Design-Build Delivers: Recent Episodes
DBIA
This is a show about the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry’s fastest growing delivery method…design-build. We’ll talk to design-build pros, Owners and successful teams about the best ways to harness the power of design-build to deliver the nation’s most innovative, collaborative, time and cost-efficient projects. We know America’s infrastructure is a mess. Design-build can help lead us to a national infrastructure renaissance, one community and one project at a time.
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Virtual Design and Construction can help teams identify risk earlier, evaluate alternatives and make better-informed project decisions. But for many transportation and water/wastewater Owners, the technology (and even the terminology) can still feel unfamiliar.
In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, DBIA Director of Virtual Design and Construction Brian Skripac joins Patty Scharf of Burgess & Niple, Jon Berkoe of Arup and Jeff Scarano of HRSD to discuss what DBIA’s VDC Committee learned from conversations with infrastructure Owners and practitioners.
The group examines how models improve constructability, operability and maintainability; how Owners can use project data after turnover; what changes when models become contractual documents; and why leadership and trust are essential to getting full value from VDC.
Guests
Patty Scharf, DBIA, PE
Director of Digital Engineering | Burgess & Niple
Jon Berkoe, PE
Associate Principal | Arup
Jeff Scarano, PE, BCEE, DBIA
Chief Engineer | HRSD
Brian Skripac, CM-BIM, CDT, LEED AP, DBIA
Director of Virtual Design & Construction | DBIA
Resources
Explore DBIA’s VDC resources in the DBIA bookstore.
Register for the VDC Leadership Exchange in Cleveland this November, taking place the day before the Design-Build Conference & Expo.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
State legislative sessions are wrapping up across the country, and design-build continues to gain momentum.
In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, DBIA’s Richard Thomas joins Erin Looney to break down the biggest state legislative developments affecting design-build, including expanded authority, progressive design-build activity, sunset extensions and removals and the growing role of DBIA regions in legislative advocacy.
Richard discusses why transportation remains active, why water/wastewater and building projects are increasingly important and how states such as Missouri, California, Illinois and West Virginia reflect broader national trends. He also explains why passing legislation is only part of the work. Once Owners receive new or expanded authority, they still need training, internal alignment, industry engagement and the right support to use design-build successfully.
The conversation also looks ahead to the next legislative cycle, including expected activity in Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York and other states, as well as federal transportation reauthorization.
Resources:
- DBIA Pending Legislation:Follow the latest state legislative activity affecting design-build authority, including updates on transportation, water/wastewater and other public-sector markets.
- DBIA State Advocacy:Explore DBIA’s state advocacy resources, including guidance for advancing effective design-build legislation and supporting broader understanding of collaborative delivery.
- DBIA Advocacy Toolkits:Access practical tools and resources to help Owners, practitioners and advocates communicate the value of design-build and support Design-Build Done Right® implementation.
- States Look to Broaden Design-Build Authority in Transportation, Water/Wastewater in 2026:Read DBIA’s overview of 2026 state legislative trends, including efforts to expand and refine design-build authority in transportation and water/wastewater.
- The Role of the Owner Advisor in Design-Build Projects:Learn how experienced Owner Advisors can help Owners prepare for design-build success, from procurement planning to implementation of Design-Build Done Right® best practices.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
This Bonus Content Episode extends our conversation from “Beyond the Buzz: Implementing Progressive Design-Build in the Federal Market,” featuring David Triplett and Laura Stagner.
In the full episode, we discussed what federal agencies should know before pursuing progressive design-build, including DBIA’s new Qualifications-Based Selection Deeper Dive for PDB and an accompanying AI-powered tutorial designed to help agencies apply the guidance in real procurement and project delivery scenarios.
Here, we take a closer look at one specific issue: off-ramping.
Off-ramping can sound like a failure, especially when it shows up around high-profile projects. But in progressive design-build, an off-ramp can be a legitimate project-protection tool.
As Dave explains, successful PDB requires moving from controlling the answer to defining the problem.
Resources
Listen to the full episode: “Beyond the Buzz: Implementing Progressive Design-Build in the Federal Market”
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
In the latest episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, host Erin Looney chats with David Triplett of the FBI and Laura Stagner of GSA to discuss what federal agencies should know before pursuing a progressive design-build project.
The episode also highlights DBIA's new Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) Deeper Dive for progressive design-build and an accompanying AI-powered tutorial designed to help agencies apply the guidance in real-world procurement and project delivery scenarios.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
April's Design-Build Delivers Podcast looked at the uncertainty and changes with DBE certification at the federal level. Guests Rachael Pease and Freddie Streeter return in this Bonus Content Episode to ground that discussion in some real-world stories. If you missed it, make sure to listen to the full episode companion to this brief chat for more.
When the Rules Change Midstream: What the Latest DBE Updates Mean for Design-Build TeamsAccess all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
Changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program are already shaping how teams approach projects and raising questions about what comes next.
In the latest episode of The Design-Build Delivers Podcast, brought to you by ARKANCE, an Autodesk Platinum Partner, host Erin Looney speaks with two industry professionals working through those changes in real time.
The conversation focuses on the recent Interim Final Rule (IFR), which removes long-standing presumptions of disadvantage and shifts the burden of proof onto individual firms. As a result, DBE certification, procurement timelines and team formation are all being affected, often in ways that are still evolving.
Rather than debating the policy itself, this episode looks at what’s happening on the ground, including how project teams are adjusting, where uncertainty is creating friction and what it means for small businesses trying to stay engaged in design-build.
Resources from the episode:
- Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices
- DBIA Project/Team Awards
- BOGO DBIA Membership Offer
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
In this bonus episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, Erin Looney highlights a key moment from the recent legislative update conversation to take a closer look at project labor agreements (PLAs) and why they remain one of the most complex and nuanced aspects of project delivery today.
As design-build authority continues to expand across the country, teams are navigating evolving policies, funding challenges and local requirements that can vary significantly by region. PLAs are a clear example of how those dynamics play out in real time.
Listen to the full episode:
All Politics is Local: The State-By-State Push for Design-Build Authority (Feb. 2026 full episode)
Stay informed:
- Track state legislation
- Visit the DBIA Bookstore for free resources supporting state and local legislative efforts
Join the conversation in person:
State and local legislative issues will be a key topic at DBIA’s Spring Specialty Conferences in Grapevine, Texas.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
Every year, the DBIA Project/Team Awards recognize the teams that demonstrate Design-Build Done Right®, but how does the jury actually evaluate submissions?
In this episode, your host Erin Looney chats with four members of the DBIA Awards jury to explain what they look for when reviewing projects and what makes a submission stand out.
The discussion covers:
- How collaboration and leadership influence award-winning projects
- Why documentation and storytelling matter in submissions
- How teams can demonstrate the real impact of VDC and technology
- The role of procurement strategy and risk allocation
If you're considering submitting a project, this episode offers practical insight directly from the people who review the applications.
Resources in the episode
- DBIA Project/Team Awards previous winners
- Orange County Health Care Agency at Marine Way (2025 Best in VDC Award winner)
- DBIA Project/Team Awards Submission Guidelines
- Guest bios:
- Rich Formella, PMP, CPPO, FAC-C III (Retired), FDBIA
- Barbara Jackson, Ph.D., FDBIA
- Praful Kulkarni, Ph.D., FAIA, DBIA
- Brian Skripac, CM-BIM, CDT, LEED AP, DBIA
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
State legislatures across the country are in session, and like every year, the decisions made now could directly affect how projects are delivered for years to come.
In the latest episode of Design-Build Delivers, we hung out with DBIA’s Director of State and Local Legislative Affairs, Richard Thomas, and Legislative Committee Chair Vince Campanella to unpack what’s happening in 2026. From progressive design-build expansion to sunset clauses and subtle procurement language changes, the legislative landscape remains active and consequential.
Some states are refining mature programs. Others are transitioning from pilot programs to full authority. And in a few cases, familiar bills are resurfacing with new language that could impact Owners, designers and contractors alike.
Resources in this episode:
- Guide for Enactment of Design-Build Legislation
- Model Legislation
- State Statute Report
- DBIA State Advocacy Resources
- Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation and Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conferences
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
Each year, the Design-Build Delivers Podcast chats with ED/CEO Lisa Washington, CAE, and DBIA’s new National Board Chair about what’s ahead for the industry.
In this episode, Washington and host Erin Looney are joined by 2026 National Board Chair Virginia McAllister for a forward-looking conversation on collaboration, risk and the priorities shaping design-build in the coming year. Together, they explore what’s driving continued growth in the delivery method, where teams tend to struggle and how education and shared understanding remain essential as design-build expands.
The discussion also touches on how DBIA is evolving to meet the moment, from expanded access to resources and membership to new and updated education designed to support owners and practitioners navigating design-build for the first — or fiftieth — time.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
In Part 2, we catch up with DBIA’s 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award recipients and the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award winner
DBIA’s 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas celebrated more than award-winning projects and standout teams. It also recognized the leaders whose careers, influence and commitment continue to shape the design-build industry.
Part 2 of our post–Design-Build Conference & Expo podcast coverage focuses on DBIA’s individual honors, featuring interviews with this year’s Distinguished Leadership Award recipients and the 2025 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award winner. These conversations highlight the achievements being recognized and the leadership behind them.
Featured Projects and Interviews
- Jennifer Macks — Distinguished Leadership Award (Industry Practitioner)
- Britt Sanford — Distinguished Leadership Award (Owner)
- David Shadpour — Distinguished Leadership Award (Young Professional)
- Janice Zahn — Distinguished Leadership Award (Legislator)
- Bill Reifsteck — 2025 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award
Resources:
- William E. Reifsteck II, FDBIA, CRIS, Awarded the 2025 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award
- Inside the College of Fellows: Wisdom, Wit and What's Next
- Leadership in Every Corner: DBIA’s 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award Honorees
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
We’re back from Las Vegas and reliving the 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Part 1 of this two-part recap. This episode focuses on the teams that won big in Vegas: the Project of the Year, the Chair’s Award and the top three finishers in DBIA’s National Design-Build Student Competition.
