Digital Builder What Makes Design-Build Different? A Deep Dive With DBIA
Dec 3, 2025
Brian Skripac, Director of Virtual Design and Construction at the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), shares insights on the growing design-build trend in construction. He explains how design-build differs from traditional methods, emphasizing collaborative teams and owner engagement. Brian debunks common myths about this delivery strategy and highlights how technology, such as shared models, enhances coordination and reduces risks. He offers practical advice for teams wanting to adopt design-build, suggesting resources that promote collaboration and innovation.
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Career Shift Into Technology Leadership
- Brian moved from practice into DBIA to build a technology-focused role that members requested.
- He now develops best practices, white papers, and education on BIM, VDC, and AI for design-build.
Design-Build Aligns Team Goals
- Design-build combines design and construction under one contract so the team pursues the owner's goals together instead of competing on low bid.
- This alignment speeds delivery, reduces disputes, and encourages earlier contractor involvement.
Choose Qualifications Over Lowest Bid
- Qualifications-based selection replaces lowest-bid focus and lets owners pick teams for capability and fit.
- That procurement approach reduces adversarial behavior and fosters collaborative problem solving.