INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
New Natural Resources HQ, 2022 DBIA Project of the Year
INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
PRESENTED BY Susan O’Connell, DBIA AC Martin, Principal Jenna Heerhartz, DBIA Turner, Supply Chain Sr. Manager Lamia Porter, DBIA Sundt Construction, Estimator Monica Amalfitano, DBIA Swinerton, Design Integration Manager Morris Aldridge, DBIA Tacoma Public School, Executive Director, Planning & Construction
SDSU Engineering & Interdisciplinary Sciences (EIS) Complex, 2019 DBIA, Design Distinction Award
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INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
Wilshire Grand Center, Los Angeles, CA
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST: Checklist for Choosing All Design-Build Partners 01 DESIGN-BUILD TEAM: Checklist for Choosing Owners 02 OWNER: Checklist for Choosing Owner Advisors 03 ARCHITECT: Checklist for Choosing Build Partners 04 BUILDER: Checklist for Choosing Architects 05 DESIGN-BUILD TEAM: Checklist for Choosing Consultant/Subcontractors 06 OWNER: Checklist for Choosing Design-Build Teams
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INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
INTRODUCTION
The success of a Design-Build project begins with the people behind it. The right partners bring more than technical expertise or relevant project experience, they bring a shared commitment to collaboration, open communication, creative problem-solving, and the collective success of the project. These checklists provide a practical framework for owners, architects, builders, consultants, and subcontractors to evaluate potential Design-Build partners from their respective perspectives. They are intended to help teams make more informed,
strategic decisions when assembling project teams and establishing the foundation for true collaboration and innovation. The checklists that follow are designed to support the selection process, not replace it. Every project has unique goals, constraints, and team dynamics. Use these questions to spark meaningful conversations, identify potential areas of alignment or concern, and select partners who are positioned to contribute to a truly integrated project.
SDSU Imperial Valley, Sciences & Engineering Laboratories, 2026 DBIA, Small Business Engagement & Growth in D/B and Design Distinction Awards
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INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST
Regardless of role, successful Design-Build partners share a common set of characteristics. This foundational checklist establishes the baseline for evaluating any potential team member. The checklists that follow build upon these core characteristics and add considerations specific to each project role and perspective.
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST for choosing All Design-Build Partners ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE Demonstrated experience working within an integrated Design-Build delivery model. ☐ DBIA CREDENTIALS Staff with relevant DBIA credentials and a demonstrated understanding of Design-Build best practices. ☐ COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR A track record of working openly, constructively, and respectfully with other project partners. ☐ ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE The ability to respond to changing conditions, keep an open mind when navigating complexity, and adapt approaches as project needs evolve. ☐ PROJECT TYPE EXPERIENCE Relevant experience with the project type, scale, complexity, and delivery requirements. ☐ CULTURAL FIT & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS Shared values, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is best for the project and team. ☐ QUALITY CONTROL Established processes and a demonstrated commitment to maintaining quality throughout design and construction.
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INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
01 for choosing Owners
DESIGN-BUILD TEAM’S CHECKLIST
CONSIDERATION FOR THE DESIGN-BUILD TEAM
What should a Design-Build team look for in an owner to establish the conditions for collaboration, informed decision-making, and project success? ☐ RELATIONSHIP WITH OWNER Try to establish a relationship and understanding of how the owner approaches projects, makes decisions, and collaborates with project teams. ☐ FAIR CONTRACTS Clear, balanced agreements that establish expectations, responsibilities, and fair risk allocation. ☐ APPROPRIATE STIPENDS FOR DESIGN DELIVERABLES Compensation that reflects the time, effort, and resources required to develop a competitive proposal. ☐ ORGANIZED RFQ/P & LEVEL OF EFFORT A clear, well-structured procurement process with both reasonable requirements and an understanding of the level of effort required to develop a competitive proposal. ☐ REALISTIC PROJECT BUDGET & SCHEDULE Project expectations that align with available resources, market conditions, and the realities of design and construction. ☐ UNDERSTANDING RISKS & UNKNOWNS A willingness to openly identify, discuss, and address project risks and uncertainties. ☐ FOCUSED SHORTLIST A manageable shortlist, no more than three teams, that allows meaningful engagement and a thoughtful selection process.