Host Erin Looney brings you conversations from the competition and the awards show floor (yes, with plenty of background noise), starting with:
Project of the Year
Kansas City International Airport New Single Terminal and Garage
Guests: Mark Goodwin, Clark Construction
Awards: Aviation | Best in Process – Progressive Design-Build | Trailblazer in Inclusive Growth | National Award of Excellence | National Award of Merit | Project of the Year
Chair’s Award
Hurricane Ian Sanibel Island Access
Guests: Toby Mazzoni (Superior Construction), Paul Suellentrop (DeMoya Infrastructure)
2025 National Design-Build Student Competition
1st Place — D&T Construction (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)
Students: Alyson Buchholz, Sergio Gonzalez, Coulter Langmaid, Casey Lavin, Jacquelyn Lomano (Captain)
Faculty Advisor: Tom Kommer
2nd Place — Cypress (University of Florida)
Students: Elijah John, Aidan Newsom, Asa Richards (Captain), Nicholas Soler, Lucas Wicks
Faculty Advisor: Russell Walters
Special Recognition: Asa Richards – Best Individual Presenter Award
3rd Place — Pioneer Design-Build (Alfred State College)
Students: Jessica Budd, Fernanda Ceja, Selena Fullone, Owen Lantiegne (Captain), Connor Welsh
Faculty Advisor: William Dean
Learn more about the National Design-Build Student Competition
Discover more of the 2025 award-winning design-build projects and teams.
Get ready for future DBIA conferences.
Coming in Part 2:
Interviews with the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award winners — Janice Zahn, Britt Sanford, David Shadpour, Jennifer Macks — and Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bill Reifsteck.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract idea for design-build teams. It’s already changing how projects are delivered, managed and maintained. In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, DBIA’s Director of Virtual Design and Construction Brian Skripac is joined by three leaders from ARKANCE — Jason Kunkel, Senior Practice Manager; Nick Miller, Director of BIM Services; and Justin Friedman, Practice Manager | Facilities Management — to explore how data and AI are reshaping the Owner experience.
Together, they unpack how design-build teams are using data to:
- Turn information into intelligence that drives better decisions.
- Build a culture of trust and governance around data ownership.
- Identify “quick wins” to make AI adoption practical and scalable.
- Shift focus from building smarter to owning smarter.
It’s a conversation about the real-world impact of data — how it’s captured, shared and leveraged across every phase of a project’s lifecycle — and what it means for Owners navigating the next era of delivery.
Resources:
- The VDC Project Leader's Role & Responsibilities on Design-Build Projects(Free to download)
- Smarter, Faster, Still Human: How AI Agents are Changing Design-Build (August 2025 Design-Build Delivers Podcast episode)
- From Sci-Fi to Site Plans: How Augmented Reality is Changing Design-Build (May 2024 Design-Build Delivers Podcast episode)
- What Do Design-Build, Robot Jokes and Baseball Have in Common? (May 2024 Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content Episode)
- Design-Build Delivers Blog posts on AI:
- Beyond BIM: How AI is Unlocking Intelligent Infrastructure Lifecycle Management
- AI’s Place in the Industry: How Builders Are Incorporating AI into Design-Build
- Emerging Technologies: How AI, VR, AR and Cobots Are Transforming Design-Build
- Dashboards, Data and Discipline: Embedding Analytics in the Design-Build Lifecycle
- Bridging the Gap: How Technology is Driving Value in Design-Build Projects
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
This bonus segment from the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, brought to you by ARKANCE, goes a little deeper into the human side of design. DBIA National Board Members Deb Sheehan of DPR Construction and Susan O’Connell of AC Martin explore design justice, community context and why “offensive” isn’t always straightforward. From satisfaction surveys to public art, they unpack how design-build teams navigate human complexity with empathy, flexibility and a touch of humor.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
How do you bring empathy, listening and iteration into projects built for real people? In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, Erin Looney talks with Deb Sheehan and Susan O’Connell about the realities, challenges, and opportunities of applying Human-Centered Design within design-build delivery. Expect stories from healthcare, higher ed, and civic projects where user feedback, prototyping, and adaptability shape outcomes.
Guests:
- Deb Sheehan, ACHE, LEED AP, EDAC, DBIA — Healthcare Core Market Leader at DPR Construction, oversight of $9.5B+ in projects, board roles, evidence-based design leader.
- Susan O’Connell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, DBIA — Managing Principal at AC Martin, 35+ years in complex projects across civic, aviation, higher ed; skilled in integrating input and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Topics Covered:
- What “human-centered design” really means (vs buzzword)
- Tools and techniques: prototyping, mockups, user feedback, iteration
- Project case stories: real challenges in healthcare, campus, civic spaces
- Balancing cost, schedule and human experience
- The role of awards, standards and industry leadership
- What’s next: housing, AI, cross-discipline integration
Resources & References:
- DBIA Design-Build Done Right® Best Practices
- DBIA Design Excellence Position Statement
- DBIA Project/Team Awards
- DBIA Conference & Expo 2025 (Las Vegas)
- How Design-Build is Shaping the Future of Healthcare, Part 1
- How Design-Build is Shaping the Future of Healthcare, Part 2
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
People usually fall into one of two camps on AI: it’s either the most exciting tool since BIM or it’s a technology to fear. In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we look past the hype and into the jobsite, where AI agents are already reshaping how design-build teams work.
Brought to you by ARKANCE (Learn more at arkance.us/dbia), this conversation features Brian Skripac, DBIA’s Director of Virtual Design & Construction, and Paul Hedgepath, Director of Virtual Construction at MJ Harris. Together, they share how AI is moving from speculation to application and delivering real value in scheduling, safety and specs.
From waterproofing details resolved in seconds to healthcare owners eyeing AI for facilities management, the stories highlight both the promise and the practical barriers of adoption. Along the way, our guests tackle questions of trust, integration and what it takes to bring new tools into collaborative teams.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
What does it take to deliver a mission-critical federal facility atop one of the most extreme environments in the U.S.? In this episode, we head to Colorado’s Pikes Peak to explore the award-winning High Altitude Research Lab, a 4,000-square-foot facility rebuilt under intense weather, logistical and design constraints. Joe Opyd shares how his team used design-build to meet the moment and what this “small” project reveals about trust, flexibility and collaboration.
Guest:
Joe Opyd, CCM, DBIA, Sr. Project Manager / Project Controls Manager, DPR Construction
Member, DBIA Federal Committee
Topics Covered:
- Using design-build for small but complex federal projects
- Delivering in extreme environments (wind, lightning, altitude)
- Stakeholder collaboration and city-federal partnerships
- Long funding timelines and design constraints
- Safety planning and logistics at 14,000 feet
- How DBIA principles supported project success
Related Links:
- High Altitude Research Laboratory Project Summary and photos.
- Register for DBIA’s Federal Sector Design-Build Industry Days. Public and private Owners attend free, and UBEs receive discounted registration.
- Explore the DBIA Projects Database to learn more about HARL and other successful design-build projects.
- Ahead of the 2025 Project/Team Award announcement (coming soon), get to know past DBIA Project/Team Award Winners.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
What do you get when you sit down with two DBIA Fellows who’ve seen it all and still want to make things better? A conversation that’s honest, insightful and just the right amount of blunt.
Join host Erin Looney as she chats with Darlene Septelka, FDBIA, and Bill Reifsteck, CRIS, FDBIA, about building strong teams, smarter projects and a more connected design-build future.
You can nominate a design-build leader for the 2025 College of Fellows now through July 7. Visit dbia.org/fellows.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
There’s no official job description for a mentor and no script for how a single introduction can change a student’s life. But when Kent State senior Lola Preseren met DBIA Fellow and 2023 Brunelleschi Award winner Bill Hasbrook at a DBIA conference, everything changed.
In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, brought to you by U.S. CAD, An ARKANCE Company, we explore what real mentorship looks like in design-build. Bill shares how decades of industry experience shaped his passion for guiding future leaders, and Lola offers a student’s perspective on what it’s like to be seen, supported and connected in ways that go far beyond networking.
From structured monthly check-ins to spontaneous life advice, their story is a powerful reminder that mentorship can be transformative for both sides of the equation.
Guests:
- Bill Hasbrook, DBIA Fellow and 2023 Brunelleschi Award Winner
- Lola Preseren, Senior at Kent State University and DBIA Student Volunteer
Resources & Links:
- Learn more about DBIA’s Student Membership
- Nominate a DBIA Fellow
- Explore upcoming DBIA Conferences & Events
- Discover Mentorship and Student Engagement Opportunities at DBIA
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
In this bonus episode of Design-Build Delivers, we continue the conversation from April’s feature, Living Labs and Inclusive Housing: How Design-Build Serves Higher Education. Jason Dunster, Senior Integrated Design Director at McCarthy Building Companies, returns to share additional insights on what made UC Riverside’s North District Phase Two project a model for inclusive, collaborative campus housing.
Jason digs into contract structures, risk allocation and the real-world application of design-build best practices, especially when speed, access and innovation are on the line. He also discusses how prefabrication played a critical role in accelerating construction without compromising on quality or stakeholder alignment.
Whether you're a veteran design-builder or exploring collaborative delivery for the first time, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on Owner readiness, progressive design-build and the future of delivery in higher education.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we spotlight one of the fastest-growing sectors for design-build: higher education. From inclusive student housing to sustainable infrastructure, campuses across the country are embracing collaboration, speed and innovation.
