At DBIA, our core values have always been about mutual respect for and appreciation of diverse viewpoints and ideas — it’s built into our DNA. That’s why we firmly stand behind the fundamental principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to help drive excellence and innovation in the design and construction industry.
DBIA’s DEI Position Statement supports our longstanding belief that diversity in all areas, including perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, drive us to better serve society, enrich the design-build process and move us toward a more equitable and inclusive future.
We focus and capitalize on DBIA’s unique position as the only organization convening multiple disciplines and stakeholders to bring together divergent perspectives, preparing and supporting our members in addressing complex issues successfully.
Underutilized Business Enterprise (UBE) Membership
DBIA values our UBE community and is excited to help build UBE capacity through increased engagement and by helping these firms make valuable connections to design-build project teams. With design-build currently accounting for nearly half of all design and construction projects, vast opportunities exist for UBEs to be an integral part of our nation’s most successful, innovative and cutting-edge projects.
Joining DBIA will immediately expand your visibility and reach, as well as provide unique opportunities to stand out to design-build teams looking to engage UBE firms. A UBE includes any of the following businesses*: Small, disadvantaged, minority, women- or veteran-owned.
*DBIA will require name of certifying agency to qualify for UBE membership status.
Offer DetailsResources
- DBIA Position Statement: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
The Position Statement reaffirms DBIA’s belief that DEI are fundamental principles that drive excellence and innovation in the AEC industry.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Example Contract Provisions
This free DEI contract document contains sample non-discrimination language and an exhibit for inclusion of Underutilized Business Enterprises that can be attached to DBIA’s Standard Form of Request for Proposals as well as guidance on methods to achieve labor inclusion.
- DEI Project Case Studies
Read this summary on how successful UBE engagement delivered impressive results on these design-build projects: 1) Wichita’s Northwest Water Facility, 2) 1-405 Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes and 3) Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Terminal C High Gates
- Documented evidence that diverse groups achieve better results than individuals and non-diverse groups
- Dame Vivian Hunt, Dennis Layton, and Sara Prince, ‘Why Diversity Matters’ (McKinsey & Company, January 2015)
- Dame Vivian Hunt, Lareina Yee, Sara Prince, and Sundiatu Dixon-Fyle, ‘Delivering through Diversity’ (McKinsey & Company, January 2018)
- Sundiatu Dixon-Fyle, Kevin Dolan, Dame Vivian Hunt, and Sara Price, ‘Diversity Wins’ (McKinsey & Company, May 2020)
- Michelle Thompson, ‘FMI Talent Study’ (FMI Corporation, 2022)
- FMI DBIA Design-Build Utilization Update September 2021
MWDBE (aka UBE) Engagement Enhanced with Design-Build – FMI research validates that meaningful engagement of UBEs is best achieved using design-build.
- 2021 NIBS Equity Survey
DBIA supported the National Institute of Building Sciences 2021 Social Equity Survey. This work is extremely important to provide the data needed to make informed decisions as we plot a social equity course for our AEC workplaces and design-build teams.
Celebrating Successes
As an organization, DBIA is committed to “less talk” and “more action” as it relates to embracing and valuing our differences. As part of DBIA’s ongoing initiatives to find meaningful ways to better engage Underutilized Business Enterprises (UBEs) in the design-build process, in 2022, we established an “Projects Exemplifying Meaningful DEI Practices” award category for our Annual Design-Build Project and Team Awards. “Meaningful” means that it’s more a checkbox, but about teams embracing these firms early in the process, respecting their role on the team, and providing mentoring and support as needed. Read about our winners who clearly saw the value that diverse perspectives bring to the design-build process.
DBIA is a proud winner of a 2023 Bronze Stevie® Award at the 21st American Business Awards® showcase in the video category of Diversity & Inclusion. “In Their Own Voices” features Jumoke Akin-Taylor, CCM, PMP, DBIA, Project Manager with San Francisco Public Works, speaking about her diversity, equity and inclusion journey and how her work has brought a fresh perspective to the industry.