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DESIGN-BUILD INSTITUTE
OF AMERICA

Comprising architectural, engineering and construction professionals, as well as academics, students and project Owners, our members collaborate and innovate to deliver some of America’s most successful projects.

  • Membership
    When you become a DBIA member, you receive access to the kind of education and certification that inspires.
  • Education
    DBIA defines and teaches the best methods to deliver design-build projects successfully so that you can deliver better outcomes.
  • Certification
    Certified Design-Build Professionals come from traditional design and construction backgrounds across public and private sectors.
  • Conferences
    Attend DBIA Conferences to network, share best practices, learn from peers, build relationships, as well as earn continuing education credits.

The Latest

102%

faster than traditional
design-bid-build (DBB)

3.8%

less cost growth than traditional
design-bid-build (DBB)

61%

faster than construction manager at risk (CMR)

$1.2 trillion

in design-build total combined spending 2018-2021

COLLABORATIVE DELIVERY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Elevating Leaders — Optimizing Outcomes. DBIA’s Academy is tailored to equip AEC professionals with the leadership skills needed for integrated project delivery. With six modules focusing on the Design-Build Done Right® Leadership model, the Academy prepares individuals from any position or discipline for effective leadership in design-build projects.

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Donald G. Warren, FDBIA, Named 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

DBIA is honored to announce Donald G. Warren, FDBIA, as the recipient of the 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award.

  • Awards
  • People

In Memory of Stella Serras Fiotes, AIA, DBIA

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of former DBIA National Board of Directors member Stella Serras Fiotes, AIA, DBIA, on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

  • News
  • People

Lead the Future of Infrastructure: Call for Presentations at the 2025 Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation & Water/Wastewater Conferences

Spring Specialty Conferences call for presentations is now open. Do you have the insights, innovations or strategies to transform what’s possible?

  • Conferences

Design-Build Collaboration: McCarthy’s Field-First Approach to Streamlining Prefab and Coordination

Revizto's Brooke Vezzetti talks about VDC on BJC HealthCare's Barnes-Jewish Hospital Renewal Project.

  • VDC

Construction Industry Remains Strong Amid Slowing Job Market

Despite a cooling overall employment picture, the construction industry showed resilience in August, adding 34,000 jobs for the month.

  • Industry

Elevate Your Expertise at the Premier Design-Build Event of 2024

This November, the Design-Build Conference & Expo isn’t just offering you insight into the future of design-build and the AEC industry –– it’s handing you the blueprint.

  • Conferences

DBIA Honors the 2024 Projects and Teams Transforming the Industry; Merit Award Winners Announced

DBIA proudly announces the 2024 National Design-Build Project/Team Merit Award Winners.

  • Awards

New Podcast Episode: The Human Side of Progressive Design-Build with Geoff Neumayr

In a new episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, industry leader Geoff Neumayr, SE, DBIA, shares insights on how Progressive Design-Build (PDB) is driving meaningful change across the industry.

  • Podcast
  • Resources

Industry Leaders and Innovators Gather at the 2024 DBIA Federal Design-Build Symposium

Nearly 400 Owners and practitioners gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, Virginia, for the 2024 DBIA Federal Design-Build Symposium last week.

  • Conferences

Leading the Way: More Insights from Graduates of DBIA’s Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy (Design-Build Delivers Bonus Content June 2024)

In this latest Bonus Content episode, we chat with Mike Werner, managing principal at STOA Architects and another member of the inaugural DBIA Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy class.

  • Education

Igniting Unstoppable Momentum at the 2024 Federal Design-Build Symposium

DBIA is thrilled to welcome Kim Becking, a renowned motivational speaker and best-selling author, as the keynote speaker at the 2024 Federal Design-Build Symposium.

  • Conferences

DBIA Young Professional Ben Nichols Brings Military-Honed Leadership to Harkins Builders

Ben Nichols, a DBIA Young Professional and former Marine, applies military-honed leadership and a passion for design-build to his role as President and CEO of Harkins Builders.

  • Membership
  • People
  • Young Professionals

New Podcast! Much More Than an Afterthought: Updating the Owner Advisor Primer for Better Design-Build Outcomes

Discover the keys to successfully engaging an Owner Advisor in design-build projects with the latest episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast.

  • Podcast
  • Resources

State Legislatures Pass Key Design-Build Laws in First Half of 2024

Take a look at the key state legislative achievements from the first half of 2024.

  • Legislation

Maximizing the Value of DBIA’s Design-Build Resources

Maximize your design-build success by leveraging DBIA's extensive resources, including the online Bookstore, programming, advocacy and insights from our conferences, social media and the Design-Build Delivers Podcast.

  • Resources

Common Data Structures Can Aid Design-Builders in Driving Collaboration and Transparency

Conspectus, Inc.'s Steve Gantner discusses leveraging common data structures to revolutionize collaboration and transparency in design-build.

  • VDC

DBIA in the News — Mar. 23 – Jul. 1, 2024

Explore some of DBIA’s news coverage from the second quarter of 2024, featuring resources, awards, staff members and members of the DBIA National Board of Directors.

  • Media
  • People

‘People Want Those Construction Jobs’: 27k Construction Jobs Added in June, Beating 20k Monthly Average

The construction industry added 27,000 jobs in June, a significant increase from the average monthly gain of 20,000 over the past year.

  • Industry
  • News

Nominations Now Open for Prestigious DBIA Awards

Nominations are open for DBIA's most prestigious awards: the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award and the Design-Build Distinguished Leadership Awards.

  • Awards
  • Conferences

New Podcast Episode! Insights from DBIA’s First Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy Graduate

In a recent Design-Build Delivers Podcast episode, we introduce Rene Divelbiss, Assoc. DBIA, from Korsmo Construction, the first graduate of DBIA’s Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy.

  • Education
  • Podcast

DBIA Updates Key Best Practices for Water/Wastewater Sector Excellence

DBIA is excited to announce the release of our new Water/Wastewater Best Practices document.

  • Resources

What Do Design-Build, Baseball and Robot Jokes Have in Common? Listen to the Newest Podcast Bonus Content to Find Out

Check out the newest Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content, where we revisit augmented reality (AR) with Argyle CEO Maret Thatcher and DBIA’s Brian Skripac.

  • Podcast
  • VDC

Welcome to the New DBIA Website: Designed with You in Mind!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new DBIA website! This upgrade comes with a modern look, enhanced functionality and user-friendly features.

  • News
  • Resources

10 Reasons to Join DBIA at the 2024 Federal Symposium

Register for the Federal Symposium to join key players from federal agencies, public agencies utilizing federal funding and leaders from the AEC industry from August 21 – 22, 2024, in Reston, VA.

  • Conferences

New York City’s Commitment to Design-Build: A Conversation with Tom Foley

DBIA caught up with New York City’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Tom Foley to talk about the extensive design-build in the city.

  • People

Who Will Join the 2%?: Nominate a Design-Build Leader for DBIA’s College of Fellows 2024 Class

Nominations are open for DBIA’s 2024 College of Fellows class. Only 2% of Designated Design-Build Professionals® are elevated to the status of Fellow.

  • Certification

Emerging Technologies: How AI, VR, AR and Cobots Are Transforming Design-Build

Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Collaborative Robotics (cobots) are revolutionizing the industry, particularly in design-build projects.

  • VDC

Illinois General Assembly Passes Progressive Design-Build Legislation

Late last week, the Illinois General Assembly passed House Bill 5511, the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) Pilot Program Act, marking a key moment of progress for the state’s construction industry.

  • Legislation

From Sci-Fi to Site Plans: New Podcast Episode Explores How AR Is Changing Design-Build

This month’s episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, sponsored by USCAD, delves into the use of augmented reality on job sites with Argyle CEO Maret Thatcher and DBIA’s Director of VDC Brian Skripac.

  • Podcast
  • VDC

DBIA Releases Updated Transportation and Aviation Design-Build Best Practices Primer

DBIA announces the release of our updated Transportation and Aviation Design-Build Best Practices Primer, which follows last year’s refresh of the Universal Best Practices.

  • Resources

Hey, Students: Need Something to Do This Summer? Get Ready for the National Design-Build Competition

The DBIA National Design-Build Student Competition is your chance to create a project as a team, present it to industry leaders and earn national recognition.

  • Conferences
  • Students

Two New Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content Episodes from Blueprints to Inclusion

Check out the second and third Bonus Content podcast episodes complementing the longer April episode, “Blueprints to Inclusion: Championing Women in Design-Build and Beyond."

  • Podcast

Is Your Project DBIA’s 2024 Project of the Year Winner?

The Friday, May 31 deadline to submit to the 2024 competition is fast approaching so don’t delay!

  • Awards

DBIA Applauds Inclusion of Progressive Design-Build Pilot Program in FAA Reauthorization Act

DBIA commends the U.S. Congress for passing the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act, which includes a pilot program for Progressive Design-Build (PDB).

  • Legislation
  • News

Show Me Your C-Suite: Why Women’s Programs and Diversity Initiatives Still Matter (April Podcast Bonus Content)

Check out the first of three Bonus Content episodes from the April Design-Build Delivers Podcast, complementing the longer April episode, “Blueprints to Inclusion: Championing Women’s Design, Build and Beyond.” 

  • Industry
  • Podcast

Registration Now Open for DBIA’s Federal Design-Build Symposium

Registration is now open for DBIA’s Federal Design-Build Symposium, taking place on Aug. 21 – 22 at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Reston, Virginia.

  • Conferences

Transforming Our Water Future at AWWA’s ACE24: June 10-13, 2024

Register now for the Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE) of the American Water Works Association, June 10–13, 2024, Anaheim, Calif.

  • Conferences
  • Industry

DBIA Receives Two Stevie® Awards in 2024 American Business Awards®

For the second year in a row, DBIA received multiple Stevie® Awards in the American Business Awards® (ABA).

  • Achievements
  • News

New Design-Build Delivers Podcast Episode Out Now! Listen to Blueprints to Inclusion: Championing Women in Design-Build and Beyond

Listen to Anna Pridmore, LaDrena Dansby and Barbara Wagner on the impact and future of women in the AEC industry and how design-build is well-situated to support and elevate women.

  • Industry
  • Podcast

Design-Build Takes Flight at Transportation/Aviation Conference in Cincinnati

DBIA’s 2024 Specialty Conferences closed out Friday at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, with more than 1,200 attendees at the Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference.

  • Conferences

A Record-Breaker in Cincinnati: DBIA Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference Draws Record Number of Attendees

Over the past three days, DBIA has been in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference. This year’s event was an attendance record-breaker, with nearly 1,400 AEC professionals from throughout the industry and across the United States coming together at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

  • Conferences

Mississippi Legislature Passes Historic Design-Build Legislation

Last week, the Mississippi legislature passed historic design-build transportation legislation dramatically expanding the Mississippi Transportation Commission’s design-build and alternative delivery authority.

  • Legislation

Are You Ready for DBIA Project/Team Awards Season? Prove It with Awards Trivia

Play DBIA Awards Trivia for a chance to be featured on DBIA’s social media. All the information you need to submit your projects for the 2024 DBIA awards cycle can be found in our submission guidelines and FAQs. Submit projects for consideration by the Friday, May 31 deadline.

  • Awards

March Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content Features More on State Legislation

In this bonus content, we delve into the recent legislative landscape in Virginia, a topic also touched upon in the March episode.

  • Legislation
  • Podcast

Big Month for Construction Job Growth; Overall Labor Market Outpaced Projections

The construction industry added 39,000 jobs in March, contributing to a total of 303,000 new jobs in the United States, per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Industry

AEC Professionals Gain Foundational Skills in Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy

Nine AEC professionals began their Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy journey March 28 by attending the full-day, in-person Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation workshop in Orlando, Florida.

  • Education

From Competitive Edge to Industry Standard: How BIM Benefits Design-Build and Bridges Labor Gap

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transitioned from being a cutting-edge tool granting early adopters a significant competitive advantage to an absolute necessity within the AEC Industry.

  • VDC

Fighting for Design-Build Authorization in Your State? DBIA Has Your Back with Resources and Lessons Learned

In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, East Coast Region Vice President of Operations for Lydig Construction Vince Campanella and Vanir Construction’s Vice President and Director of Design-Build Program and Services Mike Meredith talk about those advocacy resources.

  • Legislation
  • Podcast

DBIA in the News — Jan. 1 – Mar. 22, 2024

Explore some of DBIA’s news coverage from the first quarter of 2024, featuring resources, awards, staff members and members of the DBIA National Board of Directors.

  • Media

Whether Your First Rodeo or Fifth, Submit a Presentation for the Annual Conference in Dallas

Join us at the DBIA Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas, this November. We're seeking your Texas-sized design-build ideas to feature in our conference programming.

  • Conferences

DBIA CEO/ED Lisa Washington Talks PDB in Latest Issue of American DBE

DBIA CEO/ED Lisa Washington recently spoke with American DBE about the momentum of progressive design-build (PDB) in highway construction.

  • Media
  • People

New Bonus Content Available from February Episode of Design-Build Delivers Podcast

In this Bonus Content minisode, we talked about the controversy over bridging versus performance-based requirements, the Spearin doctrine and why DBIA released the position statement.

  • Podcast
  • Resources

DBIA Secures Amendments to Virginia Bills to Preserve Design-Build

Significant amendments were incorporated into Virginia Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) and Virginia House Bill 1108 (HB 1108).

  • Legislation

March Jobs Report Shows Consistent, Robust Construction Job Growth

The March 2024 jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates continued positive trends in the construction industry, with employment in the industry remaining consistent and robust.

  • Industry

Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference General Session Spotlight: Behind the Scenes of an Award-Winning Project

Join us at the Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference, April 17-19, in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a conversation with the team behind the renovation of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) DC Headquarters.

  • Awards
  • Conferences

Unlock Your Design-Build Potential with DBIA’s Education Offerings

DBIA's comprehensive education offerings are designed to cater to individuals and teams, providing them with the tools they need to succeed. With both virtual and in-person options, earning continuing education hours has never been easier.

  • Education

New DBIA Resources Available to Help States Advocate for Design-Build

DBIA has created a Guide for Enactment of Design-Build Legislation and accompanying Model Legislation Addendum as well as released its 2023 Design-Build State Statute Report (SSR).

  • Legislation
  • Resources

A Bridge Too Far?: Latest Design-Build Delivers Podcast Tackles New Position Statement on Bridging Documents

Last month, DBIA released Prescriptive Design and the Use of Bridging Documents, a new position statement that aligns with DBIA’s Design-Build Done Right® Best Practices. By encouraging Owners to limit prescriptive requirements and bridging documents in favor of requirements based on performance, the guidance provided in the new position statement allows for the flexibility and […]

  • Podcast
  • Resources

Do You Have the Design-Build Done Right® Stuff? DBIA’s Design-Build Project/Team Awards Competition Open

The 2024 National Design-Build Project/Team Awards competition is open and ready to accept your team’s application.

  • Awards

DBIA Members Named in Engineering News-Record’s National Top 20 Under 40 List

Two DBIA YP members made the Engineering News-Record (ENR) National Top 20 Under 40 list.

  • Media
  • People

Preview the General Sessions Coming in April to DBIA’s Specialty Conferences in Cincinnati

The Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation conferences will visit Cincinnati from April 15–19.

  • Conferences

DBIA Doubles Down on Importance of Design Community with Updated Position Statement

DBIA has released an updated Design Excellence Position Statement.

  • Resources

Enjoy More Conversations with Industry Experts with new Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content

Listen to Bonus Content Episodes from the January Design-Build Delivers Podcast on CA legislation.

  • Legislation
  • Podcast
  • Regions

DBIA Members Support Biden-Harris Administration Zero-Emissions Buildings Definition

Several of the 69 AEC firms endorsing the Biden-Harris Administration’s definition of zero-emissions buildings are members of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), including CannonDesign; CLAYCO; HKS; Integrus; Leo A Daly; LPA; Opsis Architecture; SERA; Siegel & Strain Architects; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; SmithGroup; Wight & Company and WRNS Studio. Their signatures demonstrate the collective […]

  • Legislation
  • Membership

In Memory of David Burton, FDBIA

November 15, 1958 – January 19, 2024 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of David D. Burton, FDBIA, a passionate advocate for design-build and a dedicated member of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). For over a decade, David actively championed the principles of design-build as part of DBIA, making significant […]

  • People

New Design-Build Delivers Podcast: Tackling State Design-Build Legislation

    Tackling State Design-Build Legislation: California’s PDB Bill as a Starting Point January 2024 When DBIA was first established 30 years ago, only three states allow the use of design-build for public projects, so advocating for design-build authority became vital to DBIA’s mission. In 2023, more than 78% of design-build related bills at the […]

  • Legislation
  • Podcast
  • Regions

Lead the Conversation at the 2024 Federal Design-Build Symposium

DBIA is seeking presentation proposals for our 2024 Federal Design-Build Symposium taking place Aug. 21-22, in Reston, VA.

  • Conferences

It’s All About the Data: Finding the Right Common Data Environment to Empower Digital Project Delivery

Projects are more fragmented, transient and bespoke than ever before. Digital project delivery is the key to mitigating these risks.