You’ll hear from two design-build pros—both named Jason—who bring award-winning expertise to the table.
👤 Jason Dunster, Senior Director, Integrated Design at McCarthy Building Companies, joins us to talk about UC Riverside’s North District Phase Two—an intersegmental housing project that blends university and community college students into a shared, inclusive campus community.
👤 Jason Tobias, Project Executive at Skanska, shares how Wake Tech’s Central Energy Plant became a living lab, a sustainability standout, and a model for progressive design-build—earning recognition with multiple DBIA Project/Team Awards and Green Globes honors.
🎓 Whether you're on a campus, working with one, or just curious about where design-build is headed next, this episode has something for you.
📌 Resources Mentioned:
- 2024 FMI Design-Build Utilization Study
- The Role of the Owner Advisor in Design-Build
- Project Delivery – A Design-Build Done Right® Primer
- DBIA Certification
- Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices (2023)
- Deeper Dive – Progressive Design-Build
- Design-Build Delivers Blog
- How Design-Build is Shaping the Future of Healthcare Construction (Part 1)
- How Design-Build is Shaping the Future of Healthcare Construction (Part 2)
- DBIA Project/Team Awards
- Wake Technical Community College, Central Energy Plant, Site Work and Infrastructure
This episode is brought to you by U.S. CAD, an ARKANCE Company.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
In this bonus episode of Design-Build Delivers, we’re zooming out from state-level policy to explore the federal developments shaking up the AEC industry.
From Project Labor Agreement (PLA) rulings to sweeping new tariffs and shifting immigration policies, recent federal activity is already influencing how projects are planned, priced and staffed.
Back to help us break it all down:
- Richard Thomas, DBIA’s Director of State and Local Legislative Affairs
- Vince Campanella, Chair of DBIA’s Legislative Committee and longtime design-build leader
📲 Want to share your thoughts? Tap the link in the episode description to text the show — it’s quick, easy and we just might feature your message in a future episode.
🔗 Articles and Resources Mentioned:
- Construction Dive: Executive Order Targets PLAs
- Holland & Knight: Federal Court Declares PLA Mandate Unlawful
- Dodge Construction Network: Tariff Impact on Construction
- Building Design + Construction: Tariffs Could Raise Development Costs by as Much as 10%
- Building Design + Construction: Construction Industry Fears Immigration Crackdown
🛠️ Strengthen your design-build readiness:
Explore tools and resources at store.dbia.org, including:
- Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices
- State Statute Report
- Guide for Enactment of Design-Build Legislation
- Customizable contract documents, position statements and more
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by:
U.S. CAD, An ARKANCE Company
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
Design-build is on the rise, but keeping up with legislative changes is no small task. In this episode, we explore the latest policy updates, new bills shaping the industry and the challenges design-build faces across the country.
DBIA’s Director, State/Local Legislative Affairs Richard Thomas, our go-to state and local legislative expert, and Lydig Construction's Vice President of Operations, Eastern Region Vince Campanella, a veteran of alternative delivery and Chair of the DBIA Legislative Committee, join the show to break down:
✅ Where design-build authority is expanding
✅ The increasing momentum of progressive design-build
✅ How DBIA influences policy at the state and local levels
✅ The fight to defend design-build from restrictive legislation
✅ What’s next for design-build advocacy and how you can get involved
If you’re in the industry, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.
🔹 See the list of resources from this episode on the Design-Build Delivers Blog.
🔹 Text us your thoughts or questions using the link at the top of this episode description!
🔹 Thanks to our sponsor, U.S. CAD, An ARKANCE Company, for making this conversation possible. Learn more.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we chat with Emily Beardall from FMI Corporation to explore what she and her team found in the 2024 Design-Build Utilization Study. The latest data highlights design-build’s continued momentum, with projected growth reaching $1.1 trillion in spending by 2028.
Episode highlights include:
- The industries driving design-build’s expansion
- The rising popularity of progressive design-build
- How Owner Advisors are shaping project success
- What contractors look for in Owners when choosing projects
- The role of DBIA certification in building design-build expertise
Whether you're an Owner, industry professional or just design-build curious, this episode delivers insights into the future of project delivery.
Listen now and get the full report at store.dbia.org.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
Get excited for the 2025 DBIA Project/Team Awards by revisiting some of 2024’s biggest winners. In this Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content Episode, we shift the focus from process to the projects themselves — what makes them stand out, the unexpected challenges they overcame and the surprising ways they came together. From cutting-edge space research to building in one of the harshest places on Earth, these stories will keep you hooked and get you ready to submit your own team’s award-winning projects.
Hear more from the teams that brought you the University of Arizona Applied Research Building, Holt Watters Field Camp and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Research and Innovation Laboratory (RAIL).
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
DBIA is keeping the conversation going with a Bonus Content Episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, expanding on the insights shared in our January episode, "Looking Back, Building Forward: Kicking Off 2025 with Lisa Washington and Tom Foley."
In this bonus content, DBIA Executive Director/CEO Lisa Washington and DBIA National Board Chair Tom Foley (Commissioner, New York City Department of Design and Construction) talk about the power of legislative advocacy in expanding design-build authority across the nation. Tom reflects on New York City's hard-fought legislative wins and how DBIA's national support helped secure critical alternate delivery methods. Lisa explains how DBIA's educational advocacy equips regions and chapters with the resources needed to drive change at the grassroots level.
Of course, it wouldn't be a DBIA conversation without a little fun! Tom also shares a lighthearted gripe from the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo that you won’t want to miss.
If you enjoyed our January episode, this bonus content offers even more industry insights and engaging moments. Be sure to listen to both episodes to get the full picture of what's ahead for 2025.
Guest(s):
Lisa Washington, CAEED/CEO, DBIA
Thomas J. Foley, P.E., CCM, DBIACommissioner, New York City Department of Design and Construction
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
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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, CAEED/CEO, DBIA
Thomas J. Foley, P.E., CCM, DBIACommissioner, NYC Department of Design and Construction
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
TRL may have given us the Backstreet Boys v. NSYNC* showdown, but we’re bringing you the ultimate design-build throwdown: the Top 5 Design-Build Delivers Podcast episodes of 2024! This isn’t just any countdown –– we’re going into the vault to bring you fresh content from your favorite conversations of the year.
Which episodes made the cut? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
You can relive the top episodes of the year in full as well as all our Design-Build Delivers Podcast episodes at your podcast app of choice.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
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The 2024 DBIA Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas was so big –– you know what they say about Texas –– we had to break the November episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast into two parts.
In this special episode, we’re bringing you the highlights from the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas, held Nov. 6-8. Part 2 features our chats with Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award winner Don Warren, FDBIA, and Distinguished Leadership Award winners Emily Galliers, MCIOB, DBIA, and Rod Pope, PE, FDBIA. This super-sized episode is packed with interviews, award highlights and a whole lot more. Don’t miss a minute!
Guests:
Don Warren, FDBIAExecutive Vice President – Upstate Division, Omega Construction
Emily Galliers, MCIOB, DBIADesign Manager, BuildGroup
Rod Pope, PE, FDBIAVice President, Brown and Caldwell
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Have thoughts? Text us!
The 2024 DBIA Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas was so big –– you know what they say about Texas –– we had to break the November episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast into two parts.
In this special episode, we’re bringing you the highlights from the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas, held Nov. 6-8. Part 1 –– out now –– kicks off with interviews featuring the Project/Team Award winners, including team members from the Holt Watters Field Camp, NREL Research and Innovation Laboratory and the Project of the Year winning Applied Research Building at the University of Arizona. Plus, hear from the Student Competition finalist teams from the University of Colorado Boulder and NewSchool of Architecture and Design as well as the winning team from the University of Arizona.
Then, be sure to join us for Part 2, airing Monday, Dec. 2, as we sit down with Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award winner Don Warren, FDBIA, and Distinguished Leadership Award winners Emily Galliers, MCIOB, DBIA, and Rod Pope, PE, FDBIA. This super-sized episode is packed with interviews, award highlights and a whole lot more. Don’t miss a minute!
Guests:
University of Arizona Applied Research BuildingBrian Brandis, University of Arizona
Andrew Gillett, McCarthy Building Companies
Katie Stachler, SmithGroup
Dana Sylvester, University of Arizona
Holt Watters Field CampEllie Mango, Bespoke Project Solutions
Brandon "Shaggy" Neahusan, Bespoke Project Solutions
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Research and Innovation Laboratory (RAIL)Bret Cummock, NREL
Cardinal Design-Build (University of Arizona)Macie Balkan
Kenadee Carruthers
Reuel Florendo
Lauren Johnson
Lily Trenkamp
Rocky Mountain Design-Build (University of Colorado Boulder)Benjamin Hewitt
Katie Irvin
Julian Kotara
Mary Grace Lehmkuhl
Dana Majer
Altitude Design Development (NewSchool of Architecture and Design)James Armendariz
Jade Giron
Boston McCullough
Henry Vergil
Amanda AylesPortfolio Project Manager, Estimating, HCSS
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
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In just 22 months, New York City delivered its first design-build project — during a global pandemic — and the impact is already being felt nationwide. In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we talk about the Queens Borough Hall Garage and Community Center, a state-of-the-art project that's now up for major awards, including DBIA Project/Team Awards. We also explore how NYC’s design-build successes are influencing other states and local governments.
Join host Erin Looney, along with Tom Foley and David Varoli from New York City’s Department of Design and Construction, and Richard Thomas from DBIA, as they break down the challenges and triumphs of NYC’s design-build journey — and what it means for the future of project delivery across the U.S.
And don’t miss the Bonus Content Episode, coming in a few weeks, with even more insights from this conversation.
