Looking Back, Building Forward: Kicking Off 2025 with Lisa Washington and Tom Foley

January 2025

In this first episode of 2025, host Erin Looney kicks off the year with an inspiring conversation featuring DBIA’s Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, CAE, and Thomas J. Foley, P.E., CCM, DBIA, Commissioner of NYC’s Department of Design and Construction and DBIA’s new National Board Chair. Together, they reflect on the game-changing wins of 2024, explore the ambitious 2025-2027 Strategic Goals and discuss the continued growth of design-build. Plus, Erin introduces exciting new podcast features, including the option to text the show and (maybe) a shift away from her infamous bad jokes. Get the dirt on what’s next for DBIA and the design-build industry.

Guests:

Lisa Washington, CAE
ED/CEO, DBIA

Thomas J. Foley, P.E., CCM, DBIA
Commissioner, NYC Department of Design and Construction

Chapters:

00:00:08 Introduction and Show Updates

00:02:20 Big Wins of 2024

00:04:58 Strategic Goals for 2025-2027

00:08:35 Collaboration and Raising Standards

00:13:27 Reinventing Learning at DBIA

00:17:30 Reimagining Membership

00:23:20 Underutilized Business Enterprise (UBE) Engagement

00:33:48 The Role of Committees

00:37:19 FMI Research Insights

00:40:24 Closing Remarks and Reflections

Resources

2024 DBIA Project/Team Award Winners
Learn more about the Project/Team Award Winners, including the Queens Borough Garage and Community Center.
Design-Build Done Right® Best Practices
Review DBIA’s comprehensive guide to best practices, designed to drive exceptional project outcomes and foster team success.
DBIA Certification
Discover how DBIA certification equips professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead successful design-build projects.
DBIA 2025 – 2027 Strategic Goals
Learn more the goals Foley and Washington discussed throughout the episode.
2024 FMI Design-Build Utilization Study (Jan. 2025)
Explore the most recent data on design-build’s market growth, including trends shaping the industry’s future.
Progressive Design-Build Deeper Dive
Understand how progressive design-build is transforming project delivery and why agencies like DDC are eager to embrace it.
DBIA Education and Training
Access a wide range of educational opportunities, from webinars to the Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy, tailored to support your professional growth.
DBIA Region/Chapters
Connect with your DBIA Region and local chapter to network with local professionals and access grassroots resources.
Guide for Enactment of Design-Build Legislation
Gain insights into DBIA’s legislative advocacy efforts and explore tools to support design-build policy changes in your area.

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