company, under the agreed scope | Want one accountable team and early budget feedback |
| Turnkey | A delivery arrangement intended to hand over a completed facility ready to the agreed handover requirements; exact scope varies by contract | One company, usually including finishes | Want a completed building with minimal day-to-day involvement |
ACCO offers all four, as well as labour-only contracts. For complete houses, see turnkey house construction in Lahore.
Realistic advantages of design-build
- Earlier coordination between designers and builders
- Budget feedback during design development
- Fewer coordination gaps between separate teams
- Clearer allocation of responsibility
- Better-informed construction planning
- More coordinated decision-making
Design-build does not automatically eliminate cost overruns, guarantee a faster schedule or ensure a lower price. Outcomes depend on the project scope, approvals, procurement, design changes made during the project and the contract terms.
Design-Build Services
Delivered by ACCO's in-house team
- Architectural design: planning, elevations and 3D visuals
- Structural engineering and structural drawings
- MEP design and coordination
- Working and construction drawings
- Cost estimation and BOQ preparation
- Construction planning and site execution
- Site supervision and stage-wise quality checks
- Finishes and fit-out coordination
- Handover documentation
Coordinated with specialist partners where the project needs them
Some work is carried out by specialist firms and coordinated by ACCO, such as soil investigation, specialist equipment and systems (for example lifts, HVAC plant or fire-fighting systems) and specialist testing. Which items are included, and who delivers them, is set out in each contract.
Project Types
ACCO provides design-build for the following building types. Each has a dedicated page with more detail. Not every service is included in every contract.
Homes and Villas
Houses from 5 marla to 2 kanal and above. Home construction in Lahore
Commercial Plazas
Retail and mixed-use plazas. Commercial plaza construction and plaza design-build
Office Buildings
Corporate and rental office buildings. Office building construction
Apartments and High-Rise
Apartment buildings and high-rise building design and construction
Hospitals and Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics and medical facilities. Hospital design and construction
Schools and Institutions
Schools, colleges and campuses. School and college construction
Factories and Warehouses
PEB and RCC industrial buildings. Industrial and warehouse construction
Interiors and Fit-Outs
Commercial and residential interior fit-outs. Interior design services
Renovation and Extensions
Upgrades and additions to existing buildings. Building renovation
How the Design-Build Process Works
Consultation
Requirements, budget range and priorities.
Site and Feasibility
Site visit, bylaws, covered area and constraints.
Concept Design
Layouts, massing and planning options.
Engineering
Structural and MEP coordination with the design.
Estimate and Scope
BOQ-based estimate and agreed scope of work.
Design Development
Detailed and working drawings for construction.
Approvals
Approval drawings for the applicable authority, where in scope.
Construction
Site execution with progress monitoring.
Quality and Completion
Stage-wise checks, snagging and completion.
Handover
Handover under the agreed contract.
Approval periods and construction programmes depend on the authority, the project and the contract, so they are agreed for each project rather than promised in advance.
Budget and Cost Planning
There is no universal design-build price. ACCO develops each budget from the scope, drawings, specifications and site information, and refines it as the design develops. The main factors are:
- Location and site conditions
- Project type and covered area
- Structural system and number of floors
- Design complexity
- Materials and finish specifications
- MEP and specialist systems
- Approvals and professional fees
- External works
- Procurement choices and schedule
- Design changes requested during the project
For a figure you can plan with, request a project-specific estimate.
Why Consider ACCO for Design-Build?
Established in 1998
Registered with FBR since 2004 and with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC 7659 C3) since 2010.
In-House Design and Construction
Architects, engineers, estimators and site teams working within one company.
500+ Completed Projects
Residential, commercial, healthcare, institutional and industrial work across Pakistan.
Free Architectural Drawings
When construction is awarded to ACCO.
Flexible Contracts
Design-only, construction-only, design-build, turnkey or labour-only.
15-Year Written Warranty
With terms set out in the contract.
Clients and Projects
Organisations that have worked with ACCO include:
- Pakistan Tobacco Company
- Bata
- Treet Group
- Tapal
- Mezan Beverages
- Savour Foods
- Descon
- Atlas Power
- Alpine Industrialcon
- Venus Group
- dnata
- BUITMS
Browse the ACCO project portfolio for completed work. Details of projects similar to yours can be shared during consultation.
Design-Build Construction in Lahore: FAQs
What are design-build construction services?
Design-build is a delivery method where one company handles both the design and the construction of a building under a single agreed contract, covering architecture, engineering, cost planning and site execution within a defined scope.
How is design-build different from hiring a separate architect and contractor?
With separate appointments, the client coordinates the architect, engineers and contractor and manages gaps between them. With design-build, one company coordinates design and construction, gives budget feedback during design and carries responsibility for the agreed scope.
What services are included in a design-build contract?
Typically architectural design, structural engineering, MEP coordination, working drawings, BOQ-based costing and construction. Finishes, specialist systems and approvals may or may not be included; each contract lists the exact scope.
Can ACCO design and construct commercial buildings?
Yes. ACCO designs and constructs commercial plazas, office buildings, apartment buildings and high-rise projects in Lahore, alongside homes, hospitals, schools and industrial buildings.
How is the project budget developed?
An initial estimate is prepared from your requirements, site and covered area, then refined into a BOQ-based estimate as drawings and specifications are developed. Design changes and specification choices affect the final cost.
Are approvals included in the contract?
It depends on the contract. ACCO can prepare and coordinate drawings for the applicable authority, such as LDA or a housing society, but approval decisions and timelines rest with the authority.
Can clients request design-only services?
Yes. ACCO provides design-only services, and architectural drawings are free if construction is later awarded to ACCO.
What information is needed to request an estimate?
Project location, building type, plot or site dimensions, approximate covered area, number of floors, any existing drawings, the service scope you want and your budget range if known.
Discuss Your Construction Project
Share your project requirements and ACCO's team will review them and suggest the right scope. Helpful details to include:
- Project location and building type
- Plot or site dimensions and approximate covered area
- Proposed number of floors
- Existing drawings, if available
- Desired scope: design-only, design-build or turnkey
- Budget range, if known
Office 2, 3rd Floor, Bigcity Plaza, Gulberg-III, Lahore