The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has released updates to its Design and construction done right Universal best practicewhich was first published in 2014.
DBIA updated the guide in response to the continued growth and evolution of the design, construction and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in general. As an organization dedicated to the success of the entire team, DBIA considered multiple stakeholders to ensure the update included all perspectives. When implemented, DBIA best practices significantly increase the chances of project and team success.
Design-build is a single-point-of-responsibility contract and a cultural shift in how a team works together, so education is important to promoting successful design-build projects. The DBIA Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices provide the foundation for education and guidance necessary for successful projects and to support the continued growth of design-build.
The 2023 Best Practices incorporate several changes, reflecting the current state and anticipated growth of design-build, equipping project teams with vital guidance for delivering good design-build and creating consistency in design project expectations – construction More broadly, technological advances, lessons learned during a global pandemic, social change and industry changes in recent years are also included, as well as updated recommendations needed for design and construction. Highlights include:
- Addition of guiding principles that serve as anchors for best practices in universal ethical conduct, demonstrated competency, sustainable professional development, and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
- Improved focus on the role of industry professionals, not just owners, and how they can further contribute to project and team success.
- Better organization and visual flow of content.
- Clear distinction between a best value procurement approach and progressive design and build.
Establishing good practice for design and construction increases the chances of a successful and truly collaborative project for all stakeholders, and the perspectives of these stakeholders were vital in informing the 2023 best practices .
DBIA consulted with homeowners, contractors, designers, educators and attorneys, carefully considering their feedback and experiences. Additionally, he carefully evaluated input from related industry associations to ensure a broad range of contexts, including the Building Owners Association of America (COAA), Associated General Contractors (ACG), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the Construction Management Association of America. (CMAA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Project Delivery Knowledge Community, among others.
“With the growth of design-build, we are grateful to our related industry associations who have provided critical feedback on these updates. Their input helped provide balanced perspectives that drive continued cost, schedule performance and triple successful outcomes for design and construction projects and teams,” says DBIA Executive Director and CEO Lisa Washington, CAE.
These updated best practices will inform changes to DBIA’s core curriculum that serves as the foundation for the institute’s design and construction certification program. Updates to both the curriculum and the certification exam are expected in the second half of 2024.
Additionally, with the expanded use and interest in progressive design construction across the country, DBIA has also published a resource titled, Deeper Dive: progressive design and constructionwhich delves into the nuances of this approach.
Both the Design-Build Done Right® Universal Best Practices i Deeper Dive: progressive design and constructionalong with many others Design-build done right® resources, can be downloaded from the DBIA library at no cost.
