Design-Build Delivers

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. 

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.

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. 

“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. 

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.