As design-build continues to rise in popularity and redefine project delivery, general contractors must master its nuances. The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) champions this process, promoting its advancement through specialized certification and emphasizing the value of education and advocacy collaboration.
“By obtaining and promoting the DBIA certification, Structure Tone Southwest aims to streamline project timelines,” says Joe Cribbin, president of Structure Tone Southwest. “Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment among clients, architects, and engineers, ensuring efficient and timely project completion.”
According to Diana Gonzalez, project manager at Structure Tone Southwest’s Dallas location, DBIA offers virtual and in-person workshops covering the design-build process from preconstruction to construction, helping professionals enhance project timelines crucial for urgent projects like healthcare construction. Afterward, candidates must take and pass the certification exam.
“Embarking on this process involves completing approximately 24 hours of coursework,” says Gonzalez. “It’s a deep dive into the essentials of design-build, including contract management, preconstruction strategies, and implementation during construction.”
Candidates may also choose what type of certification they prefer. There are two levels:
Associate DBIA—obtained by Gonzalez—for those new to design-build and Professional DBIA for those with extensive project experience (three to six years of pre- and post-award design-build).
DBIA certification also emphasizes collaboration and includes practical strategies, such as “just-in-time delivery,” to address scheduling issues and improve efficiency. This hands-on training prepares professionals to manage client expectations and project schedules in real-world scenarios effectively.