Listen In: What Design-Build’s Boldest Thinkers Are Teaching Us Now

Hear from Two Members of the DBIA College of Fellows on Their Paths to the FDBIA Designation.

DBIA’s College of Fellows honors the industry’s most accomplished professionals, those who’ve demonstrated not only a deep commitment to Design-Build Done Right® but also meet DBIA’s highest standards of leadership, longevity and service.

With the deadline for 2025 College of Fellows nominations approaching, this month’s Design-Build Delivers podcast turns the spotlight on the people behind the FDBIA distinction, featuring the stories, the lessons and the legacy.

In this episode, we hear directly from two of DBIA’s Fellows: Bill Reifsteck, CRIS, FDBIA, and Darlene Septelka, FDBIA. These are candid, thoughtful conversations that reflect the real impact of leadership in our industry.

Bill shares what it means to teach, mentor and lead with practicality and purpose. From helping to revive DBIA’s mentorship program to reshaping how we talk about contract risk, he’s a straight shooter who’s all in on helping the next generation.

Darlene reflects on the early days of DBIA, the challenges of Owner Advisor work and why mentorship is a calling. Her insights reveal the deep listening, collaboration and courage it takes to guide Owners through complex projects and changing expectations.

Whether you’re thinking about nominating a peer, becoming a mentor or just want to hear from two people who’ve help shape this industry from the inside out, this episode delivers a powerful look at what the College of Fellows stands for.

Listen now to learn how Bill and Darlene are continuing to build, teach and inspire, even decades into their careers.

Guests:

Bill Reifsteck, CRIS, FDBIA
Darlene Septelka, FDBIA

Fellows nominations are open now through July 7. If you know someone whose career reflects leadership, mentorship and service to the design-build industry, nominate them today.