Guests:
Tom Foley, PE, CCM, DBIACommissioner, NYC Department of Design and Construction/National Board Member of DBIA
David Varoli, Esq., DBIADeputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, New York City Department of Design and Construction
Richard ThomasDirector of State/Local Legislative Affairs, DBIA
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
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DBIA has just released the long-awaited update to our primer, “The Role of the Owner Advisor in Design-Build." Paired with the new companion Owner Readiness Assessment, the primer is tailored to help Owners who have already chosen to use design-build select the right Owner Advisor to lead them through the process.
In this Bonus Content Episode, Molly Jones, AIA, LEED AP, GGP, GPCP, DBIA, and Grace Lin, AIA, CSI-CDT, DBIA, add color to the conversation with examples of projects where an Owner Advisor was key to success and some lessons learned to make sure they are all successes.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
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In the latest episode of Design-Build Delivers, we explore the powerful role technology plays in bringing teams together on design-build projects. We were joined by Neetha Puthran and Aaron Wagner from USCAD, along with Brian Skripac from DBIA, to discuss how common data environments (CDEs) and tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) are transforming collaboration.
From overcoming long-standing barriers in communication to sharing real-world examples of technology streamlining project processes, this episode highlights practical ways teams can improve efficiency, reduce requests for information (RFIs) and ultimately deliver better results. The conversation also explores future trends in project management, including the growing influence of AI and machine learning.
Guests:
Neetha PuthranBusiness Unit Director, Architecture and Engineering; U.S. CAD, An ARKANCE Company
Brian SkripacDirector of VDC, DBIA
Aaron WagnerSenior Director, ACC; U.S. CAD, an ARKANCE company
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
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In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we revisit Progressive Design-Build (PDB) with industry leader Geoff Neumayr, who recently retired as Chief Development Officer at San Francisco International Airport. Geoff shares his insights on how PDB –– and design-build broadly –– is driving meaningful change across the industry.
From the early days of PDB at SFO to its current role in modernizing infrastructure, Geoff dives deep into the human side of construction, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, social engagement and purpose-driven projects. He also addresses common misconceptions about PDB, highlighting its strengths and challenges, and he takes a crack at predicting the future of design-build.
This episode goes beyond the technicalities of PDB, exploring how it impacts communities and the people who live and work in them. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the concept, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on why PDB continues to be a hot topic in the industry.
Guest:
Geoff Neumayr, SE, DBIAChief Development Officer (retired), San Francisco International Airport
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
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In the June episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we spoke with René Divelbiss, the first graduate of the DBIA Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy. Now, in this latest Bonus Content episode, we chat with Mike Werner, managing principal at STOA Architects and another member of the inaugural DBIA Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy class. Mike shares how the academy is transforming his approach to design-build leadership. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, discover how this program can elevate your career.
Guest:
Mike WernerManaging Principal, STOA Architects
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Send us a Text Message.
Discover the keys to successfully engaging an Owner Advisor in design-build projects with the latest episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, and get ready for the upcoming release of the updated DBIA Owner Advisor Primer. In this episode, we explore the updates and feature insights from two of the top industry experts. Learn how Owner Advisors can significantly impact project outcomes by guiding procurement processes, supporting strategic decision-making and supporting a collaborative project environment.
Guests:
Molly Jones, AIA, LEED AP, GGP, GPCP, DBIAPresident, CEO, Jones Design Studio
Grace Lin, AIA, CSI-CDT, DBIASenior Consultant, Turner & Townsend
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
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In a recent Design-Build Delivers Podcast episode, we introduced Rene Divelbiss, the first graduate of DBIA’s Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy. Starting out in the field, Rene advanced to project manager for a general contractor specializing in design-build projects.
Rene joined the Academy to enhance her leadership skills and better support her project team. In the episode, Rene shares valuable insights from the six-course curriculum and encourages other design-builders to hop on board with her. She talks about the diversity of roles in the room with her, the path to an impact statement and the ways in which the Academy increased her self-awareness and adaptability, making her better prepared to be an integral part of her design-build team.
To hear more about Rene’s experiences, tune in to the Design-Build Delivers Podcast and visit the education page on our newly designed dbia.org.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
In this bonus episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, we revisit key insights from the May episode, “From Sci-Fi to Site Plans: How Augmented Reality is Changing Design-Build,” featuring Argyle CEO Maret Thatcher and DBIA’s Director of Virtual Design and Construction Brian Skripac. We present Maret and Brian with a short roleplay scenario where they pitch the benefits of AR to a skeptical Owner building a stadium. Do they convince the Owner?
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Once considered cutting-edge, technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, augmented reality, and natural language processing are now ubiquitous. Today, anyone can ask a natural language processing platform for recipe ideas, visualize new furniture in their home with an app, use AI to craft a social media post, or prank friends with image generators – for better or worse.
The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) space is no exception. The availability and usability of machine learning, AI, and various forms of digital reality have skyrocketed, making technology not just an option but an expectation.
This month’s episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, sponsored by USCAD, delves into the use of augmented reality on job sites with Argyle CEO Maret Thatcher and DBIA’s Director of VDC Brian Skripac. Listen to "From Sci-Fi to Site Plans: How AR is Changing Design-Build" to discover how AR solutions like Argyle can help design-build teams meet the standards of Design-Build Done Right®, understand the impact of increased technology use on job sites and explore what’s next for technology in the AEC industry — and maybe a sci-fi pop culture reference or three.
Guests:
Maret ThatcherCEO, ArgyleBrian SkripacDirector of Virtual Design and Construction, DBIA
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
In April, we spoke with LaDrena Dansby, Anna Pridmore and Barbara Wagner at length about women in construction. What was intended to be a 30-minute chat turned into a deep and nuanced discussion that covered so much ground we had to break it into four parts. From the cutting room floor of "Blueprints to Inclusion: Championing Women in Design-Build and Beyond," this bonus episode focuses on work-life integration and modern views of what a full life looks like. Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Check out the first of three Bonus Content episodes from the April Design-Build Delivers Podcast, complementing the longer April episode, "Blueprints to Inclusion: Championing Women's Design, Build and Beyond."
In “Show Me Your C-Suite: Why Women's Programs and Diversity Initiatives Still Matter,” LaDrena Dansby, Anna Pridmore and Barbara Wagner dig deeper into issues impacting women in the construction industry, including the significance of women's programs and diversity initiatives, the importance of involving everyone in these discussions and the need to diversify leadership in AEC firms.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
In the latest episode of the Design-Build Delivers podcast, we sit down with Anna Pridmore, LaDrena Dansby and Barbara Wagner to discuss the impact and future of women in the AEC industry and how design-build is well-situated to support and elevate women. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the challenges women face in the industry to the unique skills and perspectives they bring.
Our guests share their experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of soft skills, mentorship and advocating for diversity. They also offer advice for young women and non-binary individuals interested in pursuing careers in construction, emphasizing the value of confidence, taking risks and building a productive and supportive network.
Tune in to learn more about the role of women in shaping the future of the construction industry and how DBIA can better support and encourage diversity of thought.
Stay tuned for more from this episode with Design-Build Delivers Bonus Content, longer conversations with our guests. Coming soon!
Guests, in order of appearance:
LaDrena Dansby, PE, DBIAPM/CM Program Director
AECOM
Anna Pridmore, Ph.D., PE, DBIAVice President – Pipeline & Water Infrastructure Solutions, Strategic Market Development
Structural Technologies
Barbara Wagner, LEED AP, FDBIAExecutive Vice President
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Discover the latest in design-build legislative developments with special Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content. In this bonus content, we delve into the recent legislative landscape in Virginia, a topic also touched upon in our March episode, "Fighting for Design-Build Authorization in Your State? DBIA Has Your Back with Resources and Lessons Learned."
Richard Thomas, DBIA’s Director of State and Local Legislative Affairs, provides insights into Virginia bills that could have significantly impacted design-build practices. He explains how these bills, if passed, would have restricted the use of design-build and codified practices that are not in line with industry standards. Through strategic advocacy efforts, DBIA successfully preserved design-build authority and ensured crucial criteria, such as past performance and experience, remain integral to the process.
March guests Vince Campanella and Mike Meredith also join the minisode, offering their perspective on how to approach similar bills that could threaten design-build authority at the state level. They emphasize the importance of being proactive, understanding the motives behind such bills and leveraging resources such as DBIA's model legislation and state statute report.
Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content goes beyond regularly scheduled episodes of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast to bring deeper insight, additional guests and thought-provoking debate that didn't make it into the first cut.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Over the last few months, we’ve talked a lot about the new Guide for Enactment of Design-build Legislation, Model Legislation and updated 2023 State Statute Report. From blog posts to podcasts, we’ve been celebrating legislative victories across the country –– Virginia, California, Florida and several other states. In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, East Coast Region Vice President of Operations for Lydig Construction Vince Campanella and Vanir Construction’s Vice President and Director of Design-Build Program and Services Mike Meredith talk about those advocacy resources once again, this time focusing on their application and conceptualizing them within the industry and legislative arenas broadly.
Stay tuned for more from this episode with Design-Build Delivers Bonus Content, longer conversations with our guests. Coming soon!
Guest(s):
Vince CampanellaVice President of Preconstruction
Lydig Construction
Mike Meredith, LEED AP, CCM, FDBIAVice President and Director of Design-Build Program and Services
Vanir Construction
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Sometimes, our chats with podcast guests go long, dive into some deep stuff or – every so often – get a little weird. The topics we discuss are also multifaceted and can only go so far in a single episode, so we’re introducing a new way to bring you some of the better content that ends up on the cutting room floor.