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE
☐ PROJECT TYPE EXPERIENCE
☐ DBIA CREDENTIALS
☐ CULTURAL FIT & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
☐ COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR
☐ QUALITY CONTROL
☐ ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE
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INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
02 for choosing Owner Advisors
OWNER’S CHECKLIST
CONSIDERATION FOR THE OWNER
What should owners look for in owner advisors to ensure they provide strategic guidance, support informed decision-making, and help align the project team around the owner’s goals throughout the Design-Build process? ☐ DBIA CERTIFICATION Recognized credentials that show a working knowledge of Design-Build best practices, principles, and ethics. ☐ PROCUREMENT KNOWLEDGE A thorough understanding of Design-Build procurement methods and selection processes, and of what makes an RFQ/P fair and effective. ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE A proven track record of guiding owners through Design-Build projects from planning through completion. ☐ LEADERSHIP & FACILITATIVE SKILLS The ability to guide the owner and project team with clarity, confidence, and a steady focus on project goals. The ability to lead productive conversations, build consensus, and help stakeholders reach informed decisions. ☐ ABILITY TO INTEGRATE The capacity to work as a seamless extension of the owner’s team and connect the owner with the Design-Build team. ☐ PREPARING THE CLIENT/USERS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE DB PROCESS Educating owners, stakeholders, and end users on their roles, responsibilities, and key decision points in the Design-Build process.
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE
☐ PROJECT TYPE EXPERIENCE
☐ DBIA CREDENTIALS
☐ CULTURAL FIT & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
☐ COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR
☐ QUALITY CONTROL
☐ ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE
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INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
03 for choosing Build Partners
ARCHITECT’S CHECKLIST
CONSIDERATION FOR THE ARCHITECT
What should architects look for in builder partners to create a collaborative environment where design excellence, constructability, and innovation can develop together? ☐ REFERENCES & REPUTATION A track record of successful projects and positive relationships with owners, designers, and trade partners. ☐ CONTRACT - FAIR & INSURABLE Teaming terms that allocate risk and responsibility fairly and stay within what the design firm’s professional liability insurance can resonably cover. ☐ CONCEPTUAL ESTIMATING SKILLS/COST TRANSPARENCY The ability to give reliable early cost guidance and openly share pricing information to inform early design decisions and willingness to spend time with Design Team to get it right. ☐ WILLING TO SIGN TEAMING AGREEMENT A commitment to formalize roles, responsibilities, and expectations before the pursuit begins. ☐ PURSUIT PHILOSOPHY - COMMITMENT TO WINNING & INVOLVEMENT A shared investment of time, resources, and leadership to develop a competitive, well-integrated and innovative proposal. ☐ LISTENING / PURSUING DESIGN GOALS A real interest in understanding and advancing the design vision rather than treating design as secondary to cost and schedule. ☐ PURSUIT LEADERS STAYING ON THE PROJECT FOR CONTINUITY The key people who shape the proposal stay engaged through delivery, so relationships, commitments, and project knowledge carry through.
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE
☐ PROJECT TYPE EXPERIENCE
☐ DBIA CREDENTIALS
☐ CULTURAL FIT & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
☐ COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR
☐ QUALITY CONTROL
☐ ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE
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INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
04 for choosing Architect/Design Partner BUILDER’S CHECKLIST
CONSIDERATION FOR THE BUILDER
What should builders look for in architectural partners to establish trust, improve coordination, and support integrated decision-making throughout the project? ☐ COST CONSCIOUS A design approach that respects the project budget and weighs the cost of each design decision. ☐ ESTIMATING TO REFINE DESIGN A willingness to use ongoing cost feedback to test, adjust, and improve design solutions. ☐ DESIGN CREATIVITY Innovative thinking that delivers compelling solutions while meeting the owner’s functional and budget goals. ☐ OPEN TO NEW IDEAS & LEARNING FROM SUBCONSULTANTS Openness to input from builders, trade partners, and consultants that can strengthen the design and project value. ☐ CONTINUITY OF DESIGN TEAM FROM PURSUIT TO COMPLETION Consistent design leadership that carries the pursuit vision and commitments through to project delivery. ☐ CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEWS Active collaboration with the builder to evaluate how the design will be built, sequenced, and coordinated in the field. Willingness to review and adjust based on Builder’s means and methods.