  • VDC

DBIA Releases Position Statement on Critical Importance of Performance-Based Requirements for Successful Design-Build Outcomes

DBIA has unveiled a new position statement emphasizing the critical importance of maximizing the use of performance-based requirements to successfully deliver design-build outcomes.

  • Resources

December Jobs Report Highlights Growth in Construction Employment, Wages, Job Market Resilience

The December jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed an increase in overall employment, with construction as one of the more significant growth industries.

  • Industry

2023 Recap: DBIA Advocacy and Highlights in Federal Design-Build Legislation

Check out the highlights of a busy 2023 for design-build state legislation.

  • Legislation

BIMForum Seeking Public Comment on 2023 Level of Development (LOD) Specification

DBIA is excited to continue to be a Collaborating Organization on the 10th Anniversary Edition of the BIMForum 2023 Level of Development (LOD) Specification, now open for public comment until Jan. 15, 2024. Check out the specification: BIMForum LOD Specification As outlined in DBIA’s VDC Primer, it is crucial to merge BIM (the tool) and […]

  • VDC

DBIA Welcomes Diana Lee Tucker as Chief Operating Officer

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) proudly welcomes Diana Lee Tucker, CAE, as its new Chief Operating Officer.

  • News
  • People

DBIA Testifies before NY State Assembly in Favor of Progressive Design-Build Authority

On Dec. 14, DBIA Director of State/Local Legislative Affairs Richard Thomas testified on behalf of the DBIA Liberty Region before the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Cities and Standing Committee on Local Governments. Thomas –– along with DBIA National Board Treasurer and NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Tom Foley, Deputy Mayor […]

  • Legislation

Navigating State Design-Build Legislation: Highlights from 2023 and A Look Toward 2024

By: Richard Thomas, Director, State/Local Legislative Affairs In legislative terms, 2023 emerged as a highly successful year for design-build, marked by a significant expansion of its authority, unprecedented funding for projects and the passage of a record number of Progressive Design-Build (PDB) bills in state legislatures. Across the nation, more than 160 design-build-related bills were […]

  • Legislation

That’s a Wrap on 2023: Lisa Washington and Dana Pomeroy Look Ahead to 2024 on Design-Build Delivers Podcast

    That’s a Wrap on 2023: Lisa Washington and Dana Pomeroy Look Ahead to 2024 on Design-Build Delivers Podcast December 2023 Join DBIA’s CEO Lisa Washington, and National Board Chair-Elect Dana Pomeroy in a captivating year-end podcast episode. Reflect on 2023’s milestones and discover exciting plans for 2024. From celebrating the 30th anniversary with […]

  • Industry
  • Podcast

New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Resources Now Available

As part of ongoing efforts to reaffirm diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as fundamental to excellence and innovation in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, DBIA has released two new resources available at no cost to download in the online Bookstore: DBIA’s Position Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and DEI Contract Addendum. The […]

  • Resources

Design-Build Conference & Expo Recordings Now Available For Purchase

Last month, DBIA hosted the largest design-build event of the year in National Harbor, MD, bringing nearly 2,300 professionals together for DBIA’s Design-Build Conference & Expo to share a wide range of ideas and resources to leverage the growth of design-build. Without a doubt, it was a busy few days at the Gaylord National Resort […]

  • Conferences

DBIA’s New Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy Launches in Early 2024

If you joined us at the Federal Design-Build Symposium in August or the Design-Build Conference & Expo in November, you may have caught a sneak peek of DBIA’s new Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy launching in early 2024.  But don’t worry if you missed those early looks; we have all the information you need to sign […]

  • Education

R&D Tax Credits Can Add Value to VDC Efforts on Design-Build Projects

By: Ted Mort, Chief Operating Officer, Cadnetics You’ve read the DBIA VDC Primer and Position Statement and subscribed to the “people first approach” to Virtual Design & Construction. Now, your team is at the forefront of innovation, constantly pursuing safer, more efficient and less wasteful ways to build. But did you know your efforts could […]

  • VDC

A Word with DBIA-WPR’s Brandon Dekker About CA SB 706, Expanding PDB

On Oct. 8, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 706, expanding the authority for the state Director of General Services to use Progressive Design-Build procurement in capital projects. The bill was sponsored by the Design-Build Institute of America-Western Pacific Region (DBIA-WPR), and their advocacy efforts were vital to its success.  The Design-Build Delivers Blog […]

  • Legislation
  • People
  • Regions

DBIA’s Updated Sourcebook Consolidates Key Metrics and Future Trends

Reflecting the continuing evolution of design-build, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) recently updated its Design-Build Data Sourcebook, a comprehensive guide highlighting key metrics that demonstrate the benefits of design-build and linking to new resources and releases. The Sourcebook, a testament to the success of design-build, is a valuable tool for project teams seeking the […]

  • Industry
  • Resources

Supersized Design-Build Delivers Podcast Episode Celebrating DBIA Award Winners is Out Now

    Celebrating DBIA’s 2023 Design-Build Conference & Expo Winning Teams, Projects and People November 2023 In this supersized episode of the Design-Build Delivers podcast, DBIA celebrates the winners from the 2023 Design-Build Conference and Expo. We caught up with Chair’s Award winner Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Project of the Year 1021 O Street […]

  • Awards
  • Podcast
  • Students

Can You Guess Where the DBIA Specialty Conferences Are Headed in 2024?

This U.S. city is the first to build and own a major railroad.  In 1902, this city became home to the first concrete skyscraper in the United States. The first professional baseball team called this city its home. In 1880, Maria Longworth Nichols Storer, the first woman to own and operate a large-scale manufacturing operation, […]

  • Conferences

Construction Dive Highlights Range of Topics at Design-Build Conference & Expo

Nearly 2,300 attendees from across the country gathered at DBIA’s Design-Build Conference & Expo in National Harbor, MD. Each fall, this event brings the design-build community together in one place to focus on a variety of topics that influence the AEC industry, learn best practices, explore available resources and leverage the growth of the design-build […]

  • Conferences
  • Media

VDCLEx at the 2023 Design-Build Conference & Expo Draws Both VDC and Non-VDC Professionals Alike

By: Brian Skripac, DBIA Director of Virtual Design and Construction Building on the success of the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) track at the 2022 DBIA Design-Build Conference and Expo, the 2023 conference featured a half-day pre-conference event dedicated to VDC. The inaugural VDC Leadership Exchange (VDCLEx) drew more than 100 attendees, including VDC leaders […]

  • Conferences
  • VDC

University of Florida Team Cypress Construction Wins 2023 National Design-Build Student Competition

  Each year, teams from universities and colleges around the country vie for design-build bragging rights in DBIA’s National Design-Build Student Competition. This year, those bragging rights go to the University of Florida’s (UF) Team Cypress Construction.  Team Architecture State from Alfred State College, a first-time competitor, placed second, and Team Cardinal Design-Build, representing returning […]

  • Conferences
  • Students

DBIA Closes Out 2023 Award Season at the Design-Build Conference & Expo Awards Ceremony

DBIA recognized nearly 50 project and team awards during a special Awards Ceremony last Thursday at the 2023 Design-Build Conference & Expo. In addition to celebrating Merit Award winners from each category, DBIA revealed the recipients of this year’s Excellence Awards, several Best-In honors and the coveted Project of the Year.  Learn more about the […]

  • Awards
  • Conferences

Three New Fellows Join DBIA’s College of Fellows

The Design-Build Institute of America has elevated three Designated Design-Build Professionals to the status of DBIA Fellow. James Avitabile, PE, FDBIA; Rebecca Blankenship, FDBIA; and Barbara Wagner, LEED AP, FDBIA, will officially join the DBIA College of Fellows at the Design-Build Conference & Expo Awards Ceremony Thursday night in National Harbor, MD.  Avitabile, Blankenship and […]

  • Certification
  • People

Federal Sector Best Practices Update Is Now Available

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has updated its Design-Build Done Right® Federal Sector Best Practices, offering a comprehensive guide for teams navigating the intricacies of federal project delivery. For these teams, understanding the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and adhering to the right practices can be the key to a successful design-build project, and the […]

  • Legislation
  • Resources

Another Look At Transportation Infrastructure Projects and Funding

  In the last transportation infrastructure post, we looked at several states that had recently made announcements for funding or plans for acquiring funding. This post explores a handful of additional states, including new projects and some ongoing efforts to better connect residents both within their states and throughout their regions. This time, we looked […]

  • Industry

DBIA ED/CEO Lisa Washington Inducted Into National Academy of Construction

By: Kara Brown, DBIA Digital Communications Specialist The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is proud to announce that Executive Director and CEO Lisa Washington, CAE, has been inducted as a member of the National Academy of Construction (NAC). Membership in the academy is by invitation only from other current members. NAC has elected more than […]

  • Achievements
  • People

New Project Delivery Primer Guides Owners Toward the Right Method for Their Projects

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has released its Project Delivery Primer, focusing on ensuring Owners have the appropriate information to make the vital early step of choosing the right delivery system for their projects. The enhanced Project Delivery Primer updates and combines two previous resources –– What is Design-Build? and Choosing a Project Delivery Method […]

  • Resources

Building Beautifully: New Design-Build Delivers Podcast Episode Tackles Sustainable Building

    Building Beautifully: Weaving Sustainability Into the Built Environment October 2023 Climate change and sustainability touch every corner of the news cycle and every corner of our lives –– as they should. We’re increasingly aware of how important it is to take action to mitigate the man-made impacts on the climate, and the built […]

  • Podcast

Collaboration. Still Undefeated: How a Design-Build Team Saved a Hospital Project with Better Decision-Making Tools

Contributor: Jeff Sample, Industry Evangelist, Join Modern construction is built on collaboration. Bringing together contractors, Owners and design teams facilitates better decision-making throughout the project journey. In one at-risk hospital project, for instance, a design-build general contractor leverages a new decision-making platform to get the project back on track. Challenge: Higher Than Expected Estimates Threatened […]

  • VDC

Still Not Sure About the Design-Build Conference & Expo? Let Some DBIA Members Convince You

DBIA’s largest event of the year –– the Design-Build Conference & Expo –– is just a couple weeks away. From November 1 through 3, industry peers, experts and leaders will come together in National Harbor, Maryland, to share their expertise, connect with one another and look at what’s ahead for design-build and the industry at large.  This […]

  • Conferences

Looking at Transportation Infrastructure Projects and Funding: Several States Announce New Efforts

Over the last few weeks, several states have announced funding or plans for acquiring funding for transportation infrastructure projects, including California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska and Oklahoma. These states join Maryland, Texas, New York and Georgia, whose departments of transportation have announced or launched large transportation infrastructure projects over the last few months. […]

  • Industry

Meet the 2023 Winners of the DBIA Distinguished Leadership Awards

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is proud to announce Linnell Stanhope; Kathy Tuznik, Assoc. DBIA; and Nick Ulliman, PE, MBA, DBIA, as the 2023 Distinguished Leadership Award winners. Winners were nominated by their peers and judged on their achievements in furthering the understanding and use of design-build.  Meet the 2023 Distinguished Leadership Award Winners […]

  • Awards
  • People

Converting Unused Office Space to Affordable Housing: Challenges and Opportunities

As the dynamics of work and living spaces evolve in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous U.S. cities are exploring innovative solutions to repurpose vacant office spaces. This shift in urban planning and development aims to address critical issues such as housing shortages, environmental sustainability and the glut of unoccupied commercial buildings. The growing […]

  • Industry

DBIA-WPR Sponsors Progressive Design-Build Legislation, Broadening Legislative Authority for California Agencies

On Sept. 1, the California State Senate voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 706 (SB 706), which expands authority for the use of progressive design-build (PDB) by state and local agencies. Today, that bill rests with California Governor Gavin Newsom, awaiting his signature. Sponsored by the DBIA-Western Pacific Region (DBIA-WPR), SB 706 was introduced […]

  • Legislation
  • Regions

The Construction Industry Has Hundreds of Open Positions — Why Can’t They Hire Enough Workers?

The construction industry saw the number of job openings grow in August, but the industry is focused on how to fill the positions that already exist. Companies are instating better incentives, offering higher pay and embracing technology to attract qualified candidates, but industry officials argue more needs to be done to promote the industry and […]

  • Industry

Elevating the Design in Design-Build: Toward an Updated Design Excellence Position Statement

  Elevating the Design in Design-Build: Toward an Updated Design Excellence Position Statement September 2023 In this month’s Design-Build Delivers podcast, we spoke with members of the Design Professionals’ Advisory and Engagement Committee who helped craft updates to DBIA’s Position Statement on Design Excellence, which was originally released in 2014. We discussed the changes that […]

  • Podcast
  • Resources

DBIA in the News — July 1, 2023 through Sept. 15, 2023

Big things came out of DBIA this summer! See where our good news landed. William G. “Bill” Hasbrook Named 2023 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award Winner     Click any logo to read more:         DBIA Announces 2023 Design-Build Project/Team Merit Award Winners DBIA Announces 2023 Design-Build Project/Team Merit Award Winners, Construction Equipment […]

  • Media

Can Design-Build Teams Build Trust Around Utility Risk Mitigation?

Contributor: David Horesh, Director of Marketing, 4M Analytics Trust is foundational for design-build teams.  Because of the emphasis on mutual confidence and communication, the design-build approach is better suited than other project delivery methods to deal with industry challenges such as utility risk mitigation — but maintaining the trust that’s been offered can still prove […]

  • VDC

Jumoke Akin-Taylor Talks to DBIA About Attending an HBCU, Finding Her Voice and Empowering the Future of Design-Build

Jumoke Akin-Taylor’s story begins with a twist of fate. Initially, she planned to attend Howard University’s School of Pharmacy. Classes didn’t start until September, and she had already completed her prerequisites in the fall, so she would need to wait a year to begin. However, Akin-Taylor was an international student, which meant waiting wasn’t an […]

  • People

Construction Among Industries with Highest Job Growth for August

Construction job growth in August ranked fourth among employment sectors adding 22,000 jobs to the month’s total of 187,000 non-farm jobs. Only health care (with a whopping increase of 71,000), leisure/hospitality (40,000) and social assistance (26,000) showed more growth last month, according to the latest report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With the […]

  • Industry

To BIM or Not to BIM: New Design-Build Delivers Podcast Explores BIM Standard, Meaningful VDC Usage

  To BIM or Not to BIM: New Design-Build Delivers Podcast Explores BIM Standard, Meaningful VDC Usage August 2023 Technology seemingly develops right before our eyes. Smarter, faster and more sophisticated tools and programs consistently streamline work across industries, and the AEC industry is no exception. What can design-builders do to ensure the adoption and […]

  • Podcast
  • VDC

2023 Federal Design-Build Symposium Breaks Attendance Records

  More than 400 attendees, including Owners and industry practitioners, came together in-person at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, for the 2023 Federal Design-Build Symposium, setting a record for attendance at the annual event. During this day-and-a-half of networking and education, key players from federal agencies and the AEC industry attended general sessions […]

  • Conferences

Knowledge: Design-Build’s Next Digital Frontier

Leveraging your organization’s knowledge can give you a highly competitive edge Contributor: Kyle Hudson, P.E.; Vice President, Operations; VIATechnik LLC Think about your most experienced, valuable and productive project team today. What if you had them on every project all the time? Owners are demanding high-quality, on-time delivery and tighter control of costs consistently across […]

  • VDC

Design-Build Conference & Expo Engages Partner Organizations and Subject Matter Experts Across Industry

The DBIA Design-Build Conference & Expo brings together several corners of the industry to discuss design-build from a multitude of perspectives. DBIA welcomes partner organizations, subject matter experts and even crossover events to ensure attendees come away with a more robust understanding of design-build –– its future, its challenges and opportunities, its impact on the greater […]

  • Conferences

DBIA Announces 2023 Design-Build Project/Team Merit Award Winners

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is pleased to announce the 2023 National Design-Build Project/Team Award Winners. Sixty-two projects from across the U.S. were submitted for consideration across 10 categories, and submissions were evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts. Merit Award winners will now compete for a National Award of Excellence, “Best of” […]

  • Awards

Following Your Curiosity, Lessons from Distance Running and the Impact of Getting DBIA Certified as a Young Professional: An Interview with Mortenson’s Laura Wake-Ramos

Continuing our series profiling DBIA professionals, DBIA Digital Communications Specialist Kara Brown talked to Laura Wake-Ramos, AIA, NCARB, EDAC, DBIA, of Mortenson about her career and the impact design-build has had on her work so far. Getting to Know Laura Wake-Ramos Wake-Ramos first learned about DBIA as an architecture major at Penn State University when she joined a student […]

  • People
  • Young Professionals

Unpacking BIM: Sharing Stigmas with Designers and Builders

Brian Skripac, DBIA Director, Virtual Design & Construction With all the value of a building information model (BIM) in the built environment, why is model sharing still so hotly debated on projects? The 2022 AIA Firm Survey Report, documenting the percentage of firms using BIM for billable work, indicated design visualization and presentation/renderings were the […]

  • VDC

It’s That Time Already: Spring Conference Calls for Proposals are Open

It’s no accident that design-build is on track to account for nearly half of construction spending by 2026. It’s also no accident that water/wastewater and transportation projects represent some of the largest areas for that growth.  The documented cost and schedule performance of design-build, as well as the flexibility afforded by various procurement approaches ranging […]

  • Conferences

The FHWA Grant Program: A Catalyst for Digital Transformation in Design-Build

Contributor: Alicia Lopez, PE, PEng, DBIA; Vice President, Design Management & Innovation; Flatiron Construction In a landmark move toward embracing the digital age, the Biden-Harris administration has initiated the first round of an $85 million grant program to fuel the widespread adoption of digital construction technologies within the transportation sector. This program, launched by the […]

  • Legislation
  • VDC

What Makes a Winning Design-Build Project? Judges Reflect on This Year’s Competition

By: Kara Brown, DBIA Digital Communications Specialist Every year, industry professionals from around the country gather to review some of the best examples of Design-Build Done Right® in projects submitted for the DBIA Project/Team Awards. This year’s pool included 62 projects across 10 categories, and jurors were tasked with choosing merit winners in each category. […]

  • Awards

Seven Reasons to Join Us for the Design-Build Conference & Expo

The 2023 Design-Build Conference & Expo will be at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, Nov. 1–3, and you should make plans to be there, too. If you need convincing, here are seven reasons to mark your calendar and register now. 1. Keep up with – or get ahead of […]

  • Conferences

Why Do Owners Need Building Information Models (BIM)?

