The bridge became a reality via the design/build method, with its accompanying advantages: "In design/build there is a synergy—real cooperation—that results from having the design engineer work directly with the constructor from the beginning," observed project manager Paul Wolf.
Much of PB's design took place in New York, led by Mike Abrahams, "the technical brains" behind the job. As manager of PB's Complex Steel and Movable Bridges Service Center, Mike visited Hawaii monthly during the design phase. As part of the design/build methodology, he created designs to meet the actual contractors' requirements—as opposed to generic specifications.

As an example, Mike cited the pontoons fabricated by Concrete Technology, in Tacoma, Washington. He said, "Their facilities for pre-casting and assembling the components were well-established, so design was done to suit the production facility. Most decisions were made by both the engineer and contractor; design/build is a dynamic process."