Welcome to the 2024 Bronze and 2026 Silver Stevie® Award-winning Design-Build Delivers, the podcast dedicated to exploring design-build, the fastest-growing project delivery method in the nation. Presented by the Design-Build Institute of America, episodes feature stories and discussions with industry experts, Owners and successful design-build teams aimed at helping professionals achieve Design-Build Done Right®. With design-build projected to reach nearly half of all construction spending by 2028, listen in as we uncover the latest insights –– including best practices, resources, trends, timely issues, technology, case studies and more –– driving the future of construction. The team behind the show: Host/Editor: Erin Looney Producers: Danielle Hall, Fred Yi, Erin Looney Additional Editing: Fred Yi Promotion/Additional Production: Kara Brown, Phillip Nguyen, Eden Binder Thank you to our 2026 Design-Build Delivers partner, ARKANCE an Autodesk Platinum Partner.
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May 29, 202637 min
Beyond the Buzz: Implementing Progressive Design-Build in the Federal Market
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.
May 22, 20267 min
BONUS CONTENT: More on DBE Certification
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.
April 30, 202637 min
When the Rules Change Midstream: What the Latest DBE Updates Mean for Design-Build Teams
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 PracticesDBIA Project/Team AwardsBOGO DBIA Membership OfferAccess 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.
March 27, 20267 min
All Politics Is Local And So Are PLAs (Feb. 2026 Bonus Episode)
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 effortsJoin 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.
March 16, 202641 min
No Smoke and Mirrors Here: Inside the DBIA Awards Jury
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 projectsWhy documentation and storytelling matter in submissionsHow teams can demonstrate the real impact of VDC and technologyThe role of procurement strategy and risk allocationIf you're considering submitting a project, this episode offers practical insight directly from the people who review the applications.Resources in the episodeDBIA Project/Team Awards previous winnersOrange County Health Care Agency at Marine Way (2025 Best in VDC Award winner)DBIA Project/Team Awards Submission GuidelinesGuest bios:Rich Formella, PMP, CPPO, FAC-C III (Retired), FDBIABarbara Jackson, Ph.D., FDBIAPraful Kulkarni, Ph.D., FAIA, DBIABrian Skripac, CM-BIM, CDT, LEED AP, DBIAAccess 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.
February 27, 202640 min
All Politics Is Local: The State-by-State Push for Design-Build Authority
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 LegislationModel LegislationState Statute ReportDBIA State Advocacy ResourcesDesign-Build for Transportation/Aviation and Design-Build for Water/Wastewater ConferencesAccess 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.
January 30, 202646 min
“It’s Still Painted the Wrong Color”: Lisa Washington and Virginia McAllister on Collaboration, Risk and 2026
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.
December 17, 202547 min
All In at the Design-Build Conference & Expo, Part 2: Leaders Who Move Design-Build Forward
Have thoughts? Text us! In Part 2, we catch up with DBIA’s 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award recipients and the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award winnerDBIA’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 InterviewsJennifer 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 AwardResources:William E. Reifsteck II, FDBIA, CRIS, Awarded the 2025 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement AwardInside the College of Fellows: Wisdom, Wit and What's NextLeadership in Every Corner: DBIA’s 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award HonoreesAccess 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 25, 202552 min
All In at the Design-Build Conference & Expo: Teams that Won Big in Vegas
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 YearKansas 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 YearChair’s AwardHurricane Ian Sanibel Island Access Guests: Toby Mazzoni (Superior Construction), Paul Suellentrop (DeMoya Infrastructure)2025 National Design-Build Student Competition1st Place — D&T Construction (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) Students: Alyson Buchholz, Sergio Gonzalez, Coulter Langmaid, Casey Lavin, Jacquelyn Lomano (Captain) Faculty Advisor: Tom Kommer2nd 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 DeanLearn more about the National Design-Build Student CompetitionDiscover 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.
October 30, 202544 min
AI, Data and the Design-Build Owner: A Conversation with ARKANCE
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 ManagementAI’s Place in the Industry: How Builders Are Incorporating AI into Design-BuildEmerging Technologies: How AI, VR, AR and Cobots Are Transforming Design-BuildDashboards, Data and Discipline: Embedding Analytics in the Design-Build LifecycleBridging the Gap: How Technology is Driving Value in Design-Build ProjectsAccess 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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