  Contributor: Ciaran Doyle, Regional Lead (North America) ‑ Digital Engineering, DBM Vircon Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Many examples exist in which a potentially useful tool, concept or skill becomes a liability simply because it was misapplied. In a famous pop culture example, take the continued regeneration of dinosaurs from the […]

  • VDC

New Design-Build Delivers Podcast Episode Tackles Humanity in Design-Build with Kabri Lehrman-Schmid

  Leading with Humanity: Building a Design-Build Team with Inclusion and Support in Mind July 2023 The Department of Labor reported that in June, 23,000 new construction jobs were added, and the White House announced more than $2.2 billion for 162 community-led infrastructure projects.  Those job openings and those projects require people.  In the latest […]

  • Industry
  • Podcast

Construction Labor Market Still Strong, Withstands Fed Rate Hikes

Despite expectations that Federal Reserve interest rate hikes would negatively impact the construction labor market, the June U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicates the industry is still strong with more jobs, consistent wage growth and low unemployment. The Construction Labor Market at a Glance Of the 209,000 total jobs added in June, construction was among the […]

  • Industry

DBIA’s Federal Design-Build Symposium Can Help Deliver on U.S. Infrastructure Investments

Last month, the White House introduced Invest.gov, documenting nearly 32,000 projects and $470 billion worth of investments toward strengthening U.S. infrastructure and developing future-ready energy, technology and connectivity. The site’s interactive map illustrates both private investments and public infrastructure projects from the national to the individual community level and can be narrowed further by the […]

  • Conferences

Owner Spotlight: The LaGuardia Airport New Terminal B Redevelopment Program

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey delivered the largest design-build project in New York and the largest design-build in American aviation history. By: Laurie Balbo, Program Director, LaGuardia Airport Redevelopment Program In 2016, the Port Authority entered into a $4 billion design-build agreement with developer/operator LaGuardia Gateway Partners and their design-build team […]

  • Industry
  • People

DBIA in the News — April – June 2023

Take a look at some of the recent news stories featuring DBIA and our leadership. FMI Consulting Report Projects Continued Design-Build Growth Despite Industry Challenges April 13, 2023/Associated Press   DBIA Updates Design-Build Best Practices May 23, 2023/Retrofit Magazine   Built Environment Workforce Report: 63% Say It’s Important to Increase Diversity June 6, 2023/Contractor   […]

  • Media

Myth Busting: Design-Build Myths and Facts

Recent market research forecasts that design-build will continue to experience growth over the next three years — accounting for nearly half of all construction spending by 2026 — even with recent industry challenges and market volatility.  Despite this impressive growth from what was once considered an alternative project delivery method, there are still many myths surrounding design-build, […]

  • Industry

Design-Build Distinguished Leadership Awards Nominations Open

Design-build could never have shifted from an alternative approach to the mainstream delivery method it is today without industry leaders dedicated to advancing Design-Build Done Right® and promoting it as a procurement approach of choice. Each year, DBIA honors individuals who have advocated for, promoted and engaged in standout design-build work, and we are asking […]

  • Awards

Taking a Closer Look: Progressive Design-Build and Best Value Design-Build

The industry’s latest performance research predicts that design-build will deliver nearly half of all non-residential design and construction in the United States by 2026. Because design-build isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, it allows Owners to choose the variation that best suits their goals, project and team. In addition to cost and schedule savings, the flexibility to […]

  • Industry

New Episode of Design-Build Delivers Podcast: Diving into the Details of the FMI 2023 Market Report

  Design-Build Delivers Podcast: Diving Into the Details of the FMI 2023 Market Report June 2023 In March, FMI Consulting forecast design-build projects will account for nearly half (47%) of all construction by 2026 and $1.9 trillion in spending, even with a looming recession in the greater industry. According to a majority of respondents, design-build […]

  • Podcast
  • Resources

The Final Issue of Integration Quarterly Is Here!

We may be sunsetting IQ Magazine, but we wouldn’t do that without giving you a final issue for the ages. This issue is all about the flexibility of design-build, and much like that flexibility, we are shifting to more timely, dynamic media to meet your diverse information needs. But before we say goodbye to IQ, […]

  • News

An Anniversary Conversation with DBIA’s Deb Sheehan and Don Warren

We are at the halfway point of DBIA’s 30th anniversary celebration, and we hope you’ve enjoyed looking back on where we started as well as forward to where we’ll go next. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate three decades of Design-Build Done Right® without the visionaries who brought the idea to lion wfe […]

  • News
  • People

New Built Environment Workforce Report: 63% Say It’s Important to Increase Diversity, NIBS survey results

National Institute of Building Sciences releases survey results and deep dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has released its 2023 Built Environment Workforce Survey. The new report, which was completed in partnership with Avenue M Group, takes the pulse on where things stand with regard to diversity, equity […]

  • Resources

DBIA Releases New Virtual Design & Construction Primer and Position Statement

With technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, drones and robotics impacting not only our day-to-day lives but the entire AEC industry, focusing on innovation and digital transformation is more critical than ever to ensure successful and positive project outcomes.  Recognizing the significance that design and construction technologies have in the built environment, it was […]

  • Resources

Say Goodbye to Integration Quarterly and Hello to More Timely Information

As busy professionals, creators and innovators, we know your time is valuable, so DBIA’s goal has always been to meet you where you are with the latest and most useful design-build information and resources. We wanted to share that with the upcoming June 2023 issue of Integration Quarterly Magazine, DBIA will be sunsetting the publication […]

  • News

DBIA’s National Design-Build Student Competition Challenges Future Design-Builders

Every year, college students from around the country participate in DBIA’s National Design-Build Student Competition.

  • Awards
  • Conferences
  • Students

From a Renaissance Architect to Today’s Design-Build Innovators: How the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award Honors the History and Future of Design-Build

What do Greg Gidez, Mark Shambaugh, G. William Quatman, David S. Crawford and Barbara Jackson have in common?  If you guessed they’re the most recent winners of the prestigious Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award, congratulations – you know your DBIA award history! Still, you may know the names of those who’ve won DBIA’s highest honor, but […]

  • Awards

Design-Build Delivers Podcast: Spotlighting the Updates to DBIA’s Universal Best Practices

  Design-Build Delivers Podcast: Spotlighting the Updates to DBIA’s Universal Best Practices May 2023 Since the initial release of DBIA’s Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices in 2014, both design-build and the construction, architecture and engineering (AEC) industry at large have seen significant evolution. To reflect those changes and provide room for continued growth, DBIA […]

  • Podcast
  • Resources

Updated Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices Available Now

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has released highly anticipated updates to its Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices, first released in 2014.

  • Resources

Brano Design Owner Betty Brano on Using Industry Match, Advice for Young Professionals and Being an MWDBE in the AEC Industry

Because finding the right design-build team members is vital to the success of projects, DBIA created Industry Match, the nation’s only online tool designed to help Owners and practitioners find qualified design-builders by region, market, specialties or project type.  Moreover, DBIA is committed to helping America’s design-build teams find and hire Minority, Women and Disadvantaged […]

  • Membership
  • People

Innovation, Technology Driving Better Collaboration Between Field And Office

Contributor: Thai Nguyen, Director of Innovation, Hensel Phelps The construction industry has made impressive strides in digital transformation. However, it still faces challenges in fully harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) due to fragmented data held in silos by individuals, teams and companies. The emergence of new tools and apps adds another layer of […]

  • VDC

Do You Know a Design-Build Leader? Nominate Them for the 2023 Class of DBIA Fellows

Nominations opened this week for the 2023 Class of DBIA Fellows. Chosen by a jury of their peers, only 2% of Designated Design-Build Professionals are elevated to the status of DBIA Fellow.  Selected individuals join an elite group bearing the DBIA Fellows™ title and membership in the DBIA College of Fellows. They are inducted into […]

  • Membership
  • People

DBIA Video Productions Win Two Stevie® Awards at American Business Awards® Showcase

We are pleased to announce that two of DBIA‘s video productions won Stevie® Awards at the 21st American Business Awards® showcase. Out of the 3,700 organizations that submitted applications, DBIA won two Bronze Stevies, one for Diversity & Inclusion and one for Public Service & Activism. ****** In Their Own Voices with Jumoke Akin-Taylor | […]

  • Achievements
  • News

Join DBIA for the Nation’s Only Federal Design-Build Event

Each year design-build Owners and industry interested in federal sector projects (including those funded with federal dollars nationwide) come together in August for the Federal Design-Build Symposium. Registration is now open, and we hope you’ll join DBIA from August 22–23, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia. The Timing Couldn’t Be Better Over $200 billion in federal infrastructure […]

  • Conferences

Get the Updated DBIA Owner Advisors Contract

As the use of design-build grows and evolves, so has the skillset needed to be a successful Design-Build Done Right® Owner Advisor. As a result, DBIA’s Standard Form Of Contract For Design-Build Owner Advisor Services (#501) has now been updated to reflect today’s increasingly integrated and innovative design-build project needs. DBIA’s Contracts Committee and Owner […]

  • Resources

Design-Build Certification: What it Means and Where it’s Heading

  Design-Build Certification: What it Means and Where it’s Heading April 2023 As the use of design-build continues to grow, Owners are looking for design-build certified teams to deliver their projects. Practitioners are also looking for design-build certified team members. DBIA certification has never been more valuable than it is today. It’s no surprise that […]

  • Certification
  • Podcast

What Makes a DBIA Award-Winning Design-Build Project?

That answer can be as diverse as the projects themselves, but DBIA National award-winners share a few common elements, including a commitment to collaboration and project excellence. From the Aviation to Water/Wastewater sectors and everything in between, national design-build project/team winners are diverse, innovative, complex and, most of all, impressive. Whether you’ve committed to submitting […]

  • Awards

New Design-Build Research Shows Continued Growth + Opportunities to Mitigate Market Challenges

Design-build market research by FMI Consulting forecasts continued design-build growth over the next three years, despite recent industry challenges and market volatility. Analysts project design-build will account for 47% of construction spending and 22.5% growth in total design-build spending by 2026. “With the positive projections reported by FMI in this update, design-build will be integral […]

  • Resources

Everything Design-Build Teams in the Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation Sectors Need is Now Available on Demand

  Even if you suffered FOMO (fear of missing out) during last month’s DBIA sector-specific conferences in Seattle, have no fear. DBIA’s got you covered. For those who couldn’t attend our Design-Build for Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation conferences or for those attendees who might have missed a session or two, you can now enjoy all of […]

  • Conferences

Getting Down and Dirty with BIM for Design-Build Projects

We have all heard it before. How great BIM is. How it is revolutionizing our industry. How it is changing virtually everything. However, maybe you haven’t drunk the Kool-Aid just yet. You see a lot of hype and discussion, and maybe even some cool presentations, but you are missing the everyday practicality of it. You […]

  • VDC

DBIA’s Design-Build Student Competition is Underway

  Each year university students nationwide compete in DBIA’s Design-Build Student Competition. to be named the best design-build student team in America. DBIA is proud to offer these future leaders of our industry this incredible opportunity to show off their design-build skills to design-build professionals across all disciplines. 2023 Design-Build Student Competition This year’s competition […]

  • Students

Are You a Design-Build VDC Leader? DBIA Wants You!

DBIA’s Design-Build VDC Leadership Exchange (VDCLEx) offers an incredible opportunity for design-build virtual design and construction leaders taking innovation to new heights to come together, network and learn. We’re excited to follow up on last year’s Leadership Exchange success in rolling out plans for the 2023 event. This year we’ve expanded the VDCLEx to a […]

  • Conferences
  • VDC

California Congressional Members Want Expedited Recovery for Flood-Ravaged Communities

Members of California’s Congressional delegation have called on the Army Corps of Engineers to accelerate construction to repair the Pajaro River levee and provide emergency response for the towns of Pajaro and Watsonville, which bore the brunt of devastating flooding. The letter, signed by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla and Representatives Zoe Lofgren and […]

  • Legislation

Lessons Learned from a Design-Build Project of the Year Team

As the May deadline for DBIA’s 2023 National Design-Build Project/Teams Awards competition approaches, we thought it might be helpful for design-build teams to get an inside look at what makes a DBIA Project of the Year. New Natural Resources Headquarters (NNRH), Sacramento, California The challenges and risks design-build teams face on any large project can sometimes […]

  • Awards

How to Make Your DEI Initiatives Work

Designing and building a more diverse AEC industry is more than a lofty social goal. It’s vital for the AEC industry’s future. As our industry continues to face worker shortages and challenges in recruiting young and diverse talent, implementing effective DEI programs can help address these workforce challenges. But what makes a successful DEI program? […]

  • Industry

An Inside Look: How DBIA’s Design-Build Award Winners Continue to Redefine Project Excellence

  An Inside Look: How DBIA’s Design-Build Award Winners Continue to Redefine Project Excellence March 2023 So, you’ve done the hard work as a team and delivered a design-build project to be proud of. Now what? Now is the time to share your success by entering that project in DBIA’s 2023 Design-Build Project/Team Awards. In […]

  • Awards

Water-Sector Projects: Gain Insight and Connections at ACE23 in Toronto, Canada

  Design-build projects are about much more than engineering and construction excellence. In particular, water system projects offer opportunities to make a lasting positive impact on the health and resilience of communities, as well as the environment. Delivering this type of triple-bottom-line success is among design-build’s superpowers, especially in the water sector. This summer, leaders, […]

  • Industry

Maximizing VDC Delivers Design-Build Success at UC San Diego

The University of California’s  Nuevo West Graduate Student Housing project, a $151 million, 442,000 SF, 884-unit community, was designed to be a vibrant portal for graduate students and families of patients being treated at the UC San Diego Medical Center. As with many complex construction projects, the inherent challenges included the overall size, cost restraints, and […]

  • VDC

Get Your NEW DBIA Gear

You asked, and we delivered! DBIA is excited to roll out our first collection of DBIA-branded wearables and other goodies. Our 30th Anniversary seemed like the perfect time to design DBIA polos, tees, water bottles and more for our proud members and design-build community. Let’s go shopping!  

  • News

Teaming Agreements Are Key to Design-Build Success

“Effective Teaming Agreements are a foundation of design-build success,” says Rachel John, Esq., Assoc. DBIA, Senior Associate at Zetlin and De Chiara, LLP, a New York City-based law firm specializing in construction law. John is also a member of a DBIA-sponsored committee of diverse professionals with extensive design-build project experience – as design-builders, designers, contractors […]

  • Industry
  • Resources

Industry Leaders Celebrate 30 Years of Design-Build Excellence

In 1993, design-build was considered a radical approach to project delivery. That year, the Design-Build Institute of America was created by a small group of industry visionaries who believed there was a better way to build. In the three decades since, design-build has become the nation’s fastest-growing delivery method, and DBIA is the nation’s leading […]

  • News

DBIA’s 2023 Design-Build Project/Teams Awards Competition Begins

DBIA’s Design-Build Project/Team Awards winners set themselves apart in the industry as the nation’s best design-builders. Their projects are diverse, but they share one common element – excellence. Now’s the time to share your design-build project success by submitting your entry into the Design-Build Project/Team Awards competition. Competition Awards and Categories DBIA’s National Project/Team awards […]

  • Awards

What Makes a Great Design-Build Leader?