Listen now to the newest Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content on your favorite podcast app. In February’s episode, A Bridge Too Far?: Contextualizing DBIA’s New Position Statement on Bridging Documents and Prescriptive Requirements, we talked to Shailendra Patel (Virginia Department of Transportation) and Bill Kent (Mortenson) about our newly released position statement on performance based requirements over bridging documents. There was more to the conversation, though. In this Bonus Content, we talked about the controversy about bridging versus performance based requirements, a little on the Spearin doctrine and why DBIA entered the chat.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Last month, DBIA released Prescriptive Design and the Use of Bridging Documents, a new position statement that aligns with DBIA’s Design-Build Done Right® Best Practices. By encouraging Owners to limit prescriptive requirements and bridging documents in favor of requirements based on performance, the guidance provided in the new position statement allows for the flexibility and innovation design-build is known for.
But how this works in practice can be a bit confusing. What do we mean by “extensive?” What should Owners do instead? Is there a happy medium?
We invited Bill Kent, LEED AP, FDBIA, and Shailendra Patel, PE, FDBIA, to the February 2024 episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, brought to you by USCAD, to answer those questions and more. Their insights answered several questions about the new position statement and helped illustrate just where it fits into the greater design-build landscape.
Guest(s):
Bill Kent, LEED AP, FDBIAMarket Executive
Mortenson
Shailendra Patel, PE, FDBIAAlternative Project Delivery Division Administrator
Virginia Department of Transportation
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Sometimes, our chats with podcast guests go long, dive into some deep stuff or – every so often – get a little weird. The topics we discuss are also multifaceted and can only go so far in a single episode, so we’re introducing a new way to bring you some of the better content that ends up on the cutting room floor.
In the January episode titled “Tackling State Design-Build Legislation: California’s PDB Bill as a Starting Point,” we spoke with Brandon Dekker (Cannon Design), Chris Sullivan (Sundt Construction), Marianne O’Brien (SmithGroup) and Beau Biller (Platinum Advisors) regarding SB 706 in California. While we've previously covered this 2023 bill's expansion of PDB authority, the podcast episode went further into understanding how their successful efforts in the DBIA-Western Pacific Region could serve as a blueprint for success nationwide. The episode also unveiled the updated State Statute Report and generated anticipation for the upcoming release of DBIA’s Model Legislation.
Regrettably, we couldn't fit all the inside baseball from Dekker and Sullivan's time in the episode. Enter Bonus Content, where this extended interview with Dekker and Sullivan sheds more light on their specific contributions to steering SB 706 across the finish line.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Sometimes, our chats with podcast guests go long, dive into some deep stuff or – every so often – get a little weird. The topics we discuss are also multifaceted and can only go so far in a single episode, so we’re introducing a new way to bring you some of the better content that ends up on the cutting room floor.
In the January episode titled “Tackling State Design-Build Legislation: California’s PDB Bill as a Starting Point,” we spoke with Brandon Dekker (Cannon Design), Chris Sullivan (Sundt Construction), Marianne O’Brien (SmithGroup) and Beau Biller (Platinum Advisors) regarding SB 706 in California. While we've previously covered this 2023 bill's expansion of PDB authority, the podcast episode went further into understanding how their successful efforts in the DBIA-Western Pacific Region could serve as a blueprint for success nationwide. The episode also unveiled the updated State Statute Report and generated anticipation for the upcoming release of DBIA’s Model Legislation.
Regrettably, we couldn't fit everything Beau knows into the episode. Enter Bonus Content, where this extended interview with Biller gives you a little more of a look into the life of an advisor who's worked on legislative efforts alongside DBIA for more than 15 years.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Sometimes, our chats with podcast guests go long, dive into some deep stuff or – every so often – get a little weird. The topics we discuss are also multifaceted and can only go so far in a single episode, so we’re introducing a new way to bring you some of the better content that ends up on the cutting room floor.
In the January episode titled “Tackling State Design-Build Legislation: California’s PDB Bill as a Starting Point,” we spoke with Brandon Dekker (Cannon Design), Chris Sullivan (Sundt Construction), Marianne O’Brien (SmithGroup) and Beau Biller (Platinum Advisors) regarding SB 706 in California. While we've previously covered this 2023 bill's expansion of PDB authority, the podcast episode went further into understanding how their successful efforts in the DBIA-Western Pacific Region could serve as a blueprint for success nationwide. The episode also unveiled the updated State Statute Report and generated anticipation for the upcoming release of DBIA’s Model Legislation.
Regrettably, we couldn't fit all of Marianne's great stories into the episode. Enter Bonus Content, where this extended interview with O'Brien gives a little exciting behind-the-scenes look at working with the California State Assembly.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
When DBIA was first established 30 years ago, only three states allow the use of design-build for public projects, so advocating for design-build authority became vital to DBIA's mission.
In 2023, more than 78% of design-build related bills at the state level were passed, up from 25% in 2022. Among the 160 design-build related bills introduced in 2023, there were a record number of progressive design-build or PDB bills, including SB 706, in California, which was led by DBIA’s Western Pacific region.
In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, brought to you by USCAD, we talked to a few of the people who made that bill happen, expanding PDB authority to all agencies in California. We take what they learned and we discuss ways to scale it and apply those lessons along with DBIA resources like our updated State Statute Report and our upcoming Model Legislation to guide other states to successfully pass bills to advance design-build authority.
Stay tuned for more from this episode with Design-Build Delivers Minisodes, longer conversations with our guests. Coming soon!
Guest(s), in order of appearance:
Brandon Dekker, M.S., DBIAPrincipal, San Diego and Irvine Office Practice Leader
Cannon Design
Christopher SullivanPreconstruction Project Manager
Sundt Construction
Marianne O'Brien, FAIA, LEED AP, DBIAPrincipal, Architect
SmithGroup
Beau BillerLobbyist
Platinum Advisors
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Join DBIA's CEO, Lisa Washington, and National Board Chair-Elect, Dana Pomeroy, in a captivating year-end podcast episode. Reflect on 2023's milestones and discover exciting plans for 2024. From celebrating the 30th anniversary with resource releases to exploring fresh ways to connect with MWDBEs, regions, partner organizations, design professionals, young professionals, students and more, this episode encapsulates a year of growth and sets the stage for the next chapter in design-build excellence. Don't miss this insightful conversation marking the close of another year on the Design-Build Delivers Podcast.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
November 2023
In this supersized episode of the Design-Build Delivers podcast, DBIA celebrates the winners from the 2023 Design-Build Conference and Expo. We caught up with Chair’s Award winner Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Project of the Year 1021 O Street State Office building and the winning National Design-Build Student Competition team from the University of Florida. Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award winner Bill Hasbrook and Distinguished Leadership Award winners Linnell Stanhope, Kathy Tuznik and Nick Ulliman reflected on their awards as well. Relive the 2023 Design-Build Conference and Expo through their excitement in our special episode.
Guest(s) (in order of appearance):
Nia RubinDirector of Real Estate Development, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Jeff WellensteinProject Manager, Hensel Phelps
University of Florida's Team Cypress Construction
- Christopher Fettes
- Tristan Henderson
- Ava Standridge
- Nassay Jimenez
- Maria Cocco
- Russell C. Walters, William G. and Aneice R. Lassiter Instructional Assistant Professor, M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, University of Florida
**Bill Hasbrook, Jr., MEMS, TCFM, FDBIA
Linnell StanhopeBusiness Development, Crowder ConstructionNick Ulliman, PE, MBA, DBIASenior Project Manager, Ulliman Schutte ConstructionKathy Tuznik, Assoc. DBIA**Senior Deputy General Counsel, NYC Department of Design and Construction
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Climate change and sustainability touch every corner of the news cycle and every corner of our lives – as they should. We're increasingly aware of how important it is to take action to mitigate the man-made impacts on the climate, and the built environment is taking stock of how to address climate change and increase sustainability. In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, Molly Jones talks about Building Beautifully, her 2024 book that tackles how project delivery method impacts sustainability.
Guest:
Molly Jones, AIA, LEED AP, GGP, GPCP, DBIAPresident, Jones Design Studio, PLLC
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
In this month’s Design-Build Delivers podcast, we spoke with members of the Design Professionals' Advisory and Engagement Committee who helped craft updates to DBIA’s Position Statement on Design Excellence, which was originally released in 2014. We discussed the changes that were made, why a new statement was important now and how design excellence is vital to Design-Build Done Right®.
Guests:
Rob BarberaGeneral Manager/Senior Vice President, Turner Engineering Group, Turner Construction Company
Susan O’ConnellManaging Principal, AC Martin
Holly StonePresident, Stone Security Engineering
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Technology seemingly develops right before our eyes. Smarter, faster and more sophisticated tools and programs consistently streamline work across industries, and the AEC industry is no exception. What can design-builders do to ensure the adoption and use of any technology is worth their time and effort and maintains the whole-team approach?
This month on the Design-Build Delivers podcast, we discuss meaningful use of BIM and VDC on design-build projects, including how a BIM standard can ensure more consistent outcomes for projects.
Guests:
Brian SkripacDBIA Director of Virtual Design & ConstructionNick MillerUSCAD Director of BIM ServicesTroy GatesUSCAD Director of Innovation
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
The Department of Labor reported that in June, 23,000 new construction jobs were added, and the White House announced more than $2.2 billion for 162 community-led infrastructure projects.
Those job openings and those projects require people.
On this episode of the Design-Build Delivers podcast, we talk about the philosophy and strategy of working well with our fellow humans in design-build projects – and across the industry. From meaningful DEI to job-related empathy, leadership self-awareness to bringing out the best in teams, we explore several ways to ensure that, no matter our role, we lead with humanity and, as our guest Kabri Lehrman-Schmid puts it, “create an environment of psychological safety to center team development, information sharing and engagement.”
