NYC Metro Region - Designers at the Helm of Design-Build (September 9, 2025)
- Registration Closed
The role of the architect is evolving - are you ready to lead?
Join the DBIA NYC Metro Region for an interactive program exploring how architects are stepping into leadership roles within design-build project delivery models. We’ll examine the responsibilities, benefits, and professional implications of architect-led and integrated delivery approaches, with real-world context drawn from projects in the NYC Metro Region.
Through engaging discussion and case examples, participants will:
· Identify how architects can lead design-build teams, and what that leadership entails
· Compare design-build to design-bid-build in terms of cost, schedule, collaboration, and liability
· Evaluate various models of design-build delivery, including architect-led and DBIA-endorsed approaches
· Develop practical strategies to shift toward integrated delivery covering contracts, communication, team structure, and client education
Whether you’re already practicing in design-build or considering a transition, this session will provide valuable insights to support stronger project outcomes and a more collaborative, efficient design process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leaders in the field and connect with peers shaping the future of design and construction.
Four Learning Objectives:
- Identify the Architect’s Role in Design-Build Delivery Models: Participants will be able to identify and describe how architects can lead design-build projects, including their responsibilities, advantages, and the professional implications of assuming a leadership role within various versions of integrated project delivery.
- Analyze the Risks and Benefits of Design-Build Compared to Traditional Delivery Methods: Participants will analyze and compare design-build with design-bid-build delivery methods, identifying ho each impacts project cost, schedule, collaboration, and professional liability—particularly in the NYC Met Region.
- Evaluate Architect-Led Design-Build Models and Their Application to Practice: Participants will evaluate variations of design-build—including architect-led approaches and DBIA design- build approach —and understand how this impacts project outcomes and strengthen the architect’s role delivery.
- Develop Strategies to Transition Toward Integrated Delivery Models: Participants will develop strategies to integrate design-build principles into their practice, including educating clients and teams, changes in team structure, contracts, communication, and decision-making support a more cohesive and efficient project process.
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LockedLocation:
Jacobs NY Office, One Penn Plaza 24th Floor, Suite 2400
New York, NY 10119
Tom Gluck
Principal
GLUCK+
Thomas Gluck is a principal at GLUCK+, known for Architect-Led Design Build. With over 25 years of experience, he has led acclaimed projects across NYC and the U.S., including The Stack, Bridge, The Malt House, and WHIN Music Charter School. Before joining GLUCK+, he managed the design and construction of the Walker Art Center Expansion for Herzog & de Meuron. A frequent lecturer on offsite construction and architecture’s evolving role, Tom holds degrees from Harvard and Yale. He is licensed in NY and NJ and serves on the Board of Trustees for Keewaydin Camp in Vermont.
Peter Caravousanos, AIA, CCM, DBIA, PMP, LEED AP
Jacobs
Peter Caravousanos, RA, CCM, DBIA, PMP, LEED AP, is a distinguished project delivery expert with over 30 years of experience in design and construction management. At Jacobs, he led a major program for NYC as Executive Program Manager. Since the early-1990’s, he managed Design-Led-Design-Build projects for prominent clients including Hearst Communications, Crain's Communications, and Financial Times. Peter led the planning and delivery of highly sensitive projects for the US Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and NASA, employing Agile and iterative DB approaches. Peter taught PM/CM courses at SUNY Farmingdale and Baruch College and served on several professional advisory boards.
Rachel Birnboim, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. DBIA
Co-Managing Principal, New York Office
Perkins Eastman
Rachel Birnboim is Co-Managing Principal of Perkins Eastman’s NYC office, with over 25 years of experience in healthcare, institutional, and residential architecture. She is a skilled project executive focused on quality, schedule, and cost control. Rachel prioritizes client relationships, design excellence, and team development. A licensed architect in NY, CT, and MA, she holds a B.Arch. from Carnegie Mellon. She serves on the New York Building Congress Board and the Board of Trustees at Emma Willard School, where she chairs the Facilities Committee. Rachel is also an Associate DBIA and LEED BD+C accredited professional.
Larry Gutterman, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP
Urbahn
Larry Gutterman is an architect with over 35 years of experience managing complex public and historic projects. His work includes landmark renovations such as the U.S. Capitol, NYC City Hall, and Lincoln Center. In recent years, he has focused on design-build delivery, earning his DBIA certification in 2023. Larry has led major projects for MTA and NYC DDC and is known for aligning diverse teams around shared project goals. He serves on the DBIA NYC Metro Region Designers Committee and the Village of Mamaroneck Board of Architectural Review, and has co-chaired AIA NYC’s Architecture for Justice committee.
Grace Lin, AIA, CDT, DBIA - Moderator
Senior Consultant
Turner & Townsend
Grace Lin is a Senior Consultant at Turner & Townsend, guiding capital project delivery in healthcare and higher education. With over 30 years of experience, she advises on procurement, project planning and execution. Grace holds two master’s degrees from Columbia University and is a licensed architect in NY. A certified DBIA and seasoned professional, she co-authored DBIA’s 2024 Owner Advisor Primer. She serves as a director-at-large for DBIA NYC Region, leads the Designer Committee and Columbia’s DBIA Student Chapter. Grace teaches graduate level students at Columbia’s School of Professional Studies. She mentors MWLBE firms through Columbia’s CU Grow Program.