That answer can be as unique as those chosen to guide your team. However, one thing is certain: leadership matters more than ever in the design-build process. As projects become more complex, design-build leaders need a robust toolkit, including the skills and attributes required to maximize a fully integrated process. The days of command-and-control leadership styles […]

  • Education

The Future of Design: How AI & Generative Design are Revolutionizing Wastewater Design-Build Projects

After twelve months of collaborating with your consulting engineer, you’ve finished your utility’s wastewater treatment master plan. Relief. Then, right as it’s behind you, your town is chosen as one of the best places to live in the country. The population boom voids your new master plan. Your staff, management, and town hall are tense […]

  • VDC

$1B Infrastructure Funds Awarded to Airports Nationwide

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced nearly $1 billion in infrastructure funding to 99 airports in virtually every state in the nation. According to the FAA announcement today, the funds will be used to: “…invest in new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints and improved ground transportation. Other projects increase terminal sustainability and improve accessibility […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

DBIA’s VDC Leadership Exchange Brings Together the Nation’s Leading Design-Build VDC Leaders

DBIA’s newly created VDC Leadership Exchange (VDCLEx) is positioned to help define what VDC Done Right looks like for design-build teams in all sectors and project types. This diverse group of BIM/VDC industry leaders gathered for the first time in November at the Design-Build Conference and Expo. There they shared their expertise on how the collaborative […]

  • Conferences
  • VDC

The Flexibility of Design-Build: Best-Value, PDB and Everything in Between

Design-build use, including two-phase best-value and progressive design-build (PDB), has expanded across all sectors (transportation, water/wastewater, commercial development, etc.), and is projected to be nearly half of all design and construction in the U.S. by 2025. This growth can be attributed, in part, to the flexibility of design-build, including an Owner’s choices of project delivery […]

  • Industry
  • Resources

DBIA’s Design-Build Webinars are Targeted at What Teams Need

  DBIA is excited to bring you the next installment of our Design-Build Delivers Webinars, a new monthly series covering various timely and targeted industry topics exclusively focused on Design-Build. Known for our Design-Build Done Right® education, these webinars provide yet another platform for DBIA to offer real-world lessons, solutions and innovations for Design-Build professionals at […]

  • Education

The Evolution of Design-Build 1993-2023

  Celebrating DBIA’s 30th Anniversary In 1993, design-build was considered a radical approach to project delivery. That year, the Design-Build Institute of America was created by a small group of industry visionaries who believed there was a better way to build. In the three decades since, design-build has become the nation’s fastest-growing delivery method, and […]

  • Industry
  • News

9 DOT Mega Projects Win Federal Funding

Nine infrastructure mega projects will receive $1.2 billion from the Department of Transportation as part of the new National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Discretionary Grant Program (MPDG). The Mega grant program is a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). It funds projects too large or complex for traditional funding programs, which include highway, […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Why the Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference is a Must-Attend Event for Design-Build Teams

It’s a historic time for design-build teams delivering water/wastewater infrastructure nationwide. That’s why this year’s Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference will be the “go-to” event for the design-build industry and Owners.  DBIA’s Water/Wastewater Conference committee planning chair, Jon P. Gribble, is the Senior Vice President, Water Markets & Strategy with Kiewit Infrastructure Group. He says this […]

  • Conferences

See New OMB Guidance on Buy American Provisions

The White House has released new proposals designed to boost current “Buy American” provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). President Biden announced the new guidance in this week’s state of the union address. “Tonight, I’m also announcing new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be made […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

New Design-Build Project Delivery + Design Management Tools Coming in 2023

  Charles Pankow Foundation Project to Fuel Design Excellence in Design-Build February 2023 As a long-time supporter of the Charles Pankow Foundation, DBIA is excited to share the news about new design-build tools they’ll release in 2023. First is the Project Delivery Assessment Tool, which is an online tool that allows owners to assess their […]

  • Podcast
  • Resources

Here’s an Insider’s Look at Next Month’s Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference

The Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference is the perfect event at the perfect time for design-build teams working to deliver historic infrastructure investment projects nationwide. Whether you’re new to design-build or an old pro, there will be impressive networking, resources and sessions explicitly geared to teams in the transportation/aviation sectors. DBIA’s Transportation/Aviation Conference committee chair, Jolena […]

  • Conferences

DBIA’s Projects Database Hits 500 Milestone

  Nowhere else can you find such a detailed and diverse collection of design-build project descriptions than in DBIA’s Design-Build Projects Database. We’re excited to report that we’ve hit the 500-project mark! Use this powerful tool to search among our 500 design-build projects across all sectors, regions and sizes.  Join the design-build teams using this […]

  • News

DBIA Webinar Previews New Design-Build Tools

February 8th Webinar: Selecting a Project Delivery Method: New Digital Tool to Guide Owners Design-build is all about collaboration, and of course, DBIA is, too. That’s why we’re excited to give you a preview of work happening now led by The University of Washington’s College of Built Environments for the Charles Pankow Foundation to create […]

  • Education
  • Resources

VDC Leaders: The “Swiss Army Knife” of Successful Design-Build Project Delivery

I’ve always been intrigued by Tom Kelley, a partner at the renowned design firm IDEO and best-selling author. In his book, “The Ten Faces of Innovation,” Kelley recognizes that innovation is one of the most important ingredients to the modern economy, and he presents 10 different personas as examples of roles people can adopt to […]

  • VDC

Design-Build Delivers Recovery in Times of Crisis

As devastating flooding hit communities throughout California this month and Florida continues to rebuild following last fall’s Hurricane Ian, we’re reminded of the important role America’s design-build teams play in helping rebuild and recover in times of crisis. Design-Build Reconnects Communities after Hurricane Ian The long road to rebuilding is just beginning in rain-pummeled California […]

  • Industry

Here’s an Easy Way to Get the Latest on Design-Build

Listen to America’s Leading Design-Build Pros in DBIA Conference Recordings Ok, we know how it goes. You were too busy to attend our annual conference in Las Vegas, or maybe you attended but couldn’t sit in on all the sessions you wanted. Have no fear, you can still access the nation’s only Design-Build Done Right® […]

  • Conferences

Progressive Design-Build Authority Coming to New York City?

The New York City Capital Process Reform Task Force created by Mayor Eric Adams last April has released a set of 39 recommendations designed to cut years off the process of delivering public works and saving taxpayer dollars in the process. Among those recommendations is one to allow agencies to use Progressive Design-Build. This is […]

  • Legislation

From Alternative to Mainstream: Celebrating 30 Years of Design-Build

  DBIA Celebrates its 30th Anniversary January 2023 The growth of design-build in the past three decades has been incredible. From merely a handful of states authorized to use design-build in 1993 to now only two states as holdouts (Iowa and North Dakota), design-build has changed the way America delivers projects. From “alternative” to the […]

  • Industry
  • News

Are You Ready to Deliver Design-Build Done Right® Projects?

  DBIA’s 2023 Education Schedule is Impressive  The new year brings new challenges and opportunities for America’s design-build teams, and DBIA is ready to help by offering the nation’s only Design-Build Done Right® education. Whether you want the engagement of a classroom or the quiet convenience of your computer, DBIA has the education and training for […]

  • Education

What Does A Changing Economy Mean for Design-Build Projects; What are the Obstacles or Opportunities?

Contractors are eternal optimists, as they should be. They tend to look at what is possible versus what is impossible. Contractors are generally early risers, task managers, organized and hard workers. Accordingly, when obstacles are placed in front of a Contractor, he or she figures out a way to go around it, under it, over […]

  • Industry

Happy New Year from DBIA

We’re Ringing in the New Year with Optimism and Opportunities DBIA wants to wish our design-build community a Happy New Year and thank you for your support and dedication! We continue to see the critical role design-build plays in our nation’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. With design-build already at 42% of all construction and market […]

  • News

Recordings Now Available for DBIA’s 2022 Design-Build Conference & Expo

‘Weren’t able to attend our annual conference in Las Vegas, or maybe you attended but couldn’t sit in on all the sessions you wanted? Don’t worry, DBIA’s got you covered! You can still earn continuing education credit by purchasing our conference recording package through the DBIA Learning Center for $450, or you can purchase individual […]

  • Conferences

Why 2022 is A Design-Build Year to Remember

What a Difference a Year Makes In so many ways, 2022 felt like a return to normalcy or at least a new normal. Clearly, you agree, as we saw new attendance records at last month’s Design-Build Conference and Expo in Las Vegas and excellent registration for our education and training courses throughout the year. We […]

  • News

Read the latest issue of DBIA’s IQ Magazine

Celebrating the Nation’s Best in Design-Build As the design-build industry continues to grow and evolve, so do our design-build projects and teams. The 2022 national Design-Build Project/Team Award winners were impressive examples of how Design-Build Done Right® in delivering unmatched success in all sectors and regions. There are so many lessons to be learned from […]

  • News

DBIA is Looking for a Few Good Speakers

  Share Your Design-Build Expertise As the use of design-build continues to grow, with market analysis projecting design-build to approach nearly 50% by 2025, so does our Federal Design-Build Symposium. With the passage of the historic infrastructure funding legislation and continued post-pandemic recovery efforts, bringing together key players from Federal agencies and the design and […]

  • Conferences

2022 Design-Build Project of the Year Team

This is What Design-Build Excellence Looks Like December 2022 In this episode of DBIA’s Design-Build Delivers® podcast, we talk to three of the project leaders whose team delivered DBIA’s 2022 Design-Build Project of the Year. Building a new home for California’s Natural Resources Agency was not only a massive project, but the team also faced […]

  • Awards
  • Podcast

Join Us at The Nation’s Only Sector Specific Design-Build Conferences

Seattle, Here We Come! Registration is now open for our Spring 2023 Conferences in Seattle! The 2023 Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation (Mar. 13–15) and Water/Wastewater (Mar. 15–17) Conferences will be held at the Seattle Convention Center. We hope you’ll join us! Each in-person event features four specialized education tracks designed to motivate and inspire with the […]

  • Conferences

New Year, New Changes for DBIA’s Blog

DBIA’s blog was created to serve our members and design-build community timely and topical design-build news and resources. Of course, we’ve got a lot of other resources for you, too, whether it’s our podcast, weekly newsletter, emails, social media and continuous new resources added to our website and bookstore. But what makes the blog unique […]

  • News

Why Use a Design-Build Owner Advisor?

Maximizing Project Success — Will an Owner Advisor Help? November 2022 Design-build’s continued growth nationwide means the need for well-trained design-build Owners and teams has also increased. We know that design-build is only as successful as the Owners who implement it, so it’s vital that Owners understand the basics of Design-Build Done Right® best practices. […]

  • Podcast

Infrastructure Investment — One Year Later

President Biden signed the $1.2 billion Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act one year ago today. Since then, a dozen federal agencies have issued more than $7 billion in state formula funds and awarded $187 billion in competitive grant funding to states, cities, and agencies. In addition, a growing number of Notices of Funding Opportunities continue […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Why What Happened in Vegas Won’t Stay in Vegas

The 2022 Design-Build Conference & Expo was a huge success with record-breaking attendance! The timing couldn’t be better as design-build teams prepare to deliver historic infrastructure investment in states nationwide. This week, design-build team members from every sector, discipline and region have returned home armed with the latest Design-Build Done Right® resources to fuel their […]

  • Conferences

Top Student Design-Build Teams Compete for National Honors

  Seventeen university teams from throughout the nation competed this year in DBIA’s National Design-Build Student Competition. DBIA is happy to introduce our 2022 Regional winners. Students across many AEC disciplines collaborate to deliver a design-build project through each stage of development and make their presentation to the nation’s leading design-builders. This year’s project is […]

  • Students

Design-Build Industry Leaders Inspire and Innovate

Meet DBIA’s 2022 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Distinguished Leadership Award Winners and this year’s class of Designated Design-Build Professional Fellows™ The design-build industry has seen incredible growth and success in recent years, in no small part, because of the outstanding leaders who are blazing new trails as Owners and practitioners. DBIA is proud to […]

  • Awards
  • Certification
  • People

Just for You: DBIA’s 2023 Education Schedule Preview

We know how it is. You fully intended to take Design-Build Done Right® Education this year (you know it’s still not too late, right?) but life got in the way. We’re here to help you keep your career on track and prepare for the incredible design-build opportunities ahead. DBIA is excited to roll out our […]

  • Education

2022 is a Record Year for Design-Build Advocates

DBIA Advocacy Team Highlights Legislative News October 2022 Podcast Each year, design-build advocates across the nation and in the halls of Congress work to ensure that states and federal agencies have full access to design-build to deliver their projects. That authority has never been more important as we rebuild in the post-Covid environment and launch […]

  • Legislation
  • Podcast

What to Expect at the Nation’s Biggest Design-Build Event

There are so many reasons design-build teams have made DBIA’s Design-Build Conference & Expo the “go-to” event each year. This year’s event, November 2-4, is looking to set attendance records as the nation’s design-build pros are eager to get together and share in the best of design-build resources and networking. Three days of PACKED programming […]

  • Conferences

Kansas DOT Tackles its First Progressive Design-Build Project

An Inside Look at US-54 East Kellogg Improvements Raja Govindaswamy, PE Chief, Bureau of Alternative Delivery & Project Director, KDOT East Kellogg, US-54/400, is a major 6-lane freeway in Wichita, KS, with a system of frontage roads and continuous U-turns at major arterial street intersections throughout the City of Wichita in Sedgwick County, KS. The […]

  • Industry

Why Smart Students Jump-Start Their Careers with DBIA

DBIA is committed to helping prepare the next design-build generation. First, with our student program and after getting their first job, DBIA’s young professional’s (YP) program. Design-build is especially attractive to younger generations for various reasons highlighted in this article by Trimble, a construction technology company. “As younger generations enter the workforce, they are demanding […]

  • Students

Here’s the Inside Scoop on Updated DBIA Contracts

Start Your Design-Build Done Right® Projects with the Industry’s Best Documents   September 2022 Design-Build Done Right® Podcast Getting your design-build project started off right is vital to project success. DBIA contracts are the industry’s “go-to” documents delivering Design-Build Done Right® projects of all types. Now, they’re even better! These contract updates have been in the works […]

  • Podcast
  • Resources

$160 Million NEW USDOT Funds Now Available

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that it’s opened applications for the new SMART and ATTAIN programs. According to the USDOT, $100 million will be distributed through the Smart program. “The SMART program will fund purpose-driven innovation and focus on building data and technology capacity and expertise. The Program seeks proposals from public sector […]

  • Industry

DBIA’s Updated Contracts Reflect Industry’s Recent Changes

As a design-build professional, you know our industry is constantly evolving. DBIA’s dedicated Contracts Committee – comprised of industry experts representing the perspectives of Owners, designers, contractors, architects and engineers – has been reviewing DBIA’s entire family of design-build contracts and has released updated versions of many of DBIA’s contracts to reflect these changes. Over […]

  • Resources

If You’re Not Early, You’re Late (The VDC Edition)

How many times did you hear this advice from your parents? It’s not only a tried-and-true motto from football giant Vince Lombardi and success coaches throughout the decades but also especially true for design-build teams hoping to maximize their collaboration and efficiency using Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). DBIA is excited to offer a free […]

  • VDC

Meet New York City’s New Alternative Delivery Chief

New York City’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has appointed its first Associate Commissioner of Alternative Delivery to continue its advance toward delivering more time and cost-efficient projects. Alison Landry is a licensed architect, DBIA member, expert in capital project delivery and experienced in collaborative delivery. Ms. Landry helped lead DDC efforts to establish […]

  • People

Powering the Grid: How Are We Going to Electrify America?

August 2022 America’s energy infrastructure fuels our nation. While the electric industry has increased investment to meet customers’ needs, our generation, transmission and distribution systems are still struggling. The problem only worsens as the impacts of climate change continue and our demands on the power grid increase. The passage of new infrastructure investment funding for […]

  • Podcast

DBIA Announces the Nation’s Best Design-Build Projects

The Design-Build Institute of America is pleased to announce the 2022 National Design-Build Project/Team Award Winners. “As the design-build project delivery method continues to grow – and recent market analysis shows it is anticipated to account for as much as 47 percent of construction spending by 2025 – it’s clear design-build is no longer an alternative project […]

  • Awards

Preparing Federal Teams for the Infrastructure Era

The topics were varied, design-build resources plentiful, and critical connections made at July’s Federal Design-Build Symposium. Industry and Owners in the federal market spent a jam-packed two days talking about using Design-Build Done Right® to deliver historic infrastructure investment and furthering the mission of federal, state and local agencies across the nation. The timing of […]

  • Conferences

ENR Talks Design-Build with DBIA’s Lisa Washington

  DBIA Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, had a freewheeling conversation with ENR Editors on the Critical Path podcast about design-build’s impressive growth and its impact on projects nationwide. We urge you to take a few minutes and listen to the entire conversation but here are a few highlights from Lisa’s comments: Looking Back The past […]

  • Media

A Day (Or Two) In the Life of a DBIA Awards Juror

It’s that time of the year when DBIA’s distinguished panel of awards jurors meet in Washington, D.C., for two days of studying, scoring and, yes, even a bit of passionate debate as they choose the 2022 national design-build award winners. The competition is fierce as 75 impressive projects in ten categories compete to be named […]

  • Awards

DBIA Congratulates Keith Molenaar

Longtime DBIA leader, Keith Molenaar, has been named Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. His design-build expertise and research over the decades have produced some of the nation’s most important data demonstrating design-build’s performance and industry impact. His teaching focuses on project delivery, construction engineering, cost […]

  • People

Using Design-Build Innovation to Maximize Infrastructure Investment

July 2022 What are the key opportunities and challenges facing design-build teams as IIJA implementation begins? What can Owners and industry do to maximize this historic opportunity? In this episode of DBIA’s Design-Build Delivers podcast, we talk to two experienced pros in the federal market about the implementation of historic federal infrastructure investment and its […]

  • Legislation
  • Podcast

Nominate a 2022 Design-Build Leader

2022 Design-Build Distinguished Leadership Award DBIA is looking for a few good leaders! When you think about all the people you’ve known in your design-build career, chances are good, that there are a special few who stand out as leaders and influencers – the people who really made a difference. Help us recognize their good […]

  • Awards

DBIA Supports Waiver Extension of IIJA Buy America Requirement

  Ongoing supply chain issues and rising material costs continue to put pressure on project teams nationwide. In addition, as the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues, provisions intended to maximize the use of American-made products in all federally funded infrastructure projects are even more challenging because of the uncertainty in the marketplace. Last […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Are Your Teams Ready to Compete?