Guest:
Kabri Lehrman-SchmidProject Superintendent, Hensel PhelpsKabri has worked across project phases throughout her 16-year career and boasts a portfolio of over 1.9 billion dollars of work in place. As a project superintendent, Kabri’s focus on people-centered project management has earned her accolades that include ENR's 2023 Top 20 Under 40, Construction Business Owner's 2019 Outstanding Women in Construction, AGC of Washington's inaugural Rising Star award in 2022, and Washington Women in Trades' 2019 Workplace Leader Award. Kabri often lends her insights into prioritizing workforce health and safety to publications and organizations.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
In March, FMI Consulting forecast design-build projects will account for nearly half (47%) of all construction by 2026 and $1.9 trillion in spending, even with a looming recession in the greater industry. According to a majority of respondents, design-build is better situated than other delivery methods to help alleviate supply chain issues, respond to retention challenges and allow for offsite construction.
That news is good for DBIA and good for Owners and practitioners, but how can the data help them plan for that future? Emily Beardall from FMI joined this month’s Design-Build Delivers podcast to answer that question and to talk about the challenges and opportunities behind the findings.
Guest:
Emily BeardallSenior Consultant, FMI Consulting
With FMI, Emily works as a senior consultant, developing creative tools and delivering powerful solutions for FMI clients like DBIA. Emily is a design-build expert with extensive experience in the greater industry, from speaking engagements to strategic planning.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Since the initial release of DBIA’s Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices in 2014, both design-build and the construction, architecture and engineering (AEC) industry at large have seen significant evolution. To reflect those changes and provide room for continued growth, DBIA has released an update to the Best Practices, available now in the DBIA Bookstore.
The 2023 update was informed by extensive research and the varied perspectives of diverse stakeholders with the goal of providing guidance that greatly increases the chances of successful and truly collaborative design-build outcomes.
In this month’s Design-Build Delivers podcast, we talk about the update process and some of the bigger changes in the updated Best Practices. And we discuss the anticipated impact on design-build in light of significant growth projections in the next three years.
Guests:
Jim Ropelewski, JD, DBIA
DBIA Curriculum and Resource Development Advisor
Dan Rawlins, RA, DBIA
DBIA Designated Design-Build Professional
Principal and Project Manager
Rawlins Group
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
As the use of design-build continues to grow, Owners are looking for design-build certified teams to deliver their projects. Practitioners are also looking for design-build certified team members. DBIA certification has never been more valuable than it is today.
It’s no surprise that this increasing demand has led to rapid growth in the number of DBIA® and Assoc. DBIA® credential holders. There were more than 6,300 credential holders at the end of 2022 with even more design-build team members from all disciplines working toward certification this year.
In this month’s Design-Build Delivers podcast, we talk about the design-build certification process, the role DBIA credential holders play in delivering the nation’s most efficient projects and what’s ahead for those interested in becoming certified.
Guests
Jignesh Desai, P.E., BCEE, DBIA
DBIA Certification Board Chair
Senior Project Manager-San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Bill Kent, FDBIA
DBIA Instructor and National Board Member
Mortenson
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
So, you’ve done the hard work as a team and delivered a design-build project to be proud of. Now what? Now is the time to share your success by entering that project in DBIA’s 2023 Design-Build Project/Team Awards.
In this podcast episode, long-time DBIA awards jury chair Barbara Jackson,
gives us a look inside the jury deliberation process and what it takes to be a DBIA award-winning project.
Guest
Barbara J. Jackson, Ph.D., FDBIA -Chair, DBIA Project/Team Awards Jury
President & CEO-Barbara Jackson, LLC
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
As a long-time supporter of the Charles Pankow Foundation, DBIA is excited to share the news about new design-build tools they’ll release in 2023. First is the online Project Delivery Assessment Tool, which allows Owners to assess their ability to deliver projects using design-build. As we all know, design-build is only as successful as the Owners who implement it, and this tool serves as a mirror for Owners to investigate their ability to deliver design-build successfully. The second phase of this project is an update to the Professional Guide to Managing the Design Phase of a Design-Build Project, including new focused guides for five sectors.
In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to two guests working closely with the Pankow Foundation to create these invaluable new design-build tools. Greg Gidez and Bryan Franz offer a preview of what’s ahead.
Guests:
Greg Gidez, AIA, FDBIA
Director of Design Services
Hensel Phelps
Bryan Franz, M.E.
University of Florida School of Construction Management
Associate Professor
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
In 1993, some of the industry’s giants gathered in Washington, D.C., to talk about the need for a new organization dedicated to educating the nation and teaching design, construction and engineering professionals about design-build. This year DBIA celebrates its 30th Anniversary and the incredible achievements we’ve seen over those decades.
In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, DBIA’s National Board Chair, Deb Sheehan, and DBIA Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, look back on an incredible 30 years while also looking forward to what they predict lies ahead.
Guests:
Deb Sheehan, DBIA, ACHE, LEED AP, EDAC
DBIA National Board Chair
Healthcare Market Strategy Leader, DPR Construction
Lisa Washington, CAE
DBIA Executive Director/CEO
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
Guests:
- Richard Standiford, DBIA, California Department of General Services Project Manager
- Jim Hull, DBIA - Turner Construction Project Executive
- Tammy Jow, DBIA – AC Martin Project Designer
Meet DBIA’s 2022 National Design-Build Project of the Year. DBIA’s panel of jurors agreed that this project stood out among a large field of impressive design-build projects. Being named a DBIA national award winner is challenging. Being named the best of the best in an increasingly innovative industry is spectacular.
In this episode, we talk to three of the project leaders tasked with building a new home for California’s Natural Resources Agency. This was not only a massive project, but the team also faced numerous challenges, including the pandemic, deadly wildfires and civil unrest nearby. Despite it all, their one-team-one goal approach delivered beauty, community, resiliency, and so much more. There are so many real-world lessons to be learned from DBIA award-winning teams and this group has an incredible story to tell.
Resources:
- New Natural Resources Headquarters (NNRH) Project Details
- DBIA 2022 Design-Build Project/Team Award Winners
- Turner - Project at a Glance
- AC Martin – Project at a Glance
- DBIA National Awards 2022 Submission Guidelines (to be updated for 2023)
- Creating a Winning Entry Video
- DBIA Awards Information + FAQs
Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.
DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.
As design-build use continues to grow nationwide, delivering nearly half of all construction dollars, so does the need for well-trained design-build Owners and teams. We know that design-build is only as successful as the Owners who implement it, so it’s vital that Owners understand the basics of Design-Build Done Right® best practices. The role of the Owner Advisor has developed over the years as increasing project complexities have led Owners to seek more advice throughout the design-build process. From procurement, design and construction to project delivery, a good Owner Advisor can help deliver project success. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to Molly A. Jones, the Chair of DBIA’s Owner Advisor Committee, about the who, what, when, and why of choosing an Owner Advisor.
Each year, design-build advocates across the nation and in the halls of Congress work to ensure that states and federal agencies have full access to design-build to deliver their projects. That authority has never been more important as we rebuild in the post-Covid environment and launch a new infrastructure reinvestment era. DBIA’s advocacy team continues to lead that effort to educate lawmakers and advocate for expansive design-build authority.
In this episode, DBIA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Industry Engagement, Louis Jenny, and Richard Thomas, Director of State/Local Legislative Affairs give us details on why 2022 was a record-breaker for the passage of design-build legislation.
DBIA’s contract documents have been the go-to resource for America’s design-build teams for years. Now, with important 2022 updates available, these timely and customizable documents are ready to help teams face the challenges of today’s marketplace.
Design-build is continually evolving, so it’s vital that teams implement Design-Build Done Right® throughout every phase of the project, increasing the likelihood of success. In today’s Design-Build Delivers podcast, we talk to two design-build Contracts Committee Chairs (current and past) about this impressive suite of design-build contract documents and how they will help teams deliver the nation’s most cost and time-efficient projects in the nation.
Providing a reliable and resilient energy flow to America’s communities has been increasingly challenging. Climate change has tasked many systems while usage also continues to rise. In today’s episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to two green building experts, Kevin Hydes and Sam Brooks, about the imperative to rebuild our power grid for the future, making it more resilient to the impacts of climate change while increasing access to affordable and reliable clean energy. There is $65 million in federal dollars invested in upgrading the electric grid, and America’s design-build teams have an opportunity to lead the way in delivering innovative power projects for the future.
As we move into the second half of 2022, implementation of historic federal infrastructure investment is underway. Agencies and industry alike are getting new information and details almost daily on how the roughly $1.2 trillion will be distributed nationwide. 4,300 projects are underway in 3,200 communities nationwide with $110 billion in funding allocated. But even as programs become more clearly defined, there are still challenges that come with these opportunities. In this episode we talk to long-time federal market pros, Laura Stagner and Thom Kurmel about how design-build teams will play a vital role in helping agencies manage workforce, supply chain and cost certainty challenges.
Resilient design and construction is all about finding solutions to deliver longevity, innovation, and adaptability in our projects. Successful resiliency programs can be as unique as the projects they’ll deliver; however, good resiliency programs have some essential elements. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, DBIA’s VDC Director Brian Skripac talks to USCAD’s Troy Gates and Ryan Colker from the International Code Council about a wide range of resiliency topics to help your team deliver projects that stand the test of time.
It’s that time of the year when university students in design and construction programs nationwide prepare to compete in DBIA’s annual Design-Build Student Competition. This event provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to show off their skills while meeting design-build industry leaders one-on-one. So, what makes a championship design-build student team? In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, the impressive competitors from the University of Colorado Boulder talk about the process, collaborating as a team and the incredible payoff once it was all over.
