Design-build is growing, and with that growth comes greater complexity for Owners. As responsibilities expand, especially with the rise of Progressive Design-Build (PDB), one critical role remains inconsistently defined: the Owner Advisor (OA).
To address this, DBIA has engaged FMI Corporation to conduct a comprehensive industry assessment focused on clarifying the OA role and helping Owners better identify the skills needed for successful project delivery.
Why This Matters
In many cases, no single advisor is responsible for guiding Owners through the full design-build process, which can create gaps in coordination and decision making. Without clear expectations and competencies, Owners are left to navigate critical decisions without consistent guidance, which can lead to misalignment and underperformance.
This gap puts added pressure on Owners to make high-stakes decisions without consistent support across the delivery process.
“This effort is about ensuring the benefits inherent in effective design-build are realized by Owners that engage Owner Advisors to fill gaps,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, Executive Director/CEO of DBIA. “Owner Advisors play a critical role in design-build success, and we want to ensure any future direction we take is grounded in data, stakeholder input and alignment with Design-Build Done Right® best practices.”
What Does an Owner Advisor Do in Design-Build?
Within a Design-Build Done Right® approach, an Owner Advisor supports the full project lifecycle. That includes helping Owners:
- Align organizational readiness
- Guide procurement decisions
- Support execution across the entire delivery team
When this role is clearly defined and properly executed, it strengthens collaboration, improves decision making and helps ensure successful project outcomes.
What the Research Will Explore
FMI will lead a structured, multi-phase research effort designed to gather both quantitative and qualitative insights from across the design and construction industry. The study will:
- Assess market demand for Owner Advisor services in design-build
- Define the competencies required for effective Owner Advisors
- Evaluate how those needs are currently being met across the industry
The goal is to establish a clear, data-driven understanding of the OA role and how it can best support Owners in delivering Design-Build Done Right®.
What Comes Next
Findings from this research will help inform targeted education for Owners and industry professionals, supporting stronger alignment with the competencies required for effective design-build delivery.
“This engagement reflects DBIA’s commitment to leading with clarity and purpose,” said Molly Jones, AIA, DBIA, President and CEO of Jones Design Studio, PLLC, and Chair of DBIA’s Owner Advisor Committee. “As the industry evolves, it’s essential for us to take a thoughtful, inclusive approach to defining roles that directly impact project success.”
The research will also provide insight into the role a potential Design-Build Done Right Owner Advisor® specialty credential could play in clarifying this critical role, helping Owners select qualified advisors and advancing Design-Build Done Right®.
The project is expected to be completed by late summer, with findings informing DBIA’s path forward in strengthening Owner Advisor role clarity and supporting successful design-build outcomes.
As DBIA continues this work, the focus remains on ensuring Owners have the knowledge, support and guidance they need to fully realize the benefits of design-build.