  Finding and retaining diverse teams is a challenge facing our entire industry. Now, more than ever, as trillions in federal infrastructure dollars start flowing, it’s clear that organizations need to put in the extra work to build teams that will level the playing field for Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWDBEs). DBIA instructor […]

  • Industry

Design-Build Strategies and Solutions for Delivering Federal Infrastructure $

  This historic infrastructure era provides not only incredible opportunities for America’s design-build teams but also challenges. Whether navigating workforce shortages or kinks in the supply chain, industry and Owners are using design-build innovation to help mitigate today’s pressures on project costs and schedules. The timing couldn’t be better for this year’s Federal Design-Build Symposium. […]

  • Conferences

Funding Applications Now Open for New National Bridge Program

Forty billion dollars in federal infrastructure bridge protection funds are now available in all 50 states. The Bridge Investment Program was created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) opened a call for applications this week. The grant program provides $12.5 billion over five years with $2.4 billion available this […]

  • Industry

ENR Names Design-Build Top 100 Firms

DBIA is proud to see so many of our Industry Partner members, once again, represented on ENR’s list of the Top 100 Design-Build firms. The industry innovators who are taking design-build to new heights continue to deliver the nation’s most cost and schedule-efficient projects. ENR Subscribers can see the full Top 100 list here. “For […]

  • Industry

University of Colorado Denver Students Design-Build Antarctica Research Home

  Photo courtesy: University of Colorado Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning Twenty-two University of Colorado Denver graduate students, working with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), Bespoke Project Solutions, and OZ Architecture, have completed phase one of a two-year design-build project. The Cape Shirreff design-build project will provide eco-friendly […]

  • Industry
  • Students

Building Resilient Infrastructure to Create Strong Communities

  June 2022 We’ve seen how natural and manmade events can impose devastating costs upon our projects, infrastructure, and society. Whether it’s pandemics, climate change or other challenges facing communities, the costs of these events can be staggering. More than ever, it’s vital that project teams make resiliency an integral part of their design and […]

  • Industry
  • Podcast

$110B in IIJA Funds Distributed Over First Six Months

This week marks the six-month anniversary of signing the historic $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure legislation. The infrastructure bill includes $110 billion for roads and bridges; $65 billion to expand broadband access; $66 billion for rail; $55 billion for water infrastructure, $ 25 billion for airports, $39.2 billion in new transit spending and $5 billion for […]

  • Industry

National Design-Build Student Champs Offer Inside Look at DBIA Competition

It’s that time of the year when university students in architecture, engineering and construction programs nationwide start their journey as design-build competitors in DBIA’s National Design-Build Student Competition. The competition is as rigorous as the rewards are meaningful for students hoping to begin a career in the AEC industry. Each year DBIA chooses a unique […]

  • Podcast
  • Students

Five Traits of Impressive and Highly Effective Design-Build Project Delivery

Your team has secured a contract or a grant for a large project and your team is ready to get to work on preliminary planning. Both you and the Owner have a vision of the desired outcome, but what does a highly effective design-build project look like? On Time. While unanticipated setbacks can impact deadlines, […]

  • Industry

DBIA Founding Firm Gifts $5.2 Million and Creates New Design-Build Program at the University of Kentucky

Gray, Inc., one of the nation’s leading design-build firms, and the Gray family, including DBIA Founding Father and Kentucky Department of Transportation Secretary, Jim Gray, have donated a transformative $5.2 million to build a new home for the University of Kentucky’s College of Design. In addition to bringing together the university’s five design programs into […]

  • News

Reimagining the Office

Commercial office leasing analysts are getting a clearer picture of what “returning to work” might look like for cities across the nation. However, according to the Commercial Edge National Office Report, that picture varies significantly depending on the region with just six markets delivering more than half of U.S. office sales. “Nationally, $18.9 billion in […]

  • Industry
  • Podcast

Former DBIA Board Chair, Harold L. Adams, Passes Away at 82

Harold L. Adams, the longtime CEO of RTKL and DBIA’s Chairman of the Board in 2005, died after a brief illness at his home in Texas. Adams was an architect, design-build influencer and educator who worked on federal projects in the 1960s during the Kennedy administration and ultimately transformed RTKL into a global design practice. […]

  • News
  • People

Looking for a Design-Build Partner? Try the NEW Industry Match Directory

Exciting New Design-Build Directory Launched Today DBIA knows how important it is for Owners and industry to find the right design-build team members. In fact, we often get requests from Owners asking for lists of design-build firms, firms providing owner advisor services, MWDBE firms and more. In addition, general contractors also turn to DBIA for […]

  • Membership
  • Resources

2022 Design-Build Sector Conferences — The ONLY Events Targeted to WWW and Transpo/Aviation Markets

It’s hard to believe but DBIA hasn’t hosted in-person Design-Build for Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation Conferences since 2019! We’re glad to be back with our 2022 hybrid event and hope you’re planning on joining us in Orlando or virtually April 4-8th. The timing for these conferences couldn’t be better as Owners and industry prepare for the […]

  • Conferences

People, Process, Technology: Maximizing VDC in Design-Build

The digital transformation now underway in our industry will transform the way we work and deliver design-build projects. But the successful use of virtual design and construction is about far more than just software and tech tools. In this episode, VDC Directors, Brian Skripac with DBIA and Alex Belkofer with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., talk […]

  • Podcast
  • VDC

New Year, New Design-Build Opportunities

DBIA is excited to welcome 2022 with a new episode of our Design-Build Delivers Podcast. What better way to plan for the year ahead than to arm our teams with the latest design-build data? In this episode, Paul Trombitas with FMI gives us a detailed look at design-build market research projecting to 2025. The data […]

  • Industry
  • Podcast

DBIA National Board Member Tom Foley Named NYC DDC Commissioner

DBIA offers our heartfelt congratulations to National Board Member, Tom Foley, for his selection as New York City’s new Department of Design & Construction Commissioner. “I am extraordinarily honored to be chosen by Mayor Adams to serve as the head of DDC. DDC’s hundreds of construction professionals are uniquely capable of making the city’s infrastructure […]

  • News
  • People

Congress Encourages State Department to Use Design-Build

Language encouraging the use of design-build by the State Dept. in embassies and diplomatic posts has been included in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress.

  • Legislation

What Does it Take to Be DBIA’s Project of the Year?

You can hear that answer first-hand from the University of Washington Hans Rosling Center for Population Health’s design-build team in our latest DBIA podcast episode. Listen here or on your favorite podcast channel:             

  • Awards
  • Podcast

University of Colorado Boulder Team Claims Top Prize in the 2021 National Design-Build Student Competition

The “DBIA Buff Builders” design-build team from the University of Colorado Boulder captured the nation’s top student design-build prize after competing before a jury of industry professionals at the 2021 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Denver.  The University of Colorado Boulder was one of three finalists in the 2021 National Design-Build Student Competition, which presented […]

  • Students

Meet DBIA’s 2021 National Design-Build Leadership Award Winners

DBIA is proud to present our organization’s highest individual honor to our 2021 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Mark Shambaugh. We’ve also honored four incredible design-build leaders for their commitment to innovation and collaboration with a 2021 Distinguished Leadership Award while inducting five new members to the esteemed DBIA College of Fellows.  All were recognized […]

  • Awards
  • Membership

Finally, Infrastructure Week is Real

After months of negotiations, the House has passed the $1 trillion infrastructure funding package. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a historic investment, no matter how you measure it. In addition to providing the largest infrastructure funding in decades, the bill also shores up the struggling Highway Trust Fund, codifies rules reducing the time […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

DBIA Expands Focus on Technology and Innovation

As Design-Build Grows, So Does Our Commitment to Transform the Industry The Design-Build Institute of America is excited to announce the hiring of two new positions to ensure DBIA remains at the forefront of a rapidly changing industry, including continually advancing methods to optimize the value of Design-Build Done Right®. Brian Skripac, CM-BIM, DBIA, CDT, […]

  • Headlines
  • People
  • VDC

New Research Shows Design-Build Growth Continues Despite Market Challenges

Project Complexity, Delivery Schedule and the Need to Innovate Drive Design-Build Utilization When researchers at FMI first looked at design-build utilization in 2018, the news confirmed what many in the industry knew first-hand, design-build wasn’t an “alternative delivery process” anymore. New market analysis forecasting the next five years, 2021-2025, shows that is especially true today […]

  • Industry
  • Resources

Rare Bipartisanship Fuels Senate Infrastructure Bill Passage

Today’s Senate passage of a historic $1 trillion infrastructure plan marked an unusual moment of bipartisanship that led even the most jaded Congress watchers to sit up and take notice. The Associated Press reports: “With a robust vote after weeks of fits and starts, the Senate approved a $1 trillion infrastructure plan for states coast […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Infrastructure Investment Package Clears Senate Hurdle

The Senate vote to consider a bipartisan nearly $1 trillion infrastructure package, including $550 billion in new physical infrastructure spending, marks a major milestone in the debate over how best to spur a post-COVID economic recovery. A White House fact sheet details the Senate agreement including the largest share of the package, $110 billion, for highways, […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

2021 DBIA National Design-Build Award Winners Impress and Inspire

Each summer a seasoned group of design-build pros meet over two full days to judge DBIA’s National Design-Build Project/Team Awards submissions. It’s always a lively event as jurors bring their unique experiences and expertise together to compare and contrast the merits of an increasingly impressive group of design-build projects. Dr. Barbara Jackson is the chair […]

  • Awards

Calling All Design-Build Teams: Owners Want You!

As negotiations continue in Washington on a historic $2 trillion, eight-year infrastructure and recovery package, Owners nationwide are preparing for the possibility of major infrastructure infusion. We know design-build will play a vital role in helping our nation recover in this post-COVID era.  “We saw in 2009 the huge role design-build played in delivering stimulus […]

  • Conferences
  • Industry

New NIBS Equity Survey Shows There’s Work to Be Done

DBIA is proud to have supported the 2021 National Institute of Building Sciences Social Equity Survey and appreciate the many DBIA members who took the time to participate as respondents. We believe this work is extremely important. “Achieving racial equity in the workplace is certain to be one of the most important issues companies will […]

  • Industry

Remembering DBIA’s Dorwin Thomas

Dorwin AJ Thomas, passed away peacefully April 23, 2021. He lived his life in full for architecture and design. He will be missed by very many in our profession. To quote one of his favorite cohorts … “He had quite a ride!” In addition to his long service with DBIA, Dorwin was an active member […]

  • News
  • People

Turning Promises into Projects

For nearly a decade, the middle of May has been known as “Infrastructure Week” here in Washington. Year after year, many of the nation’s leading business, economic, policy and AEC groups have worked to bring Congress’ attention to the vital need for federal infrastructure investment. But, unfortunately, it’s been going on so long that just […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Full Design-Build Authority Passes in New Jersey

New Jersey lawmakers have passed sweeping new legislation the allows the use of design-build for all state and local governments. The bill passed both the House and Senate by overwhelming margins and now awaits the governor’s signature. New Jersey bill A1285 allows that any independent state transportation authority with an established prequalification, project rating, or […]

  • Legislation

America’s Infrastructure Scorecard: Mediocre Isn’t Good Enough

America’s Infrastructure Barely Makes the Grade ASCE has painted an in-depth portrait of America’s imperiled infrastructure systems. While government investment has made some improvements in recent years, the sobering fact that 45% of Americans still have no access to transit, or that there is a water main break every two minutes in the United States […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

New DBIA Learning Center Makes Design-Build Training Easy

Sure, we’re all living and working online for what feels like 24-7 these days but that doesn’t always make it easy. We get it – keeping track of all your education courses, transcripts, CEU totals, certification renewal can be a challenge. That’s why DBIA is so excited to roll out our new Learning Center. It’s […]

  • Education

DBIA Sector Conference Registration is OPEN!

With Challenges Come Opportunities America’s Design-Build Teams Will Help Rebuild Our Economy This year’s virtual Design-Build for Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation Conferences are coming at a critical time for design-build teams. For many months, we have faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Design-build teams have played a vital role in helping our communities by […]

  • Conferences

New Report Finds the Failure to Act on Infrastructure Threatens America

A new report from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) details the damage inadequate infrastructure investment over decades has done – and continues to do – to our nation. Failure to Act: Economic Impacts of Status Quo Investment Across Infrastructure System finds that a continued failure to invest in America’s infrastructure will hurt America […]

  • Industry

Meet the 2020 Class of DBIA Fellows

The Design-Build Institute of America is proud to introduce the 2020 Class of DBIA Fellows. Elevation to Designated Design-Build Professional™ Fellow status is the highest level of DBIA Certification and acknowledges the achievements of the nation’s most accomplished design-build professionals. This year’s Fellows class includes five distinguished design-build leaders who have made invaluable contributions to […]

  • Membership
  • People

Introducing the 2020 National Design-Build Leadership Award Winners

The incredible growth and proven success of design-build would not be possible without industry leaders who advocate for and promote the merits of Design-Build Done Right®. DBIA is proud to present four incredible design-build leaders with 2020 Distinguished Leadership Awards for their commitment to changing the way America builds. 2020 DBIA Distinguished Leadership Award Winners […]

  • Awards
  • People

A Virtual Success: Recapping the 2020 Design-Build Conference and Expo

It’s safe to say the 2020 Design-Build Conference & Expo was an unprecedented success. Last week, more than 1,400 attendees came together online to participate in the most creative conference ever. This year’s conference was a unique combination of design-build education, dynamic speakers and creative entertainment options. We also named the top design-build projects of […]

  • Conferences

2020 Design-Build Project/Team Award Winners Announced

From beautiful bridges to the finest in healthcare facilities, this year’s 2020 Design-Build Project/Team Award winners are the best design-build projects in the nation and demonstrate how Design-Build Done Right® continues to deliver project innovation and savings to communities from coast to coast. This year’s winners were announced at the 2020 Design-Build Project/Team Awards Ceremony […]

  • Awards

DBIA’s 2020 Design-Build Conferences Go Virtual

What a year it’s been! While DBIA planned for “hybrid” conferences in October, current local restrictions mandate we convert to a 100% virtual experience. Given the continued uncertainty of COVID, going virtual allows us to put the health and safety of our attendees first while also maximizing your opportunity to access everything a DBIA conference […]

  • Conferences

DBIA Announces 2020 National Award Winners

The Design-Build Institute of America is proud to announce its winners in the national 2020 Design-Build Project/Team Awards competition. We received among the largest number of entries in many years and the diversity of projects was impressive. Jurors found that across all sectors and project types, there is a growing amount of design-build innovation redefining project success […]

  • Awards

Indifference is Not an Option

“As our nation has experienced a level of civil unrest we likely never thought we would see in our lifetime, there is no better time to remind us that DBIA’s core values include “mutual respect for and appreciation of diversity.”  DBIA is proud to say that for us these are more than just words on […]

  • News

Fighting for Design-Build in Iowa

Iowa is one of only two states that prohibits the use of design-build. This week, design-builders are in the battle of their lives to finally pass authorizing legislation during a shortened Iowa legislative session. Unfortunately, legislation to allow design-build has taken the back seat to a bill promoted by well-financed special interests to not only […]

  • Legislation

Two Months Later, Updated AEC Industry Poll on COVID-19 Impacts

What a difference a couple of months makes. When DBIA first polled our community at the end of March, uncertainty reigned. It was early into pandemic mitigation efforts and no one knew what to expect. Here we are, two months later, and DBIA’s newest poll shows more projects have been postponed or canceled, more positive […]

  • Industry
  • News

DBIA Legislative Update – May 2020

  DBIA’s Advocacy team spends a lot of its time bringing design-build to as many communities as possible. Just like everyone else, the Coronavirus has changed the infrastructure industry on a federal and local level, so we reached out to DBIA’s Vice President of Advocacy as well as our Director of State/Local Legislative Affairs, for […]

