One should never stop learning, so next week I will attend a three-day seminar presented by the Design-Build Institute of America. If I complete the seminar and pass a test, I will become a Designated Design-Build Professional.  The DBIA has an informative page about certification on its website.

In preparation for the seminar, I completed an online course that introduced general concepts and terminology: project delivery systems (e.g., design-build); procurement methods (e.g., public bid), and contracting format (e.g., payment terms).  The online course was a good introduction to topics that will be explored in more detail next week.

Design-build is increasing in popularity because it promotes collaboration between owner, contractor, and designer and thereby makes possible more creative and efficient solutions to design and construction problems. To be successful, however, participants in a design-build project need to have a clear understanding of the process and their roles.  That is why training is important, both for my clients and for myself as their advisor.

I’ll report again when (if) I survive next week’s seminar.