One question we get often at DBIA is, "Why should I seek DBIA certification?" The short answer is that certification helps you set yourself apart as a knowledgeable professional in your chosen field by granting you recognizable "credentials." "Credential," like the words "creed" and "credence," derives from the Latin verb credere, which means "to trust," "to entrust" or "to believe." So certification really means that an individual who has met the program standards is worthy of the trust of those they work with and for, and the community as a whole.
But don't take my word for it. See what some existing DBIA certified individuals had to say about why they chose to seek certification:
"Several years ago I was leading a design build project for a new military organization. The preliminary meetings went well, but the staff from that organization's headquarters asked what qualifications I had to be providing acquisition strategy advice and leading the team through the process. It was then I realized how important it was to take the steps necessary to achieve designation with DBIA, an outward sign to all that I had the skills and knowledge necessary to operate professionally in that environment, much like the PE does for me in engineering."
Peter G. Reilly, DBIA
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
"As the industry moves more towards design-build and integrated project delivery methodologies that enhance and strengthen the architecture, engineering and construction industries, and as we resolve to provide best value holistic deliverables that include LEED certification and building information modeling through a team-centered approach, it is clear that, earning the Designated Design Build Professional (DBIA(tm)) credential provides instant recognition that the professional is committed to improving the quality, timing and affordability of all of the deliverables required on every project, and not merely those for which the professional has traditionally been responsible."
Kevin R. Mitchell, J.D., Assoc. AIA, DBIA, LEED AP
Grunley
"Pursuing the Designated Design-Build Professional Program provided the opportunity to interface with many of the best thinkers and innovators in the design-build industry. I was challenged professionally throughout the process and it strengthened my personal commitment to see design-build become the most successful and widely practiced method of project delivery."
Bill Godwin, DBIA
BACAR Constructors, Inc.
"The DBIA certification program provides us a measureable standard to judge an individual or team's education and experience in the design-build process. As an owner, the DBIA certification gives us a higher degree of confidence in the abilities, knowledge and skills of those with whom we partner as we strive to reach demanding schedules and work within our budget constraints. We believe strongly in the program and annually conduct workshops aimed at getting our own people DBIA certified. As owners, we have conducted numerous training sessions to make the same mental and organizational shifts and commitment that our Design Builders who work with us on our projects have made."
Albert R. Schweizer, DBIA
Maryland National Guard
"Those with this certification show me - as a public owner - their mastery in how to deliver my project using the design-build project delivery method. Even though I hold a Ph.D. specializing in the appropriate use and effectiveness of construction project delivery methods, and specifically in design-build, I chose to pursue the DBIA certification because of the benefits I gain with the credential including access to professionals who are champions of design-build."
Valerie Riecke Smith, Ph.D., DBIA
General Services Administration
#1 Reason to Seek DBIA™ Certification . . .
OWNERS HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT. Below is a sampling of owner organizations that currently have DBIA™ certified professionals on their team:
Air National Guard
Arizona State University
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
CalPoly State University
Carroll County (Maryland) Government
City of Riverside, Public Utilities
City of Tacoma (Washington State)
CO Department of Military/Veteran Affairs
Colorado Springs Utilities
CT Military Department
General Services Administration
Georgia Institute of Technology
Iowa State University
Kansas Department of Transportation
National Guard Bureau
Oregon Military Department
PA Dept. of Military/Veteran Affairs
Princeton University
Seattle (WA) Public Utilities
State of Oklahoma
U.S. Army Cmty./Family Support Ctr.
University of Colorado
University of Oklahoma
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington Metro. Area Transit Authority
Washington State University
Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute
DBIA offers two levels of certification
The Associate DBIA™- The Associate DBIA™ certification is an entry level credential for those who do not yet have hands-on experience but have demonstrated requisite knowledge.
The Professional DBIA™- The DBIA™ (Designated Design-Build Professional(tm)) certification is for the experienced professional who has demonstrated success in the design-build method.
Visit the Certification section for more details and to start your journey to DBIA™ certification.
Lisa Washington, CAE
Executive Director