  • Legislation

DBIA Members Mobilize to Fight COVID-19 Nationwide

“We don’t have time to deal with red tape and bureaucracy.” Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, Army Corps of Engineers The challenges facing our nation as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic are immense. The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reports they have 15-thousand team members now working with states across the nation to build alternate […]

  • News

DBIA Members (And Their Families!) Making a Difference

Each day the headlines are filled with more sad news as our nation fights this pandemic. But there are some incredible good news stories out there too…here is just one. As hospitals and health care facilities continue to find creative ways to provide PPE for health care workers, people have stepped up to make their […]

  • News
  • People

Urging Congress to Address Infrastructure Reform in Latest Stimulus Package

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest has once again been renewed in passing infrastructure stimulus, with lawmakers having more formal discussions about a long-talked-about infrastructure package. “Lawmakers may be away from Capitol Hill, but negotiations have already quietly begun on what could become a fourth stimulus package to respond to the novel coronavirus. […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Kansas Approves the Use of Design-Build in Transportation

The Kansas legislature passed a 10-year transportation stimulus bill as part of the Eisenhower Transportation Legacy Program to help counter the economic damage from the Covid 19 pandemic. The bill re-authorizes the Kansas Department of Transportation to use alternative delivery methods like Design-Build and Construction Management at Risk (CMAR). KDOT had Design-Build authority for a […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Fear & Uncertainty Reign — With a Dash of Hopeful Optimism

New AEC Industry Poll on COVID-19 Impacts A poll of America’s AEC community, conducted by the Design-Build Institute of America from March 20-24th, provides a glimpse into an industry grappling with a constantly changing COVID-19 environment and the stress of often dueling demands. Poll results show nearly half (45%) of design-build teams had already halted […]

  • Industry
  • News

DBIA’s Response to Coronavirus (Updated)

During this uncertain and anxiety-inducing time, DBIA continues to work to balance our mission with the safety of our members and attendees. We are monitoring COVID-19 advisories daily to inform our decisions impacting DBIA meetings, classes, conferences and other events. This post is being updated as information becomes available.  See our answers to the most […]

  • Conferences
  • Industry
  • News

New York’s Disaster Declaration Also Means Broad Use of Design-Build

The state of New York’s Disaster Emergency declaration grants additional powers while suspending some legal requirements to facilitate the State’s ability to respond more quickly to the COVID-19 outbreak. Since design-build authority in New York is limited by law, Governor Cuomo has lifted those restrictions to allow cities, counties and the state a speedier and […]

  • Industry

Design-Build to Transform NYC’s Criminal Justice System

New York City’s Borough-based Jail Program will use design-build to deliver four new jails to replace Rikers Island. These jails will be far more than just new buildings, they’re at heart of an entirely new corrections system which will be smaller and, according to city leaders, “built upon a foundation of dignity and respect.” This […]

  • Industry

Meet DBIA’s New 2020 Board Leadership

With the new year also come new members elected to serve on DBIA’s national boards. Both our national board of directors and our certification board work to educate and advocate for Design-Build Done Right™ best practices which have made design-build the fastest growing and most popular project delivery method in the nation. Led by Board […]

  • News
  • People

Meet DBIA’s 2019 National Design-Build Leadership Award Winners

Given every year to some of the best and brightest in the industry, DBIA’s Distinguished Leadership Awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the practice and performance of design-build. This year, three individuals were honored at the 2019 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. Industry Professional – Tim Graybeal, DBIA, Design-Build Manager, […]

  • Awards

Seminole State College of Florida Wins 2019 National Design-Build Student Competition

After coming up short in the finals last year, the team Seminole State College of Florida finished what it started this year by taking home the top prize in the 2019 National Design-Build Student Competition.  The finals of the competition, which take place every year at the Design-Build Conference & Expo, involved three teams of […]

  • Students

2019 Design-Build Project/Team Award Winners Announced

From university buildings to office transformations, this year’s 2019 Design-Build Project/Team Award winners are the best design-build projects in the nation and demonstrate how Design-Build Done Right continues to deliver project innovation and savings to communities from coast to coast. This year’s winners were announced at the 2019 Design-Build Awards Dinner during the Design-Build Conference […]

  • Awards

The 2019 Design-Build Conference & Expo: Anything But a Gamble

DBIA is in Las Vegas this week for the 2019 Design-Build Conference & Expo, and it’s been a whirlwind from the beginning! Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far, but here’s the thing: the week isn’t even CLOSE to over yet! The week got rolling on Tuesday with several pre-conference events that […]

  • Conferences

What Do Great Design-Builders and the Washington Nationals Share in Common?

Here at DBIA’s National Headquarters, we’ve got Nats fever. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you can’t help but be inspired by their teamwork, persistence, and resiliency. As a long-time Nats fan, I’ve seen more than my share of seasons that, even though the talent seemed to be there, it just never really happened […]

  • Industry

DBIA Announces 2019 National Design-Build Student Competition Finalists

DBIA is proud to announce the three finalists in the 2019 National Design-Build Student Competition. Student teams from the NewSchool of Architecture & Design, Seminole State College of Florida and Oklahoma State University will advance to the final round of the competition. The three student finalist teams will compete in front of a live jury and audience […]

  • Students

DBIA Education Becomes Easier Than Ever

2020 will bring exciting changes to DBIA’s rapidly expanding Design-Build Done Right® education and certification program but, first, we want to give you a preview of what the future holds for DBIA education and certification. We know your time is precious and your calendar’s full which can make it hard to catch an in-person certification […]

  • Education

Four Industry Leaders Named DBIA Fellows

The Design-Build Institute of America has announced its second-ever class of DBIA Fellows. Elevation to Designated Design-Build Professional™ Fellow status is the highest level of DBIA Certification and acknowledges the achievements of the nation’s most accomplished design-build professionals. In addition to the selection of four new DBIA-certified Fellows, the DBIA Board of Directors and its […]

  • Membership
  • People

2019 National Design-Build Student Competition Regional Finalists Announced

DBIA is pleased to announce the Regional Finalists in the 2019 Design-Build Student Competition. There are ten regional winners in this year’s competition, which asked teams to exhibit design-build best practices in their proposals to design and construct a Performing Arts Center on an American college campus. The Regional winners now move on to the second […]

  • Students

Collaboration – How Well Is It Working?

As the fastest growing and most popular delivery method in the nation, design-build is changing the way America builds. There are incredible innovations and evolutions being implemented by design-build teams on projects each and every day. This new feature will provide DBIA members an opportunity to share their perspectives on what works, what doesn’t and […]

  • Industry

Explore the New DBIA Bookstore

DBIA works hard to make sure that not only do our resources cover what’s new and current in the industry, but that they‘re as accessible as possible to give you all the information you need for your project. Now, DBIA is excited to offer the best design-build information available in one convenient location – our […]

  • News

Design-Build Delivers in the San Juan Unified School District

Design-build in education has seen significant growth in recent years, as schools of all shapes and sizes need the innovation and efficiencies a successful design-build project can provide. One terrific example of this is the recently completed Dyer-Kelly Elementary School in the San Juan Unified School District in California. The two-story building is the first […]

  • Industry

2019 Design-Build Award Winners Announced

There’s a Better Way to Build – And These National Design-Build Award Winning Teams Prove It Each July, many of the nation’s leading design-build pros converge on Washington for two full days of scoring, deliberating and debating the merits of that year’s Design-Build Project/Team Award submissions. From the Aviation to Water/Wastewater sectors, and everything in […]

  • Awards

Precast Concrete Meets Today’s Student Housing Demands

Twenty million students are currently enrolled in colleges and universities in the United States. While enrollment continues to be flat, the availability of campus housing still lags behind. Housing shortages afflict campuses nationwide. Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff, often base their decision to attend colleges and universities on housing availability […]

  • Industry

Design-Build Authority Granted in Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin has made a giant leap in expanding design-build with the passage of its biennial budget bill, Assembly Bill 56, and signed by Governor Tony Evers. Governor Evers’ partial veto of some portions of the transportation budget bill was also good news for design-build by rejecting proposed limits on the number of […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Design-Build Comes to New York City…(Finally)

After years of being left behind in legislative efforts to expand the use of design-build in the State of New York, the legislature has now granted design-build authority to the City of New York. “This is the dawn of a new era in the City of New York –one that will allow agencies to deliver […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Washington State Embraces Progressive Design-Build

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has signed legislation authorizing the use of progressive design-build (PDB) in all agencies already using design-build. Washington is the first state to specifically address the use of progressive in legislative language, building a model that could help inform the use of progressive in other states nationwide. DBIA enthusiastically supported HB 1295 […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Recapping the 2019 Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference

The 2019 Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference ended on Friday, and it’s hard to believe it’s over after the incredible week we had in Cincinnati. From inspiring keynote speakers to education sessions on the hottest topics in design-build, this was another memorable year at #DBIAWater. We recapped the 2019 Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference last week, but […]

  • Conferences

Looking Back at the 2019 Design-Build for Transportation and Aviation Conference

It’s springtime which means one thing at DBIA – conferences! We’re in Cincinnati this week for two conferences in one location. The Design-Build for Transportation and Aviation Conference (aka #DBIATranspo) started things off on Monday while the Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference (#DBIAWater) takes over the second half of the week. Wednesday is the crossover day, […]

  • Conferences

My Misconceptions about DBIA Certification — and Why I was Wrong

By Robert R. Smedley, AIA, DBIA Note: This article also appears in the first 2019 issue of Integration Quarterly magazine. You can read the full issue here. To be honest I didn’t expect to learn much from the DBIA certification process. In my 35 years in the industry, I’d seen design-build done right, I’d seen it […]

  • Certification

The State of the Union and Infrastructure Investment

If you caught last night’s State of the Union address, you might have heard mention of infrastructure investment. This is not the first time the current administration has addressed infrastructure in the State of the Union, but this discussion was different than 2018, and many took notice. Last year, he used the State of the […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Top Five Reasons to Attend a DBIA Conference

DBIA’s sector-specific conferences for Transportation/Aviation and Water/Wastewater offer incredible opportunities to learn and grow as a design-build professional. Here are our top five reasons we think you should attend! DBIA delivers what you need. DBIA’s sector-specific conferences provide the best design-build information, education and networking for the Transportation/Aviation and Water/Wastewater sectors. Convenience. With two conferences in […]

  • Conferences

Design-Build Myths and Facts

Though design-build has grown from an alternative project delivery method into a mainstream delivery method, there are still those who believe myths about what design-build is and what the process looks like. We’ve broken it down for you with five of the most common myths about design-build and the real facts behind them. MYTH: Design-Build […]

  • Industry

Five Attendee Takeaways from the 2018 Design-Build Conference & Expo

We know DBIA conferences are great events for design-builders to learn what’s new in the industry and network with their peers, but of course, we acknowledge we may be just a bit biased. That’s why it’s really terrific to see an attendee offer their own views on what DBIA conference sessions have to offer, which […]

  • Conferences

2018 Design-Build Distinguished Leadership Award Winners Announced

Given every year to some of the best and brightest in the industry, DBIA’s Distinguished Leadership Awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to practice and performance of design-build. This year, four individuals were honored at the 2018 Design-Build Conference & Expo in New Orleans. Industry Professional – Blain Grover, Preconstruction Manger, Fortis Construction, […]

  • Awards
  • People

Iowa State University Wins 2018 National Design-Build Student Competition

The team from Iowa State University felt confident after making their presentation during the 2018 National Design-Build Student Competition. That confidence was well-placed, as the Cyclones took home the top prize in this year’s design-build competition, which takes place every year at the Design-Build Conference & Expo. Iowa State was one of three shortlisted teams […]

  • Students

New Research Shows Design-Build Continues to Deliver Project Most Efficiently

CII/Pankow Study Says Design-Build is Faster, With More Reliable Performance and Less Cost and Schedule Growth New research shows that America’s design-build projects continue to deliver faster, and with greater reliability in cost and schedule performance, than other delivery methods. It’s been 20 years since the seminal CII/Penn State research showed that design-build projects consistently […]

  • Industry
  • Resources

2018 National Design-Build Student Competition Finalists Announced

DBIA is proud to announce the three finalists in the 2018 National Design-Build Student Competition. Student teams from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Seminole State College of Florida and Iowa State University will advance to the final round of the competition. The three student finalist teams will compete in front of a live jury and audience at DBIA’s […]

  • Students

2018 National Design-Build Student Competition Regional Finalists Announced

DBIA is pleased to share the nine Regional Finalists in the 2018 Design-Build Student Competition. This year, 36 teams from 27 universities entered this competition to exhibit design-build best practices by proposing a delivery solution to design and construct a 2–3 floor student resident hall on an American college campus. The Regional winners will move […]

  • Students

Remembering Jacob Williams

When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men.   …Henry Wadsworth Longfellow  DBIA and the design-build community mourns the loss of one of our nation’s most passionate design-build advocates. As the Assistant Director of LA County’s DPW, Jacob Williams has left an incredible legacy in […]

  • News
  • People

So Many Construction Jobs — So Few Workers

The labor shortage in the construction industry continues to impact companies large and small. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction sector has added 308,000 jobs over the year. US News reports: “The labor shortage is so acute that 91 percent of more than 2,700 contractors, construction managers, builders and trade contractors surveyed […]

  • Industry

Design-Builders Take Certification Beta Courses and Exam

They came to Washington, D.C. to take advantage of a unique opportunity…they’re the first class to take DBIA’s updated Certification Workshop curriculum and Exam. 35 design-build Owners and practitioners signed up as beta testers and took the new 3-day certification curriculum followed by the updated exam. “With design-build now accounting for nearly half of all […]

  • Certification

Design-Build Moves from Alternative to Mainstream

New Research Shows Design-Build Will Deliver Nearly Half of all Projects Nationwide While design-build’s project successes can be seen in communities from coast to coast and the rapid growth in design-build utilization is apparent across virtually every sector, there hasn’t been hard data on this market growth for years. Until now. Respected industry analysts at […]

  • Industry

Delivering a New New York

DBIA Delivers Design-Build Done Right to New York What do you get when you bring together over 200 of New York’s leading design and construction professionals plus the agency and project leaders who are blazing trails in New York?  You get the truly energizing design-build conversation we saw at the “Delivering a New New York” […]

  • Industry

DBIA’s 2018 Transportation Leadership Award Winners

In these days of tight budgets and growing infrastructure needs, state transportation leaders have increasingly turned to design-build to innovate and collaborate, delivering projects more efficiently to communities nationwide. Design-builders know first-hand the importance of cooperation and communication to delivering successful on-time and on-budget projects. DBIA is proud to honor some of the nation’s most […]

  • Awards

DBIA Education and Certification Mean Business

This article also appears in Issue 3 of Integration Quarterly. At DBIA, certification and education often go hand in hand. Becoming DBIA certified requires taking core courses and passing a comprehensive exam, and education is essential to any professional who wants to be in the know about the latest in design-build. We spoke with Managing […]

  • Certification
  • Education

Collaboration Between Design-Build and Lean Construction

By Chris Hornbeck, AIA, AGC, MBA This article also appears in Issue 3 of DBIA’s magazine, Integration Quarterly. Chances are, if you’re in the design-build industry you’ve also encountered lean construction principles. The design-build and lean construction movements share many commonalities, going back to their roots in the Total Quality Management (TQM) revolution of the 1950s. […]

  • Industry

Looking Back at the 2017 Design-Build Conference & Expo

Dynamic presenters, unparalleled networking opportunities and a bevy of design-build education…the 2017 Design-Build Conference & Expo brought together some of the industry’s best and brightest in Philadelphia. More than two thousand attendees jammed the Pennsylvania Convention Center for three days of workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers representing the best of the design-build industry. The week […]

  • Conferences

Washington State University Wins 2017 Student Competition

  Competing in front of a live jury and audience at the Design-Build Conference & Expo in Philadelphia, the shortlisted teams from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Oklahoma and Washington State University defended their design and construction plans for a student health and wellness facility on a liberal arts college campus in the […]

  • Students

2017 National Design-Build Student Competition Finalists

DBIA is proud to announce the three finalists in its 2017 National Design-Build Student Competition. Student teams from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Oklahoma and Washington State University will advance to the final round of the competition. The three student finalist teams will compete in front of a live jury and audience at DBIA’s […]

  • Students

Remove Legislative Obstacles to Harvey Recovery

The vital connection between America’s infrastructure and the well-being of our citizenry is never more apparent than in times of crisis. Our nation watched in horror as Hurricane Harvey left a path of destruction killing an estimated 50 people, displacing a million more and damaging up to $180 billion in property and infrastructure. Rebuilding communities […]

  • Legislation

Teaching Design-Build to Future Professionals: 2017 Educator Workshop

As the nation’s design-build industry continues to grow, it’s vital that universities expose their construction, engineering and design students to design-build best practices. DBIA, in conjunction with the Charles Pankow Foundation, co-hosted the fourth annual Design-Build Educator Workshop in August at the University of Denver. With a record attendance of 20 educators from 19 universities […]

