In today’s complex, fast-moving projects, model-based collaboration has become essential to project success. Design-build teams are increasingly turning to Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) strategies to enhance coordination, improve communication and deliver stronger outcomes. But as VDC adoption grows, so does the need for clearly defined leadership that connects VDC strategies to overall project goals.
DBIA has released a new resource to answer that question. The VDC Project Leader’s Role & Responsibilities on Design-Build Projects Primer defines a dedicated leadership role for VDC within design-build teams. It offers clear guidance on how this role supports project success from procurement through turnover by aligning people, process and technology to deliver Design-Build Done Right®.
“We see organizations across the country investing in digital tools, but without clear project leadership to guide their use, those tools often fall short of their potential,” said Brian Skripac, DBIA’s Director of Virtual Design & Construction. “This primer formalizes what effective VDC leadership on projects looks like and why it matters.”
Closing the Leadership Gap
DBIA’s new primer establishes the VDC Project Leader as a standard project role that’s essential for aligning people, process and technology throughout a design-build project. It provides a framework teams can use to integrate digital practices with clear leadership and accountability.
The resource outlines how VDC Leaders:
- Establish project-specific digital goals
- Lead model-based planning and coordination across disciplines
- Support data-driven decision-making to improve cost, schedule and performance
- Connect design and construction workflows
- Promote collaboration across the team and with the Owner
“What sets this role apart is that it’s not just about managing software,” Skripac said. “It’s about enabling people, defining process and strategically applying technology to serve the whole team.”
Practical Tools for Project Teams
The primer includes implementation techniques across three core areas — People, Process and Technology — giving teams actionable guidance for integrating VDC into every phase of a project. It also includes examples of how strong VDC leadership can improve collaboration and reduce risk.
“It moves project teams beyond isolated BIM use,” Skripac said. “Instead of using a model to simply create individual deliverables, they’re using models as reliable, collaborative resources throughout the project. That’s a game-changer.”
This publication builds on DBIA’s foundational Virtual Design & Construction Primer and complements the organization’s VDC Position Statement and other digital project delivery guidance.
The resource is available to download for free in the DBIA Bookstore.
Members of the DBIA VDC Committee, who authored the primer, will present the new publication at the 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at 9:45 a.m. PT.
