CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 Design-build is no longer “alternative,” but instead a mainstream delivery method that continues to grow in popularity. With continued growth expected, DBIA must remain at the forefront of trends, challenges and opportunities that drive both the evolution of our organization, and the industry at large.    This years’ Practitioners Forum will take an up close and personal look at DBIA’s highest priority initiatives.  Topics include key considerations for the expanded use and interest of Progressive Design-Build, perspectives from the A/E community on design-build challenges, understanding the importance of early trade partner involvement, technology to drive efficiency and outcomes, design management in design-build, and much more.  Don’t miss your opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Design-Build Done Right®.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 Bestselling author Alex Banayan kicks the conference off with insights from his book "The Third Door," focusing on how breaking down barriers and overcoming fear can open new doors to success. Banayan's perspective comes from interviews with icons like Bill Gates and Maya Angelou. A renowned keynote speaker who has presented to global giants such as Apple, Google and Nike, he will share strategies that have cemented his reputation as an expert in high-performance and personal development.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 -The Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY) project embodies a holistic vision of Deaf education, where architectural innovation harmonizes with cultural heritage to create spaces that inspire learning, foster inclusivity, and empower future generations of Deaf leaders. -This session will examine how CDHY was able to utilize progressive design-build to deliver a new K-12 Academic and Physical Education building that exceeded owner expectations for value and design. -The importance of time spent on a comprehensive validation phase immersing the design-build team in Deaf-led workshops that activated a robust curve of user engagement throughout the process, defining Design Excellence and a vision statement for the project. -Spending the time to go slow early on, so we were able to go fast, when necessary, without losing the trust and confidence of the community. -Focusing lessons learned on strategies the team was able to employ to be nimble enough to adjust the dials of scope and budget while maintaining schedule certainty. -Establishing a performative design intent into an extensive design betterment log allowing the implementation of enhancements into the project by prioritizing schedule and procurement timelines.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 As demand rises for integrated project delivery through Design-Build, Design-Assist, formalized IPD, and public-private partnerships, the relationship to the academic world becomes an imperative that cannot be underestimated. • Success with Design Build is about collaboration, requiring all project team member - no matter their role - to contribute and support each other. These roles have been too long siloed with project delivery based on tradition. • Our industry is being asked to deliver projects with exceptional project outcomes. This requires a collective wisdom based on the talents of everyone on a project team, no matter their discipline. • Design-build delivery is based on ‘relationship-based contracting’ not commodity-based contracting’. Relationships, inclusivity, and empathy towards disciplines outside of your own, needs to start in school. Through a panel representing the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering, as well as from Owner’s perspective, we will discuss the benefits of both program and project-based interdisciplinary education and the impact to successful integrated delivery through collaboration, trust, and respect.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 The National DBIA VDC Committee has recognized the need to modernize and clarify the language around BIM applications for Design Build projects. Much of this discussion has happened in parallel to the U.S National BIM Standard (NBIMS) to level set BIM Uses industry-wide. The recently released NBIMS-US Version 4 takes an agile and modular approach and has significant updates that feature a new organization with new sections, including Project BIM Requirements, updated Project BIM Execution Planning, and updated BIM Use definitions. BIM Use definitions provide a common framework and consistent terminology for communicating the purposes for using BIM for a given project or within an organization. BIM Uses are the building blocks of BIM Execution Plans and Project BIM Requirements. The DBIA workgroup is building upon the general BIM Use definitions in the NBIMS to provide BIM Uses specifically enhanced for Design Build projects. The panel will discuss the national standards baseline and the specific Design Build needs for BIM Uses. Attendees will get a clear view of the basic building blocks of BIM-enhanced planning and. This panel discussion will challenge how you think about BIM Uses on your project and unlock outcomes you did not know were possible.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 This panel will dissect the Sterling Natural Resource Center (SNRC) project, a benchmark in sustainable water management in San Bernadino County and California’s largest progressive design-build water project to date. Our discussion will focus on the triple-bottom-line—people, planet, profit—illustrating how integrated design-build practices can drive community enrichment, environmental stewardship, and economic viability. The panelists will share insights on the reasons how and why a progressive design-build delivery method was chosen by East Valley Water District (the owner), collaborative techniques, the importance of subcontractors in the progressive design-build team, challenges faced and how they were overcome, and strategies for balancing stakeholder needs with sustainability goals. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on replicating such success in diverse settings and spanning all market sectors, making this session crucial for professionals looking to elevate their design-build projects to maximize triple-bottom-line success.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 In this insightful parody of the classic TV show "The Dating Game," we'll be flipping the script and bringing together our eligible design-builder as the "bachelor" and three unique Owners as the eager contestants. Through a series of engaging rounds, both sides will have the chance to showcase their perspective, preferences, and priorities in an effort to foster greater understanding and collaboration between these two critical stakeholders. Don’t miss out on the fun, we’ll be taking live audience questions as we work to create the perfect match.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 It’s commonly believed that humans possess only five senses. However, delve deeper, and you'll discover that we can perceive over 20 additional sensations including things like balance, pressure, temperature, and thirst. Similarly, for Owner’s Representatives (Owner’s Reps), there is more than meets the eye! In this engaging presentation, participants will get a sense for the breadth of services Owner’s Reps offer, some of which may surprise even the most seasoned Owners. Our panelists will spotlight their own experiences to provide a real look at the role Owner’s Reps play in Design-Build projects and teach you the optimal time to engage them. Hear what it’s like to have a full-time Owner’s Rep truly absorbed into your team. Learn how they balance organizational requirements and flex capacity to meet the needs of Owners to solve challenges such creating and hiring positions in public and specialty organizations. We’ll even dispel common misconceptions about Owner’s Rep responsibilities compared to similar roles such as Program Managers, Project Managers, and Project Coordinators. Just as our senses go beyond the traditional five, this presentation will give a taste for the value Owner’s Reps bring to Design-Build projects and show how to seamlessly integrate them into your team.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 The University of Washington’s Intramural Activities Building underwent a comprehensive renovation to modernize its locker rooms and swimming pool which had been virtually untouched since its original construction in 1966 and a small addition in 1982. In response to clear and consistent student advocacy, the design of three locker rooms departed from traditional gender-specific setups to create all-gender locker room facilities that prioritized safety, comfort, and inclusion for people of all gender identities and physical abilities within the UW community. Inclusion-based design also extended to the renovated swimming pool. The completed project not only meets the immediate needs of patrons but anticipates and addresses the evolving expectations of a diverse and dynamic campus community. The project utilized Design Build Done Right principles to overcome project challenges such as defining inclusivity for the user, unprecedented market escalation, substantial alteration permit strategy, and teaming for innovative and cost-effective methods of budget & risk management. The integrated team effort prioritized equity, accessibility, and universal design principles over the status quo allowing the IMA to become a symbol of transformative success, leaving an indelible mark on the university’s commitment to provide inclusive and welcoming experiences for generations to come.

CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2026 Tasked with a bold EDI vision by UC San Diego, the Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood design-build team has taken the University's challenge to heart and sought out opportunities to engage, educate, and expand the role a multidisciplinary design-build team can have on a site, campus, community, and area. Hear how good intentions, tenacity, and the collective strength of the DB team can translate into measurable outcomes for communities.