Whether you’re back in the office, working remotely, or both, organizations continue to rethink how they manage a constantly changing COVID environment. For design-build teams tasked to create efficient, sustainable and flexible office space – innovation is more important than ever. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to one design-build team who successfully met that challenge to rethink the office space and deliver a workplace that really “works” during COVID and beyond.
The passage of historic infrastructure investment brings tremendous opportunities for the design-build industry, communities, and the entire nation as we make once-in-a-generation improvements to America’s aging infrastructure. What is the state of infrastructure investment implementation and how can the design-build team prepare for what’s ahead? Those issues and so much more will fuel next month’s Design-Build for Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation Conferences. In this episode, we talk to DBIA Water/Wastewater Markets Committee Chairman, John Giachino and Transportation/Aviation Chairman, Jim Avitable, about both events and why they’re especially important this year.
The digital transformation now underway in our industry will transform the way we work and deliver design-build projects. But the successful use of virtual design and construction is about far more than just software and tech tools. In this episode, VDC Directors, Brian Skripac with DBIA and Alex Belkofer with McCarthy, talk about the importance of having the right people and processes in place to capture the full value of virtual design and construction on design-build projects.
Thank you to our podcast sponsor U.S. CAD.
They say information is power and that’s why DBIA is committed to bringing design-build teams the latest research and data to help drive your business decisions. As we begin 2022, with historic infrastructure investment on the way, it’s especially important that our design-build industry and Owners understand the marketplace today and into the future. In this episode of “Design-Build Delivers” we get a detailed look at design-build market data through 2025. FMI’s Paul Trombitas talks about market analysis by sector, region, and so much more.
Thank you to our podcast sponsor U.S. CAD.
What makes a DBIA national project/team award winner? It’s a simple question with a complex answer. Our jurors will tell you that as design-build grows exponentially, so has the innovation and impressive work being delivered by project teams nationwide. At the heart of all national design-build award-winning projects is the successful use of Design-Build Done Right® to deliver triple bottom-line results. But this year’s Design-Build Project of the Year, the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, takes those principles to new heights by innovating and collaborating in so many impressive ways. Hear first hand from the impressive design-build team about how they did it.
America’s design-build teams continue to deliver some of the most innovative, resilient, cost and time-efficient projects in the nation. Whether it’s a huge multi-million-dollar infrastructure project or a small community center, these national design-build winners show how the industry is changing the way America builds – even during a pandemic.
This year’s award winners share a number of things in common that make them the best of the best. In this episode, we talk to long-time Awards juror and Chair, Dr. Barbara Jackson, about the secret sauce that makes a design-build project and team truly great.
As we enter a new phase in our COVID-19 recovery, the issues facing employers and employees alike have shifted. While safety remains a top concern, the wide availability of a vaccine has many organizations questioning how/when to return to the workforce in full force. As some sense of normalcy returns, there are legitimate legal questions and challenges for employers. Including, can vaccines be mandated for workers returning to the job site and office?
In this episode of our Design-Build Delivers podcast, we talk to Stephen Reams, Partner, and Joshua Holt, Associate, with Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP, a law firm which focuses on construction and government contract law about this complex question.
Given all we've faced over the past year, we know design-builders are ready to seize the opportunity to come back even stronger in 2021. The possibility for new infrastructure investment, used as a tool to fuel economic recovery, provides design-build teams the chance to -- once again -- make our mark on communities nationwide. Are we ready for the potential opportunities ahead?
The 2021 Design-Build for Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation virtual conferences couldn’t come a better time for teams working to prepare for the future. With 28 sessions created by design-builders for design-builders, this event will help teams harness the power of design-build to lead our recovery. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we offer you a sample of two recent conference sessions in the water/wastewater and transportation/aviation sectors as an example of what you can experience at our April virtual conferences. We hope to see you then!
We’ll start the New Year off by taking a look into our legislative crystal ball to see what 2021 may hold for design-build legislation nationwide. Not only is there talk (again) about the possibility of long-overdue national infrastructure investment but states are also looking to infrastructure as a way to jump-start their local economies. Today we talk to DBIA’s advocacy leaders, Louis Jenny, Vice President, Advocacy and Industry Engagement and Richard Thomas, Director State/Local Legislative Affairs, about what could be ahead for industry and Owners in 2021.
If you fly into Spokane Washington, there’s one icon you simply can’t miss – the Riverfront Park U.S. Pavilion. It’s been a landmark in the city since the 1974 World’s Fair and yet it had seen better days until the city’s parks department launched its first progressive design-build project to renovate and revitalize this important part of the community. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to the 2020 Design-Build Project of the Year team about the challenges and rewards of delivering a project that’s literally the talk of the town.
The best design-builders address differing site conditions based not only on the information they clearly see in front of them but on a deeper analysis of the situation. It just makes good sense to look beyond the surface.
So, if it makes sense to look beyond the surface on a project, doesn’t it make sense to look beyond the surface in other aspects of our lives, including in our relationships, interaction, and partnerships with others? DBIA is proud to have some of the most forward-thinking, innovative, caring, and committed members in the design and construction industry. But even at DBIA, implicit bias is alive and well. “Diversity” and “Inclusion” are the safer, sanitized version of the elephant in the room – racism and racial bias. That is why DBIA is taking a bold stance in not just dipping our toe into topics of “diversity and inclusion,” but jumping waist-deep into the topic of racial bias and how we see each other when we refuse to look beyond the surface.
In this Design-Build Delivers episode, we have an honest conversation with DBIA’s National Board Chair Rick del Monte and Executive Director/CEO Lisa Washington about the work ahead to deliver real change in the way our industry addresses systemic racism and bias.
Design-build has played a vital role in our nation’s response to the pandemic and will continue to be an important player in our post-COVID recovery. That’s just one reason why now’s the perfect time to join us at the 2020 Design-Build Conference & Expo and the Federal Design-Build Symposium. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers we talk to DBIA Conference Planning Co-Chairs about this larger-than-ever event, their goal to bring design-build teams the real-world help they need in today’s challenging environment, the impressive speaker lineup highlights of some of the 50+ sessions, and more.
Delivering construction projects is inherently risky. That’s just a fact. However, Design-Build Done Right® best practices can help project teams manage risk through early collaboration and integration to deliver more successful projects. Design pros Greg Gidez and Pat Crosby sat down with DBIA to talk about the challenges many teams can face if they don’t talk about risk long before day one on the job.
It’s that time of the year! DBIA’s 2020 Design-Build Project/Team Awards jury is meeting to choose the nation’s best in design-build. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers we talk to our current Project of the Year team about what it takes to deliver a truly extraordinary project.
Sharp HealthCare turned to the Hensel Phelps | SmithGroup design-build team to deliver a next-generation hospital tower in Chula Vista, California. Not only does it provide life-saving and healing care to thousands it’s also an iconic, trailblazing and life-changing beacon for the community it serves.
We’ve ignored our national infrastructure for decades and by some estimates, it will take trillions to reverse the damage. But even with broad popular support for increased infrastructure investment, the conversation always ends with “how do we pay for it?” Norman Anderson is an infrastructure expert who’s spent decades working strategically on infrastructure solutions and advising legislative leaders on how to break the political and leadership logjam. DBIA talked to him about our new economic challenges and the potential that infrastructure stimulus could be used help rebuild our economy.
There’s no doubt America’s design-build teams will have a critical role to play in the post-COVID-19 recovery period. What role will resiliency play as we design and build these recovery projects? How do we ensure project teams aren’t trapped in “blue sky thinking” that ignores the adaptation we’ll need in projects of the future? Today we talk to Dr. Stephen E. Flynn, the founding Director of the Global Resilience Institute. His challenge to our industry was made before the COVID-19 crisis but rings especially true now.
The challenges facing design-build teams nationwide vary widely as some projects continue and others are delayed or canceled. It’s vital that teams develop strategies to assess their risks and protect from potential disputes. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, DBIA talks to Steve Reams, an attorney with Smith Currie who specializes in construction law and civil litigation about navigating the present and future in these uncertain times.
Successful design-builders are collaborators. We know early integration of the entire team delivers the best results and yet…are we fully engaging our supply chain on design-build projects? Are we maximizing the full benefit of early collaboration or is there a kink in the design-build supply chain? New research on supply chain engagement in design-build will help provide answers to those questions. In this episode of “Design-build Delivers” we talk to DBIA Water/Wastewater Committee member and Victaulic Vice President, Ernie Maschner, about this FMI research and the challenges and opportunities facing design-build teams in fully engaging their supply chains.
Design-build has come a long way since DBIA first began working in the legislative arena helping to draft Design-Build Done Right® bills in states from coast to coast. In 1993, only three states had design-build public authority --now only two states are design-build holdouts. Every year, there is important legislative debate in statehouses which directly impacts how design-build teams deliver their public projects. The 2020 legislative season is now in full swing, so in this episode of our Design-Build Delivers podcast we talk to DBIA’s State/Local Legislative Affairs Director, Richard Thomas, about the legislative landscape.
Let’s start the New Year off right by beginning this year’s design-build conversation at the beginning of the process – procurement. What does it take to practice Design-Build Done Right® procurement? How do you get your team on the same collaborative page from the very start of the process? In this episode, long-time federal procurement professional and DBIA instructor Rich Formella provides a “how-to” for successful procurements. He also gives us a look into the nation’s first design-build for procurement training courses, created with the National Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP).
Whether you’re an Owner new to design-build or an old pro…choosing the right delivery method for each project is the vital first step to success. Not only do Owners need a good understanding of the available choices, they must translate how those methods might meet the unique needs of the project and the Owner itself. Sometimes that can be easier said than done.
In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to Bruce Husselbee, Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s Director of Engineering, about HRSD’s growth and evolution as an experienced design-build Owner delivering billions of dollars in water/wastewater projects while also garnering national accolades at the same time.