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE
☐ PROJECT TYPE EXPERIENCE
☐ DBIA CREDENTIALS
☐ CULTURAL FIT & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
☐ COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR
☐ QUALITY CONTROL
☐ ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE
www.acmartin.com
INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
05 for choosing Consultants/Subcontractors
DESIGN-BUILD TEAM’S CHECKLIST
CONSIDERATION FOR THE DESIGN-BUILD TEAM
What characteristics should Design-Build teams look for in specialty partners to extend collaboration and innovation throughout the entire project team? ☐ REFERENCES & PERFORMANCE HISTORY A record of quality work, reliability, and successful outcomes on comparable projects. ☐ HISTORY WITH DESIGN-BUILD TEAM MEMBERS Past experience working with team members that builds trust and streamlines collaboration. ☐ READY & WILLING TO WORK FOR THE WIN A commitment to invest time and expertise during the pursuit to help the team build a winning proposal. ☐ AVAILABILITY The staff and capacity to support the project’s pursuit, design, and construction schedule. ☐ CREATOR PHILOSOPHY – INFLUENCING DESIGN & BUDGET A proactive approach to contributing ideas that shape design solutions and improve cost outcomes. ☐ CONCEPTUAL ESTIMATING SKILL SET The ability to provide accurate early pricing to the Builder from incomplete design information. ☐ LONG-LEAD PROCUREMENT READINESS The ability to identify, plan for, and secure long-lead materials and equipment early to protect the schedule.
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE
☐ PROJECT TYPE EXPERIENCE
☐ DBIA CREDENTIALS
☐ CULTURAL FIT & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
☐ COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR
☐ QUALITY CONTROL
☐ ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE
www.acmartin.com
INNOVATIVE THINKING: Checklists for Choosing Your Design-Build Partners
06 for choosing Design-Build Teams OWNER’S CHECKLIST
CONSIDERATION FOR THE OWNER
What should owners look for when selecting a Design-Build team that can understand project goals, challenge conventional thinking, and deliver an integrated project from conception through construction? ☐ UNDERSTANDING OF OWNER’S PROJECT GOALS/MISSION A clear grasp of the owner’s mission, priorities, and definition of success, reflected throughout the team’s approach. ☐ INNOVATION & PRE-CON EXCELLENCE Creative problem-solving and a strong preconstruction process that adds value from programming through close-out. ☐ TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE Demonstrated expertise in the design and construction disciplines the project type requires. ☐ PROACTIVE RISK IDENTIFICATION & MITIGATION STRATEGIES An approach that identifies risks early and develops practical plans to mitigate them. ☐ COST TRANSPARENCY/CHOOSING BY ADVANTAGE Open-book cost information and a structured decision-making process that judges options by their value to the owner. ☐ STRATEGIC DESIGN INTEGRATION WITH TRADE PARTNERS Early involvement of key trade partners to inform the design, improve constructability, and increase cost certainty. ☐ TEAM CHEMISTRY Strong working relationships, mutual respect, and shared values that support effective collaboration.
FOUNDATIONAL CHECKLIST ☐ DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE
☐ PROJECT TYPE EXPERIENCE
☐ DBIA CREDENTIALS
☐ CULTURAL FIT & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
☐ COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR
☐ QUALITY CONTROL
☐ ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE
www.acmartin.com
A BETTER TEAM STARTS WITH BETTER QUESTIONS Choosing design-build partners is more than evaluating qualifications. It is an opportunity to establish the behaviors, expectations, and relationships that will shape the project before the work even begins. Use these checklists as a starting point for asking better questions, having more meaningful conversations, and building teams equipped to think beyond traditional delivery models.
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SDSU Imperial Valley, Sciences & Engineering Laboratories, 2026 DBIA, Small Business Engagement & Growth in D/B and Design Distinction Awards