The Design-Build Institute of America is saddened by the passing of longtime DBIA National Awards Jury member Juan Carlos “JC” Arteaga, AIA, DBIA.
For more than a decade, JC dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to DBIA’s Project/Team Awards program, helping review and evaluate some of the industry’s most significant design-build projects.
Throughout his career, JC built a reputation as both a respected technical expert and a passionate advocate for collaborative project delivery. Colleagues across the architecture, aviation and design-build communities also knew him for his warmth, relentless optimism and ability to turn every interaction into a genuine connection.
“Some members stick out for their passion and sincere interest in making a difference,” said DBIA Executive Director/CEO Lisa Washington, CAE. “Juan Carlos Arteaga most certainly was one of those special people, and his commitment made a difference in the industry. He was a great ambassador for the architectural community and for design-build.”
JC served as Architect of Record for Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C project while at HNTB and previously served as Chief of the Miami-Dade Aviation Building Department at Miami International Airport. JC was recognized by colleagues as an early advocate for design-build delivery in the aviation and water sectors, bringing both technical expertise and an architect’s perspective to complex infrastructure programs.
Fellow juror John Giachino, DBIA, remembers working with JC when he was Director at Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD). “He brought design-build to WASD, and he was passionate about collaborative delivery –– always with an architectural eye,” said Giachino.
He was also widely respected for his commitment to mentoring others.
Those who served alongside JC on DBIA’s national awards jury remember him as a thoughtful voice and enthusiastic supporter of the awards program and the industry it represents.
“Our association through the awards jury spanned well over a decade, and I always looked forward to JC’s thoughtful input, encouragement and unwavering support of the DBIA awards process,” said DBIA Awards Chair Praful Kulkarni, Ph.D. (HC), FAIA, DBIA. “JC had a remarkable ability to elevate conversations, challenge us constructively and remind us why the work we do matters.”
Others remember the joy and humanity JC brought into every room.
“If you ever walked a conference exhibit hall with JC, you would know it was a non-stop parade of hugs and greetings of ‘my brother! I have missed you!’” said Giachino.
DBIA extends its deepest condolences to JC’s family, friends, colleagues at HNTB and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.