Design-Build Delivers
Business & Finance
About
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 T
Episodes
- 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…
- 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 r…
- 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 mem…
- 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 ,…
- “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 join…
- 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 winner DBIA’s 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas celebrated more than a…
- 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 an…
- 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 D…
- Still Talking About Chickens and People: More on Human-Centered Design (Bonus Content Episode)
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’Con…
- Need a Chicken. Got a Chicken: Why Human-Centered Design Is More Complex Than It Looks
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 realitie…
- Smarter, Faster, Still Human: How AI Agents are Changing Design-Build
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 j…
- Design-Build at 14,000 Feet: How a “Small” Federal Project Redefined Possibility on Pikes Peak
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 Re…
- Inside the College of Fellows: Wisdom, Wit and What's Next
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…
- “It Was Just a Conversation at a Table”: How Design-Build Mentorship Opens Doors for the Next Generation
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 B…
- Lessons in Risk, Readiness and Speed: Revisiting UC Riverside's North District Phase Two (Bonus Content Episode)
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 Desi…
- Living Labs and Inclusive Housing: How Design-Build Serves Higher Education
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 acro…
- BONUS CONTENT: Federal Shifts, Design-Build Impacts
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 t…
- Advocating for Design-Build — Without Squeezing the Life Out of It
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 acro…
- Trends, Takeaways and the Future of Design-Build: Unpacking the New FMI Study
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 d…
- Penguins, Power and the Final Frontier: A Look at Three Award-Winning Projects
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…
- Bonus Content: Kicking Off 2025 with Lisa Washington and Tom Foley
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 wi…
- Looking Back, Building Forward: Kicking Off 2025 with Lisa Washington and Tom Foley
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- The Design-Build Delivers Podcast Countdown: Fresh Content from the Top 5 Episodes of 2024
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…
- Everything’s Bigger in Texas –– Even This Episode: A Texas-Sized Recap of the 2024 DBIA Conference (Part 2)
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 ep…
- Everything’s Bigger in Texas –– Even This Episode: A Texas-Sized Recap of the 2024 DBIA Conference (Part 1)
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 ep…
- From Legislation to Landmark Projects: How the New York City DDC is Doing Design-Build Right
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Even Further Beyond an Afterthought: Case Studies and Lessons Learned from Using an Owner Advisor in Design-Build (Jul '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Maximizing Collaboration with U.S. CAD, An ARKANCE Company: Streamlining Design-Build through Common Data Environments
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 U.S. CAD, an…
- The Human Side of Progressive Design-Build with Geoff Neumayr
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 A…
- Leading the Way: More Insights from Graduates of DBIA's Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy (Jun '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 wi…
- Much More Than an Afterthought: Updating the Owner Advisor Primer for Better Design-Build Outcomes
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 Adv…
- Leading the Way: Insights from DBIA's First Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy Graduate
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 fo…
- What Do Design-Build, Robot Jokes and Baseball Have in Common? (May '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 Thatc…
- From Sci-Fi to Site Plans: How Augmented Reality is Changing Design-Build
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 lang…
- Navigating Authenticity: Overcoming Assimilation in Male-Dominated Spaces (Apr '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- A Point on the Curve: Supporting Healthy Work-Life Integration in the AEC Industry (Apr '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Show Me Your C-Suite: Why Women's Programs and Diversity Initiatives Still Matter (Apr '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 “…
- Blueprints to Inclusion: Championing Women in Design-Build and Beyond
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 we…
- More Resources and Lessons Learned for State Design-Build Legislation (Mar '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Fighting for Design-Build Authorization in Your State? DBIA Has Your Back with Resources and Lessons Learned
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 celebratin…
- Bridging Documents and Prescriptive Requirements (Feb '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- A Bridge Too Far?: Contextualizing DBIA's New Position Statement on Bridging Documents and Prescriptive Requirements
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Tackling State Design-Build Legislation with Beau Biller (Jan '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Tackling State Design-Build Legislation with Marianne O'Brien (Jan '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Tackling State Design-Build Legislation with Brandon Dekker and Chris Sullivan (Jan '24 Bonus Content Episode)
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Tackling State Design-Build Legislation: California’s PDB Bill as a Starting Point
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 d…
- That's a Wrap on 2023: Lisa Washington and Dana Pomeroy Look Ahead to 2024 on Design-Build Delivers Podcast
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Celebrating DBIA's 2023 Design-Build Conference & Expo Winning Teams, Projects and People
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 Metropolit…
- Building Beautifully: Weaving Sustainability Into the Built Environment
Have thoughts? Text us! 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…
- Elevating the Design in Design-Build
Have thoughts? Text us! 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 w…