Successful design-build projects begin long before construction starts, often during the pursuit phase, when teams are deciding how they will work together, communicate, allocate risk and align around project goals.
To help teams navigate that process more effectively, DBIA has released Design-Build Teaming Agreements: A Design-Build Done Right® Deeper Dive, an expanded resource to help Owners, design-builders, designers and trade partners create stronger, more strategic teaming relationships.
The new Deeper Dive builds on DBIA’s existing teaming agreement guidance with updated recommendations, practical tools and real-world considerations shaped by today’s increasingly complex design-build environment.
As projects grow larger and delivery expectations evolve, teaming agreements allow design-build teams to establish alignment early, clarify expectations before procurement pressures intensify and create a foundation for more collaborative project execution.
“Fair, well-structured teaming agreements are the foundation of successful design-build projects and a cornerstone of Design-Build Done Right®,” said Lee Slade, PE, DBIA, Chair of DBIA’s Teaming Agreement Subcommittee of the Design Professionals’ Advisory and Engagement Committee. “DBIA’s Deeper Dive turns best practices into action, helping builders, design professionals and trade contractors create stronger, more effective teaming agreements.”
Rather than relying on generic templates or waiting until problems emerge, the publication encourages teams to approach teaming agreements as strategic tools that can improve communication, strengthen decision-making and reduce friction throughout the life of a project.
The resource includes practical guidance as well as references supplemental customizable tools designed to help teams establish and support productive teaming relationships, including:
- Guidance on 12 essential elements every teaming agreement should address
- Appendix A: Checklist of Teaming Considerations to help teams evaluate agreement structure, responsibilities and key pursuit issues
- Appendix B: Checklist of Term Sheet Issues for Parties to Consider, focused on commercial alignment and post-award expectations
- Appendix C: Checklist for Teaming Agreements for Other Team Members, offering guidance for subconsultants and additional design partners
- Appendices D1 and D2: Team Alignment Topics, featuring suggested vetting and alignment questions for design-builders and designers evaluating potential teaming partners
- Organizational structure examples, pursuit timelines and risk management considerations to support stronger collaboration and project execution
The publication also highlights the DBIA 580 Teaming Agreement as a preferred starting point for teams seeking fair, effective teaming arrangements aligned with Design-Build Done Right® principles.
Importantly, the Deeper Dive is not positioned as a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is intended to help teams have more productive conversations earlier in the process, particularly as design-build projects become more collaborative, fast-moving and operationally complex.
The resources were developed through a multi-year effort led by DBIA’s Teaming Agreement Subcommittee of the Design Professionals’ Advisory and Engagement Committee, with contributions from several DBIA groups, including the Education and Contracts Committees.
Design-Build Teaming Agreements: A Design-Build Done Right® Deeper Dive and accompanying appendices are now available through the DBIA Bookstore.