  • Education

Our Open Letter to Communities Hit by Hurricane Harvey

As an entire nation witnesses the devastation Hurricane Harvey has delivered to Texas and beyond, DBIA Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington has extended her promise that America’s design-build community will be there to help communities clean-up and rebuild. Sent to DBIA Members impacted by Hurricane Harvey   August 30, 2017 Dear DBIA Members, It’s been said […]

  • Industry

2017 Federal Owners’ Forum: Improving Federal Project Delivery

From building levees to expanding a hospital, the projects delivered by procurement professionals representing eight federal agencies at the 2017 Federal Owners’ Forum were certainly challenging. Their projects may seem vastly different; however, the challenges the Owners faced in delivering those projects were incredibly similar. Among those challenges were shifting priorities, resource and budget constraints, […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Design-Build Puts More Bang in Our Infrastructure Investment Buck

Infrastructure investment is one of the few issues in this politically divisive era which garners wide support across parties, regions and states, yet we can’t pave streets with promises. Americans in cities and rural areas, no matter their political persuasion, understand that our nation’s bridges and roads, airports and public transit, water and sewer pipes […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

West Virginia Ushers in New Era of Design-Build

The West Virginia Legislature took a major step forward this year in ensuring their infrastructure projects are delivered on-time and within budget for many years to come. Legislators in Charleston had a long to-do list this session with infrastructure designated as a key issue. Lawmakers ultimately increased the funds available for design-build projects, extended their […]

  • Industry

NYC watches as design-build successes grow everywhere else

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo celebrated the opening of the opening of the first span of the new Kosciuszko Bridge connecting Brooklyn and Queens with an inaugural ride across the bridge in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1932 Packard. The celebration continues with a light show and music tonight. The Kosciuszko is just the latest in […]

  • Industry

Design-Build Institute Applauds New York’s Extension of Design-Build Authority

New York State’s passage of a $163 billion budget includes important provisions which will allow agencies to continue their successful use of design-build on projects saving taxpayers millions of dollars and years of construction time. “There’s no denying the successes New York has already seen, even with limited authority, on design-build projects statewide.  By expanding […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Why Design-Build is Many States’ Go-to Delivery Process

March 28, 2017 Day two of the 2017 Design-build in Transportation Conference in Minneapolis began bright and early with a wide-reaching general session led by DBIA Transportation Committee Vice-Chair Jim Avitabile. Panelists talked about opportunities for design-build nationwide. They included some of the nation’s top transportation design-build owners, including; Peter Davich, Minnesota DOT, Andrew Hoenig, […]

  • Industry

Transportation Pros Receive National Design-Build Leadership Award

DBIA recognizes the Maryland DOT, Utah DOT’s Carlos Braceras, Windward’s Amanda Wilson, Transtec’s Dan Dawood and Mead & Hunt’s Ben Dzioba as National Design-Build Leaders As states from coast to coast are making new investments in our infrastructure, it is important to remember that funding these projects is just the start. We must also ensure […]

  • Awards

Infrastructure Investment is the Talk of the Town

It’s been a busy week for those interested in improving America’s infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) has released its new Infrastructure Report Card today.  Every four years the group grades the status of nation’s infrastructure. For most Americans it’s no surprise that our nation has received a dismal D+ grade once again. […]

  • Industry

Now’s the Time for an Infrastructure Summit

DBIA Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, says now’s the time for an Infrastructure Summit. Her thoughts were published in The Hill. Infrastructure investment is one of the few issues in this politically divisive era which garners wide support across parties, regions, and states yet – we can’t pave streets with promises.   Americans in cities and rural […]

  • Industry

Design-Build Has a Breakout Year!

Lisa Washington, CAE  |  January 3, 2016 Sometimes it’s hard in the hustle-and-bustle of the holidays to take time to look back at the year; however, here at DBIA we have so much to celebrate I just couldn’t let 2016 end without taking a moment to reflect with you, our members. I know that design-build […]

  • News

More Best Practices are Even Better Practices

Best Practices are a widely embraced tool for maximizing the implementation of industry knowledge. How can practitioners in any field stay up to date, let alone innovate, without a central source for universally accepted practices? When DBIA published its Universal Best Practices in February of 2014, the publication identified practices with two characteristics, 1) they […]

  • Resources

University of Colorado Boulder Wins 2016 Student Competition

Katie Colten  |  November 15, 2016 Competing in front of a live jury and audience at the Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, the shortlisted teams from the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Oklahoma and Washington State University defended their design and construction plans for a parking facility on a college campus in […]

  • Students

DBIA Announces Distinguished Design-Build Leadership Award Winners

November 10, 2016 A state legislator, a state transportation official, a young professional and an industry practitioner make up the four individuals honored for leadership in promoting design-build project delivery. Washington, D.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America, the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the winners of […]

  • Awards
  • People

2016 National Design-Build Student Competition Finalists

Katie Colten | October 26, 2016 DBIA is proud to announce the three finalists in its 2016 National Design-Build Student Competition. Student teams from the University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Oklahoma and Washington State University will advance to the final round of the competition. The three student finalist teams will compete in front […]

  • Students

DBIA Honors Peter W. Tunnicliffe with Lifetime Achievement Award

October 24, 2016 The Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is DBIA’s Highest Honor Washington, D.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) – the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build – has announced Peter W. Tunnicliffe, P.E., BCEE, DBIA, CIRM, as the 2016 recipient of the DBIA Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award. Peter Tunnicliffe […]

  • Awards
  • People

Missouri Public Agencies Now Have Option for a Faster, Less Expensive, Quality Construction Process Thanks to New Design-Build Legislation

August 29, 2016 For two decades, countless lawmakers, municipal and county officials, and engineering and construction professionals have worked behind the scenes to enact legislation that would allow local Missouri public agencies to use the design-build construction process for everything from roads and bridges to water and wastewater infrastructure. This week, the long-awaited Missouri House […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Federal Owners Forum Reveals Proposed Solutions to Common Federal Project Delivery Challenges

August 10, 2016 Thirteen (13) industry leaders representing eleven (11) federal agencies gathered for a full day to challenge thinking and play a major role in affecting positive change. The leaders addressed imperatives that hinder the federal sector’s ongoing ability to achieve optimal efficiency and performance in designing and constructing the built environment. Washington, D.C., […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

DBIA Announces 2016 National Design-Build Project/Team Award Winners

Nationwide winners represent the best design-build projects of the year, and were honored for achieving exceptional project delivery through Design-Build Done RightTM. July 13, 2016 Washington, D.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, today announced its 21st annual Design-Build Project/Team Award Winners. Recognized for exemplary collaboration […]

  • Awards

Transportation Leaders Honored for Advancing Innovation in Project Delivery, from Faster Completion to Higher Quality

DBIA Honors the Virginia DOT, North Carolina DOT’s Rodger Rochelle and Nossaman’s Evan Caplicki and Elizabeth Cousins for Leadership in advancing Design-Build Best Practices April 19, 2016 Charlotte, N.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the recipients of its 2016 […]

  • Awards

Guest Blog: Why the Manufacturing Sector Loves Design-Build

By Steve Wright | March 18, 2016 The benefits of the design-build process have a broad appeal across just about every sector, from retail to higher education, but the place where those benefits may be most directly felt is in the manufacturing industry. Today’s stringent economy means constantly squeezed margins and ever-tightening production timelines. With […]

  • Industry

A Conversation with DBIA’s 2016 Board Chair

Issue 4 of 2015 By G. William Quatman, FAIA, DBIA, Esq. 1. Tell us more about your role at Burns & McDonnell and what you can bring to your role as Board Chair? I am general counsel and senior vice president for a 5,000+ person integrated, international design-build firm. I’ve had this position for seven years, […]

  • People

DBIA Announces Record Number Of Distinguished Design-Build Leadership Award Winners

12 professionals honored for leadership in promoting design-build project delivery include a California State Senator, university professor, student, practitioner, two young professionals, and six owners. November 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America, the only organization that defines, teaches, and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the winners of DBIA’s Distinguished […]

  • Awards
  • People

University of New Mexico Wins DBIA’s 2015 National Design-Build Student Competition

University of Washington took second place, and University of Colorado – Boulder came in third. November 12, 2015 Washington, D.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, announced the winner of the 2015 National Design-Build Student Competition at the Design-Build Conference & Expo […]

  • Students

DBIA Elects Bill Quatman, Esq., FAIA, DBIA as Board Chair

DBIA Announces 2016 Board of Directors; Bill Quatman, General Counsel for Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company will serve as DBIA’s National Chairman of the Board November 12, 2015 Washington, D.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches, and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced that G. William (Bill) […]

  • News
  • People

DBIA Announces 2015 National Design-Build Student Competition Finalists

Three finalists include teams from the University of New Mexico, University of Washington and University of Colorado – Boulder. October 26, 2015 Washington, D.C. – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the three finalists in its 2015 National Design-Build Student Competition. […]

  • Students

Dear Owners: A Primer on Delivering Small Public Design-Build Projects

Richard Shelton, P.E., DBIA, CHC  |  Issue 3 of 2015 Richard Shelton, PE, DBIA, CHC is an accomplished DBIA instructor specializing in federal government project delivery.  He is a past president of the DBIA Mid-Atlantic Region. He is also the president of a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business design-build firm.  “If only I had known that […]

  • Resources

2015 National Design-Build Student Competition Regional Finalists

October 7, 2015 – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the nine Regional finalists in the 2015 National Design-Build Student Competition. This year, 31 teams from 26 universities entered the competition to demonstrate design-build best practices by proposing a delivery solution to […]

  • Students

Ready for Some Football? Better Use Design-Build

Andrew Ausel  |  September 15, 2015 Interested in building an NFL Stadium these days? Well, it will likely cost you upwards of $1 billion. And that’s just the baseline price; if you want to really get a picture of what it will cost, you’d have to figure in financing interest, which I will not venture […]

  • Industry

Why DBIA Cares So Much About Regions

Andrew Ausel | August 14, 2015 Over the past quarter, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has taken strategic steps to foster coordination and enhanced communication to its 14 Regions and local chapters. In the process of implementing this strategy, I can’t help but notice the tapped potential for state policy. States love to do […]

  • Regions

DBIA Launches Young Professionals Program

by Geoffrey Corey  |  June 29, 2015 The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) took their mission to define, teach and promote best practices in design-build to the next level recently with the launch of a program specifically for industry professionals aged 35 and under. The DBIA Young Professional Program is intended to provide unique opportunities […]

  • Young Professionals

An A/E Perspective on Optimizing the Design-Build Strategy

by Matthew Oberts, PE, LEED AP, SSOE Group When it comes to winning a design-build competition and pursuing the resulting contract, the level of trust and teamwork that can be achieved between the design side (architects & engineers) and the build side (construction contractors) is  truly what makes or breaks the project. Inter-team communication is […]

  • Industry

DBIA Behind-the-Scenes: The Annual Design-Build Student Competition

In this series, staff at the national headquarters of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) discuss the details of their efforts to define, teach and promote best practices in design-build. In this post, DBIA’s Director of Communications & Special Projects, Geoff Corey, interviewed Anieca Lord, DBIA’s Region Relations Manager who has been coordinating the Annual […]

  • Students

Transportation Leaders Honored for Advancing Innovation in Project Delivery, from Faster Completion to Higher Quality

Washington, D.C., March 18, 2015   DBIA Honors the North Carolina DOT, Rex Huffman and Virginia DOT’s Shailendra Patel for Leadership in Advancing Design-Build Best Practices The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the recipients of its 2015 Design-Build in Transportation Leadership […]

  • Awards

Public-Private Partnerships and DBIA

Issue 1 of 2015 by Jim Whitaker According to several industry sources, the pent-up demand for infrastructure in the U.S. is measured in hundreds of billions of dollars. Roads, bridges, schools, courthouses, jails, utility systems, the list goes on and on. Public-private partnership (P3) enabling legislation is beginning to take hold in many state houses […]

  • Industry

Milwaukee School of Engineering Wins DBIA National Design-Build Student Competition

Issue 4 of 2014   On the last day of the 2014 Design-Build Conference & Expo, DBIA’s Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, CAE, took the stage to announce the winner of DBIA’s National Design-Build Student Competition. Flanked by the three finalist student teams – from the University of Oklahoma, the University of Washington and the Milwaukee […]

  • Students

Explaining DBIA’s Position on LPTA

by Louis J. Jenny and Geoff Corey  |  January 13, 2015 Federal regulations lay out a number of ways the government can negotiate and contract with the private sector to provide services or goods. One of these methods is known as Lowest Price Technically Acceptable, or LPTA. While there are situations when LPTA makes sense, […]

  • Legislation

DBIA Elects Peter M. Kinsley 2015 National Board Chair

Washington, D.C., Dec. 18, 2014 DBIA Announces 2015 Board of Directors; Peter M. Kinsley, President of Haskell’s Government & Public Services Group will serve as DBIA’s National Chairman of the Board The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches, and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced that Peter M. Kinsley […]

  • News
  • People

Public-Private Partnerships: Design-Build Revolution or Evolution?

By William T. Eliopoulos (right), Co-Chair Construction Practice Group, Rutan & Tucker, LLP and a member of DBIA’s Legislative and Legal Committee The 21st century has ushered in a revolution in construction delivery methods in the United States away from the separatist traditional design-bid-build method and toward a more integrated approach of which design-build is […]

  • Industry

DBIA Announces 2014 Project of the Year and National Award of Excellence Winners

Washington, D.C., October 8, 2014 Denver Union Station Honored as DBIA Design-Build Project of the Year The Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes design-build best practices, has announced the 2014 Project of the Year and National Award of Excellence winners. The Denver Union Station Transit Improvement Project […]

  • Awards

DBIA Announces 2014 National Design-Build Student Competition Finalists

Washington, D.C., Oct. 1, 2014 Three finalists include teams from Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Oklahoma and University of Washington The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the three finalists in its 2014 National Design-Build Student Competition. Student teams from Milwaukee […]

  • Students

DBIA Behind-the-Scenes: Training the Federal Government

by Geoff Corey  |  September 1, 2014 In this series, staff at the national headquarters of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) discuss the details of their efforts to define, teach and promote best practices in design-build. In this post, DBIA’s Manager of Legislative and Public Affairs, Geoff Corey, discusses the recent news that DBIA has been […]

  • Industry

But It Hasn’t Been Designed Yet!

Issue 3 of 2014 Lowest Price Technically Acceptable — The Antithesis of Best Value. By Craig Unger Craig Unger is a consultant in the federal law enforcement community and the design-build environment. He is a former senior executive with the U.S. Department of Justice and past president of DBIA. At Issue: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

A “How to” Guide to Federal Advocacy

by Louis J. Jenny  |  July 15, 2014 I wear a few hats at DBIA, but one major duty is taking the lead on our federal advocacy efforts. While advocacy and lobbying aren’t exactly synonyms, they are close. And, I am in fact a registered federal lobbyist. Because of this, I often get asked just […]

  • Legislation

Metcalf v. U.S.: What Does It Mean for Design-Build and Federal Contractors?

