DBIA is honored to announce Donald G. Warren, FDBIA, as the recipient of the 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award. With nearly a half-century in the industry, Warren’s impact on design-build and throughout the AEC industry is profound, making him an ideal choice to receive DBIA’s highest honor. Warren –– one of DBIA’s five founding fathers –– has been pivotal in shaping Design-Build Done Right® and continues to advance best practices.
“Don’s role as a founding father of DBIA over 30 years ago is undeniably significant, but what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment throughout these decades,” said DBIA CEO/ED Lisa Washington, CAE. “His enduring involvement has been nothing short of remarkable. Don has not only witnessed the growth and evolution of DBIA but has also been a constant source of insight and support. His forward-thinking vision and steadfast dedication have continually propelled DBIA and design-build forward, embodying the same pioneering spirit that ignited the organization in 1993.”
From Summer Job to Celebrated Career
Warren began his career at the age of 15 by working on construction sites during the summers. His hands-on experience and determination led him to positions as an estimator, project manager and eventually President and CEO at Suitt Construction, where he grew the company to over $500 million in annual revenue by 2000. It was at Suitt Construction’s Special Projects Group where Warren was first exposed to design-build project delivery and quickly recognized its potential. He became a trailblazer in promoting collaboration, teamwork and partnership as essential pillars of successful design-build project delivery.
Founding DBIA and Shaping Best Practices
Since helping establish DBIA in 1993, Warren has remained deeply engaged in advancing the organization’s mission and best practices, playing a pivotal role in shaping not just DBIA but the success of design-build nationwide. His leadership during his seven years on the DBIA Board, including his tenure as Chair in 1998, was vital to developing DBIA’s early Best Practices and contract documents. “Few DBIA members have dedicated as much time and resources to the mission and vision of [DBIA] as Don Warren,” said Brian King, FDBIA, in his letter of support. “Don’s leadership in developing DBIA’s family of contracts was a bold move that demonstrated his strong leadership and commitment to fairness and accountability in the industry.”
Leadership in the Process Sector
Warren’s leadership in the process sector is especially noteworthy. Under his guidance, projects like the Bayer Dorlastan Chemical Plant and the Eli Lilly Research & Development Sphinx Facility were recognized with DBIA Awards of Excellence in 1996 and 1999, respectively. His influence extended to co-authoring the DBIA Manual of Practice for the Process Sector. Together with his work on Best Practices and contracts, these efforts have had a lasting effect on the industry. Mark Shambaugh, FDBIA, Past Chairman of DBIA and 2021 Brunelleschi Award winner, noted, “Don’s visionary understanding of early trade partner engagement has been essential to the success of design-build, and this principle continues to be a cornerstone of DBIA Best Practices.”
“Don has been an incredible design-build advocate and a true collaborator from the beginning,” said the Chair of DBIA’s National Board of Directors, Dana Pomeroy, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP. “His hands-on involvement as one of the five founding leaders have shaped the way projects are delivered, with the standards he helped set continuing to guide the industry today. Don’s dedication and active engagement since DBIA’s founding reflect his deep passion for advancing design-build. We’re honored to recognize him with this lifetime achievement award.”
A Champion for Mentorship and Collaboration
In addition to his technical expertise and leadership, Warren is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of design-build professionals. As Chair of DBIA’s College of Fellows Mentoring Committee and a certified DBIA Instructor, Warren has taught DBIA certification courses across the country. His passion for sharing knowledge is evident in his personal life as well, where he continues to mentor members of a basketball team he coached after the tragic passing of his son Brandon. His favorite motto, “TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More,” resonates throughout his work and mentorship.
Warren’s impact on DBIA is felt beyond his leadership and technical work to the relationships he has cultivated throughout the industry. “Design-Build Done Right® is embedded in Don Warren’s DNA,” said Rik Kunnath, FDBIA, another past DBIA Chairman and 2015 Brunelleschi Award winner. “He has consistently advocated for best practices from a practitioner’s perspective and has been essential in advancing the success of truly integrated design-build projects nationwide.”
A Design-Build Legacy
As Warren nears retirement, his legacy of leadership, innovation and mentorship will continue to shape the future of design-build. His remarkable career is a testament to his vision and dedication to improving the industry.
The Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award, named after Filippo Brunelleschi, one of history’s greatest architects and engineers, is DBIA’s highest honor. It is reserved for individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the principles and practice of design-build. Warren embodies these principles, and his recognition with this award is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of achievement.
The design-build community congratulates Don G. Warren on this well-deserved honor; his efforts will continue inspiring future design-builders.