Not all industry conferences are created equal. If you’re going to take the time away from your projects, we know you better come home with new design-build tips and tools, network connections and insights that can be put to work immediately. That’s the recipe for DBIA’s conference success. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, DBIA’s Executive Director, Lisa Washington, CAE, gives listeners an inside look at what you can expect from a DBIA conference.
It’s no surprise -- design-build qualifications help drive our industry’s most successful teams. As the use of design-build continues to grow nationwide, so has the competition and that means teams must demonstrate in quantifiable ways their design-build expertise. DBIA Certification has become a vital part of how successful design-build teams win projects. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to former DBIA Certification Board Chair Keith R. Molenaar, Ph.D., FDBIA about the spectacular growth in Design-Build Certification and how it’s benefiting thousands of design-builders nationwide.
As the use of design-build continues to grow nationwide, so has the need for new project tools to help collaborative teams share vital information. On big projects and small, BIM has become valued not only for its three-dimensional illustration of a design but also for its ability to help measure impacts that possible changes could have on cost and schedule. It’s no surprise that the use of Building Information Modeling or BIM has become so popular among design-builders. As Brian Skripac, CM-BIM, LEED AP, the Director of Virtual Design + Construction at CannonDesign tells us, BIM helps fuel design-build’s collaboration and innovation.
Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) in many ways looks and feels like design-build. However, in addition to those commonalities, there are some important differences. In this episode we talk to Haskell Infrastructure President Peter Kinsley, CBC, DBIA about the power EPC delivers in the industrial marketplace. Whether it’s complex processing plants utilizing the latest industrial equipment and processes to innovations in the aeronautics industry, EPC like design-build, is leveraging collaboration to deliver impressive project results.
Whether you call it big data or smart water, the digitization of the water/wastewater sector is transforming the industry by providing innovative solutions to challenges including rising water rates, aging infrastructure and overall water stress. Reese Tisdale, the president of Bluefield Research talks about what’s ahead for the industry and what role will design-build can play in helping foster the innovations this digital transformation will bring.
The latest design-build research predicts 5.8 percent annual growth in design-build spending in the education sector between 2018-2021. In fact, with 15 percent of the nation’s future design-build spending expected in the educational sector, education joins manufacturing and highway/street as among the top design-build markets. Design-build is already helping educators nationwide maximize their capital budgets in impressive ways. In June’s episode of Design-Build Delivers we talk to two experienced education sector design-builders, Brett Mitchell, who’s now the Facilities Planning Manager at the University of California, Davis and Eric Smith Associate Vice Chancellor for Capital Program Management University of California, San Diego about the past, present and future of design-build in education.
While it might sound cliché, it’s also true. The future of our industry will be defined by young people in college and apprenticeships today. What do they expect from and will contribute to a career in the architecture, engineering and construction industry? We put those questions, and many more, to members of the National Design-Build Student Championship team from Iowa State. They provide some interesting insights into future generations of design-builders and also offer advice for student teams considering competing in this year’s DBIA National Design-Build Student Competition.
Chances are, if you ask ten design-builders -- What is an Owner’s Advisor? – you might get ten different answers. From the east coast to the west coast, and across all sectors, the role of the Owner advisor can be very different. Just the name itself varies significantly. That’s why DBIA’s Owner Advisor Task Force has been working with others in the industry to create a primer to help define the Owner Advisor role. In this episode we talk to task force member, experienced Owner Advisor and PMSI CEO Bill Shepler, about the new DBIA Owner Advisor Primer.
As states and communities continue to search for ways to address their infrastructure challenges by doing more with less, America’s rail and transit sectors are increasingly turning to the power of design-build. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we look at the past, present and future of design-build in transit and rail.
Tim McKay with Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Phil Sheridan with Clark Construction have decades of experience in delivering successful infrastructure projects which improve our daily lives, while also connecting communities and boosting their overall economic health. They offer their views from an Owner and practitioner’s perspective.
Design-build is all about collaboration. That means building a strong team, with members well-suited to your project, is critical. If you talk to the nation’s most successful design-builders, they’ll tell you choosing the project’s specialty trade contractors can make the difference between a good project, a great project or even a project that didn’t quite deliver to its potential.
February’s episode of Design-Build Delivers talks to two long-time design-builders – DBIA Founding Father and McCrory Construction Executive Vice President, Don Warren, and Rosedin Electric’s Executive Vice President, Jim Hawk, about how to ensure your specialty contractors are fully integrated members of your team and the incredible benefits you can reap by making those choices early and effectively.
It’s a new year and we’re going to start it off right but busting some old design-build myths. Does design-build collaboration diminish design excellence? No way!
In fact, as the use of design-build continues to grow in all sectors and project types, successful teams are delivering truly spectacular architectural designs across the nation. In this month's episode we talk to the winning team of DBIA’s 2018 National Excellence in Architectural Design Award. Rich Wells with Absher Construction Company, Mark Sindell and Don Caffrey with GGLO Design say the incredible Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center at Washington State University simply couldn’t have happened without design-build.
No matter how you measure it, 2018 was a terrific year for the design-build industry and DBIA. New research anticipates more of the same…so how do we capitalize on this historic period in our industry’s history?
DBIA’s Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, has some ideas. In this episode, we talk about what’s ahead for design-build owners and practitioners in 2019, new DBIA opportunities which can benefit every member of a design-build team and ways you can maximize the huge opportunities available to our industry.
Help us celebrate your successes while building for the future. Happy Holidays from DBIA!
In 1993, design-build was authorized by just three states for public projects…today, there are just three states which are holdouts. The industry has come a long way in the 25 years since the first group of leaders met in Washington, D.C. to talk about forming a new design-build association. The Design-Build Institute of Association started as just an idea. Thanks to the leadership of our five “founding fathers:” Preston Haskell, Jim Gray, Rik Kunnath, Don Warren and Kraig Kreikemeier, DBIA has transcended even their dreams for the organization. In today’s episode of Design-Build Delivers we talk to DBIA’s founding fathers about the past, present and future of our industry.
No one can predict the future; but Jack Uldrich can help you prepare for it. Jack is a leading futurist, author, and speaker who helps organizations gain the critical foresight they need to create a successful future. Jack is a prolific speaker on technology, change management and leadership. He tells Design-Build Delivers that creativity and action are more powerful and versatile than knowledge.
Your schedule is jammed and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week to get it all done. Such is the life of a design-builder; however, long-term planning is vital to your success. And ours too. That’s why DBIA has launched it’s 3-year strategic planning process. We’ve heard from design-builders throughout the nation about what they need to succeed. DBIA President/CEO Lisa Washington and National Board Chair, Bill Hasbrook, give us a glimpse into how DBIA hopes to turn those hope and dreams into reality.
Each year thousands of incredible design-build projects not only deliver exceptional on-time and on-budget results for Owners, they’re also making impressive contributions to our communities and industries from healthcare to education and everything in between. DBIA is proud to honor our nation’s best projects and teams each year with National Design-build awards. In this episode of Design-Build Delivers, we talk to two members of DBIA’s National Awards Jury about what it takes to be a DBIA national award winner.
Design-build’s growth in the market is nothing short of phenomenal, with a projected 18% growth in design-build capturing 44% of the construction market. In this episode of “Design-Build Delivers” we talk to research analyst Paul Trombitas, with FMI Corporation, about new design-build research results and what they mean for the industry and your business.
In this episode of “Design-Build Delivers” we talk about the leaders we have versus the leaders we need with Dr. Barbara Jackson, the Director of the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management (RECM) and its Center for Integrated Project Leadership at the University of Denver. Barbara is one of the most recognized thought leaders in the AEC industry. Barbara spent decades in the construction industry and is the author of what many consider design-build’s bible “Design-Build Essentials.”
Are you working to live or living to work? Have you ever really taken the time to define the impact you want to make in your job, your industry and your community? If not, don’t be surprised if you’re not happy.
If you’re like most design-build pros with too many tasks and too little time, you’ve probably not had the time to contemplate these types of big-picture questions too often…if at all. Yet, as DeWayne Ables with Pioneer IQ tells us, having a personal and professional vision is vital to our industry’s success. DeWayne is one of DBIA’s most popular conference presenters. So, if you’ve missed him in person, this episode of Design-Build Delivers gives you a chance to hear his insightful tips on creating and fulfilling your personal vision of career success.
Where were you in 1993? DBIA goes back to the future and talks to two long-time design-builders about the industry’s past, present and future as we celebrate the Design-Build Institute of America’s 25th anniversary. Design-build growth continues nationwide, are you ready for what the future holds for our industry?
Progressive Design-Build is the talk of the design-build industry. But what is it really and how does an Owner know if a progressive approach fits their project? In this episode, we talk to Geoff Neumayr, the Chief Development Officer at San Francisco International Airport, about the SFO’s long-history with delivering impressive design-build projects and especially their use of progressive. The airport is in the midst of a massive $7 billion capital program where design-build and progressive are helping transform San Francisco International. Geoff shares some lessons-learned and design-build wisdom built over decades of project experience as a designer, builder, owner’s representative and now as an owner.
We all know how important building a high-performing team is to delivering successful design-build projects. However, chances are pretty good, we can all tell stories about those teams you knew were doomed to fail from the beginning. So, what is the secret sauce that can make the difference between that project team you can’t wait to leave and the one that led to lifelong friendships and collaborations? In this episode we talk to Brent Darnell, a pioneer in bringing emotional intelligence education to the construction industry. Brent’s an author, speaker and principal of Darnell International. His programs span the globe helping companies build successful teams by better understanding what makes a good team member.
From the Design-Build Institute of America, this is Design-Build Delivers, a show about the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry’s fastest growing delivery method…design-build.