Issue 2 of 2014 by Robynne Parkinson Robynne Parkinson is an attorney with Thaxton Parkinson PLLc and a member of the DBIA National Board of Directors. She is also the co-chair of the DBIA National Legislative and Legal committee. More information about the Metcalf decision and other design-build cases can be found on Robynne’s blog at […]

  • Industry
  • Legislation

Announcing the 2014 National Design-Build Student Competition First Round Winners

Washington, D.C., May 12, 2014   Ten Student Teams From Across U.S. Advance to Second Phase of Competition The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the Regional winners of its third annual National Design-Build Student Competition. Student teams from leading design, construction […]

  • Students

DBIA Releases the 10 Best Practices for Design-Build Done Right

Washington, D.C., April 2, 2014 DBIA Identifies Design-Build Best Practices and Implementing Techniques to Directly Impact Project Performance DBIA has announced the release of Design-Build Done Right Best Practices, “Universally Applicable Best Practices Applying to Any Project Type, in Any Market Sector, of Any Size .” Based on research, case studies and extensive industry input […]

  • Resources

Congress Asks, We Answer

by Louis J. Jenny  |  March 13, 2014 Recently, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held the first hearing of its Panel on Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). While the focus was on the use of P3s in transportation projects, the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Representative Bill Shuster (pictured), joined the hearing specifically to […]

  • Legislation

DBIA Announces 2014 Design-Build in Transportation Leadership Award Recipients

Washington, D.C., Feb. 26, 2014 DBIA honors the Ohio Department of Transportation, Steven Hansen, Edward Pensock and Brian Papernik for leadership in advancing design-build project delivery. DBIA has announced the recipients of its 2014 Design-Build in Transportation Leadership Awards. The awards serve to honor the agencies and individuals from across the country that have made […]

  • Awards

Design-Build Best Practices: A Conversation with Michael Loulakis and Diana Hoag

Winter 2013 As design-build expands across all sectors of the construction industry, DBIA recognizes the need to define more clearly the concept of Design-Build Done Right and ensure that all participants in the design-build process understand the key elements that significantly enhance the chances of superior project outcomes. This year, Michael Loulakis, Esq., DBIA, president […]

  • Industry
  • People

It’s All Greek to Me

Winter 2013 DBIA Honors Chobani, Inc.’s Greek Yogurt Facility as “Project of the Year” When DBIA and its Awards Jury consider the “Project of the Year,” they think of the best. The best is not defined by just meeting expectations, but rather exceeding them. The winner of this prestigious award demonstrates innovative solutions to project […]

  • Awards

Twenty Years of Advocacy in Action

Fall 2013 By Louis J. Jenny In DBIA’s 20 years, we have achieved many important milestones, creating a playing field that in many cases directly allowed for the impressive award winners highlighted in these pages. Earlier on Page 5, Lisa Washington salutes some of the people and projects that have been crucial to the growth […]

  • Legislation
  • News

DBIA Announces National Design-Build Student Competition Finalists

Washington, D.C., Oct. 28, 2013 2013 finalists include teams from Auburn University, California State University – Sacramento and Colorado State University The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, has announced the three finalists in its 2013 National Design-Build Student Competition. Student teams from Auburn […]

  • Students

Government Shutdown was Bad Project Delivery

by Geoff Corey  |  October 24, 2014 The government shutdown is finally over, but there’s already talk of another one in January when the funding runs out again. While watching the coverage of Congressional action (or inaction) around the shutdown, I was reminded of traditional project delivery: a lack of communication leading to costly delays. […]

  • Industry

Intercounty Controversy Quelled

Spring 2013 Best practices are even more important on high-profile projects. Whether you measure hours wasted in traffic or levels of road rage, the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area routinely makes top 10 lists of the worst traffic in the nation. Congestion is a fact of life in the region formally known as the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan […]

  • Industry

Complicated Logistics, Extraordinary Coordination

Summer 2012 Design-build brings a vast, complicated department of defense project to fruition under budget and ahead of schedule. By Jim Whitaker, AIA, DBIA, principal, HKS, Inc., and Jeff Vandersall, AIA, LEED AP, principal, HKS, Inc. The latest office complex for the Department of Defense (DoD) is huge. Opened in September 2011 in Alexandria, Va., […]

  • Industry

Meeting the Ultimate Deadline

Summer 2012 While experienced design-build teams can satisfy the objectives of military construction projects, the work is not without its challenges. By Mike Duffey, P.E. The Sept. 15, 2011, deadline mandated by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission left no room for delays in project planning, design, scheduling and implementation. The U.S. Army […]

  • Industry

Reinventing Partnering at Coyote Ridge

Winter 2011 How Washington State’s Department of Corrections made partnering work on a large design-build prison construction project By Jerry Winkler, AIA, NCARB Completed in 32 months, the $190 million Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, Wash., spans 564,000 square feet and houses 2,048 new beds. It is the largest non-Department of Transportation design-build project […]

  • Industry

A Site to Behold

Winter 2011 A new UCSF research building overcame extensive site constraints to become an award-winning example of innovation and collaboration. When Michael Saks first saw the building site for a new medical research facility to be constructed on a hillside on the Parnassus campus of the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), his first […]

  • Industry

The Pentagon Renovation

Fall 2011 On Time, On Budget and Built for the Next 50 Years The Pentagon is the largest low-rise office building in the world, and its renovation was the most complex in contemporary history. Completed at top speed in 1941 as the United States prepared to enter World War II, the Pentagon has remained much […]

  • Industry

Preserving History Through Design-Build

Fall 2011 The Wayne N. Aspinall federal building and U.S. Courthouse, the nation’s first net-zero energy historic building, breaks new ground. The 92-year-old (and still fully functioning) Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Grand Junction, Colo., is slated to become the country’s first net-zero energy usage historic building. “This project is part […]

  • Industry

A Monument Worthy of the Man

Summer 2011 Design-build’s role in making Dr. King’s national memorial a reality. On August 28, 2011, the 48th anniversary of the momentous March on Washington, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial will be officially dedicated. Nestled in Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin, the memorial to the slain civil rights leader is visually linked with the […]

  • Industry

A Staggered-Column Double-Span Beam Framing System Offers An Alternative For Design-Build Projects

Spring 2011 By G.M. “Mac” Brittingham, P.E. One of design-build’s key advantages is also one of its challenges. Design-build projects are commonly fast-tracked, appealing to owners, but that means practitioners must have time-saving solutions. For teams seeking the thin profile of a cast-in-place concrete system and the speed, economy and simplicity of erecting structural steel, […]

  • Industry

Connect With Us

@dbianational
Design-Build Institute of America

@dbianational

  • Register today for the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo, the largest national gathering of the year for the design-build market and the only event centered exclusively on design-build. #DBIACon, taking place at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, provides unparalleled access to meet decision makers and network with all members of project teams, including general contractors, architects, engineers, attorneys and finance professionals. Act now to take advantage of advance rates, including booking your discounted hotel room at the Hilton Anatole (discounted hotel room block ends Monday, Oct. 14 or until block sells out). https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
  • DBIA is honored to announce Don Warren, FDBIA, as the recipient of the 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award. With nearly a half-century in the industry, Don’s impact on design-build and throughout the AEC industry is profound, making him an ideal choice to receive DBIA's highest honor. Don –– one of DBIA's five founding fathers –– has been pivotal in shaping Design-Build Done Right® and continues to advance best practices. The Brunelleschi Award, named after Filippo Brunelleschi, one of history's greatest architects and engineers, is DBIA's highest honor. We look forward to recognizing Don at our Awards Ceremony Nov. 7 at #DBIACon in Dallas, Texas. https://dbia.org/blog/brunelleschi2024Warren
  • DBIA congratulates each of our National Merit Award winners who will be celebrated at #DBIACON '24 in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6-8. These projects are not just examples of exceptional design and construction –– they’re bold statements about the future of our industry. Winning projects redefine the possibilities of the AEC industry by exemplifying Design-Build Done Right® at its best, proving that design-build is a force for innovation, resilience and community impact. Sixty-three projects from across the U.S. –– and one in Antarctica –– were submitted for consideration across 10 categories and evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts. Congratulations to our Aviation category Merit winner, Nashville International Airport Terminal Lobby and International Arrivals Facility.
  • In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we revisit Progressive Design-Build (PDB) with industry leader Geoff Neumayr, who recently retired as Chief Development Officer at San Francisco International Airport. Geoff shares his insights on how PDB –– and design-build broadly –– is driving meaningful change across the industry. Link in bio,
  • DBIA is calling on subject matter experts to share lessons learned, tools, resources and more for our 2025 Design-Build Spring Specialty Conferences. Don't miss your chance to join your peers in learning and networking at these targeted sector conferences next March. This is an exclusive opportunity to share your design-build insights and adapt to changes in project delivery in these targeted sectors. The conferences will help Owners confidently navigate design-build amidst market sector uncertainties and address industry challenges. Refer to the online submission guidelines for abstract topics we are particularly interested in for 2025. Deadline for submissions is October 10, 2024.
  • “Owner of Choice.” You may be hearing that term more and more, but do you really know what it means? In today’s competitive market, top design-build teams are as selective in choosing the Owners they work with as Owners are in selecting their design-builders. Being an “Owner of Choice” means positioning yourself to attract the best partners who can deliver successful projects. In our Sept. 18 Design-Build Delivers Webinar, we’ll clarify what it means to be an Owner of Choice, explain why it’s important, and provide actionable strategies to help you attract premier design-builders for your next project. Registration is free for members, only $25 for non-members. Link in bio.
  • Register before Sept. 6 to take advantage of early bird rates for the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo! This year’s event at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6-8, will provide the real-world tools teams need to make connections and to be prepared for what’s ahead for our industry. Registration add-ons include western-themed entertainment at the historic Longhorn Ballroom for our Wednesday Opening Party, a celebration of 2024 winners at our Thursday night Awards Dinner and Ceremony, and two preconference events taking place Nov. 5: The return of the Virtual Design & Construction Leadership Exchange (VDCLEx) for both experienced VDC professionals and those new to VDC and "Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation," the foundational course in the Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy (additional fees apply). Lock in your early bird rate today and register! Link in bio.
  • The 2024 #DBIAFederal Conference is officially a wrap! Here are some photos and highlights from this week. We look forward to seeing everyone next in Dallas, Texas, for our 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo. Click the link to learn more and register today: https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
  • We’ve wrapped up a busy symposium! Our panel helped answer any burning questions, challenges or issues from our attendees before finishing up the conference. #DBIAFederal
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Register today for the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo, the largest national gathering of the year for the design-build market and the only event centered exclusively on design-build. #DBIACon, taking place at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, provides unparalleled access to meet decision makers and network with all members of project teams, including general contractors, architects, engineers, attorneys and finance professionals. Act now to take advantage of advance rates, including booking your discounted hotel room at the Hilton Anatole (discounted hotel room block ends Monday, Oct. 14 or until block sells out). https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
3 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
DBIA is honored to announce Don Warren, FDBIA, as the recipient of the 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award. With nearly a half-century in the industry, Don’s impact on design-build and throughout the AEC industry is profound, making him an ideal choice to receive DBIA's highest honor. Don –– one of DBIA's five founding fathers –– has been pivotal in shaping Design-Build Done Right® and continues to advance best practices. The Brunelleschi Award, named after Filippo Brunelleschi, one of history's greatest architects and engineers, is DBIA's highest honor. We look forward to recognizing Don at our Awards Ceremony Nov. 7 at #DBIACon in Dallas, Texas. https://dbia.org/blog/brunelleschi2024Warren
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
DBIA is honored to announce Don Warren, FDBIA, as the recipient of the 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award. With nearly a half-century in the industry, Don’s impact on design-build and throughout the AEC industry is profound, making him an ideal choice to receive DBIA's highest honor. Don –– one of DBIA's five founding fathers –– has been pivotal in shaping Design-Build Done Right® and continues to advance best practices. The Brunelleschi Award, named after Filippo Brunelleschi, one of history's greatest architects and engineers, is DBIA's highest honor. We look forward to recognizing Don at our Awards Ceremony Nov. 7 at #DBIACon in Dallas, Texas. https://dbia.org/blog/brunelleschi2024Warren
8 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
DBIA congratulates each of our National Merit Award winners who will be celebrated at #DBIACON '24 in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6-8. These projects are not just examples of exceptional design and construction –– they’re bold statements about the future of our industry. Winning projects redefine the possibilities of the AEC industry by exemplifying Design-Build Done Right® at its best, proving that design-build is a force for innovation, resilience and community impact. Sixty-three projects from across the U.S. –– and one in Antarctica –– were submitted for consideration across 10 categories and evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts. Congratulations to our Aviation category Merit winner, Nashville International Airport Terminal Lobby and International Arrivals Facility.
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
DBIA congratulates each of our National Merit Award winners who will be celebrated at #DBIACON '24 in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6-8. These projects are not just examples of exceptional design and construction –– they’re bold statements about the future of our industry. Winning projects redefine the possibilities of the AEC industry by exemplifying Design-Build Done Right® at its best, proving that design-build is a force for innovation, resilience and community impact. Sixty-three projects from across the U.S. –– and one in Antarctica –– were submitted for consideration across 10 categories and evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts. Congratulations to our Aviation category Merit winner, Nashville International Airport Terminal Lobby and International Arrivals Facility.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we revisit Progressive Design-Build (PDB) with industry leader Geoff Neumayr, who recently retired as Chief Development Officer at San Francisco International Airport. Geoff shares his insights on how PDB –– and design-build broadly –– is driving meaningful change across the industry. Link in bio,
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we revisit Progressive Design-Build (PDB) with industry leader Geoff Neumayr, who recently retired as Chief Development Officer at San Francisco International Airport. Geoff shares his insights on how PDB –– and design-build broadly –– is driving meaningful change across the industry. Link in bio,
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
DBIA is calling on subject matter experts to share lessons learned, tools, resources and more for our 2025 Design-Build Spring Specialty Conferences. Don't miss your chance to join your peers in learning and networking at these targeted sector conferences next March. This is an exclusive opportunity to share your design-build insights and adapt to changes in project delivery in these targeted sectors. The conferences will help Owners confidently navigate design-build amidst market sector uncertainties and address industry challenges. Refer to the online submission guidelines for abstract topics we are particularly interested in for 2025. Deadline for submissions is October 10, 2024.
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
DBIA is calling on subject matter experts to share lessons learned, tools, resources and more for our 2025 Design-Build Spring Specialty Conferences. Don't miss your chance to join your peers in learning and networking at these targeted sector conferences next March. This is an exclusive opportunity to share your design-build insights and adapt to changes in project delivery in these targeted sectors. The conferences will help Owners confidently navigate design-build amidst market sector uncertainties and address industry challenges. Refer to the online submission guidelines for abstract topics we are particularly interested in for 2025. Deadline for submissions is October 10, 2024.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
“Owner of Choice.” You may be hearing that term more and more, but do you really know what it means? In today’s competitive market, top design-build teams are as selective in choosing the Owners they work with as Owners are in selecting their design-builders. Being an “Owner of Choice” means positioning yourself to attract the best partners who can deliver successful projects. In our Sept. 18 Design-Build Delivers Webinar, we’ll clarify what it means to be an Owner of Choice, explain why it’s important, and provide actionable strategies to help you attract premier design-builders for your next project. Registration is free for members, only $25 for non-members. Link in bio.
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
“Owner of Choice.” You may be hearing that term more and more, but do you really know what it means? In today’s competitive market, top design-build teams are as selective in choosing the Owners they work with as Owners are in selecting their design-builders. Being an “Owner of Choice” means positioning yourself to attract the best partners who can deliver successful projects. In our Sept. 18 Design-Build Delivers Webinar, we’ll clarify what it means to be an Owner of Choice, explain why it’s important, and provide actionable strategies to help you attract premier design-builders for your next project. Registration is free for members, only $25 for non-members. Link in bio.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Register before Sept. 6 to take advantage of early bird rates for the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo! This year’s event at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6-8, will provide the real-world tools teams need to make connections and to be prepared for what’s ahead for our industry. Registration add-ons include western-themed entertainment at the historic Longhorn Ballroom for our Wednesday Opening Party, a celebration of 2024 winners at our Thursday night Awards Dinner and Ceremony, and two preconference events taking place Nov. 5: The return of the Virtual Design & Construction Leadership Exchange (VDCLEx) for both experienced VDC professionals and those new to VDC and "Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation," the foundational course in the Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy (additional fees apply). Lock in your early bird rate today and register! Link in bio.
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
Register before Sept. 6 to take advantage of early bird rates for the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo! This year’s event at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6-8, will provide the real-world tools teams need to make connections and to be prepared for what’s ahead for our industry. Registration add-ons include western-themed entertainment at the historic Longhorn Ballroom for our Wednesday Opening Party, a celebration of 2024 winners at our Thursday night Awards Dinner and Ceremony, and two preconference events taking place Nov. 5: The return of the Virtual Design & Construction Leadership Exchange (VDCLEx) for both experienced VDC professionals and those new to VDC and "Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation," the foundational course in the Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy (additional fees apply). Lock in your early bird rate today and register! Link in bio.
2 weeks ago
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7/9
The 2024 #DBIAFederal Conference is officially a wrap! Here are some photos and highlights from this week. We look forward to seeing everyone next in Dallas, Texas, for our 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo. Click the link to learn more and register today: https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
The 2024 #DBIAFederal Conference is officially a wrap! Here are some photos and highlights from this week. We look forward to seeing everyone next in Dallas, Texas, for our 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo. Click the link to learn more and register today: https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
The 2024 #DBIAFederal Conference is officially a wrap! Here are some photos and highlights from this week. We look forward to seeing everyone next in Dallas, Texas, for our 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo. Click the link to learn more and register today: https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
The 2024 #DBIAFederal Conference is officially a wrap! Here are some photos and highlights from this week. We look forward to seeing everyone next in Dallas, Texas, for our 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo. Click the link to learn more and register today: https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
The 2024 #DBIAFederal Conference is officially a wrap! Here are some photos and highlights from this week. We look forward to seeing everyone next in Dallas, Texas, for our 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo. Click the link to learn more and register today: https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
The 2024 #DBIAFederal Conference is officially a wrap! Here are some photos and highlights from this week. We look forward to seeing everyone next in Dallas, Texas, for our 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo. Click the link to learn more and register today: https://dbia.org/design-build-conference-expo/
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
We’ve wrapped up a busy symposium! Our panel helped answer any burning questions, challenges or issues from our attendees before finishing up the conference. #DBIAFederal
We’ve wrapped up a busy symposium! Our panel helped answer any burning questions, challenges or issues from our attendees before finishing up the conference. #DBIAFederal
We’ve wrapped up a busy symposium! Our panel helped answer any burning questions, challenges or issues from our attendees before finishing up the conference. #DBIAFederal
@dbianational
@dbianational
•
Follow
We’ve wrapped up a busy symposium! Our panel helped answer any burning questions, challenges or issues from our attendees before finishing up the conference. #DBIAFederal
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Quote Mark
DBIA matters because it has the ability to shape the industry and legislation.

Denise Ramsey
VP and Chief Engineer
The Haskell Company