Leadership Reflections

The validity and credibility of the DBIA™ credential has increased significantly over the past few years, with the certification becoming a driving force in both team member recruitment by firms and in source selection by owners who have embraced design-build project delivery. From 2009 to 2010, we saw a 60 percent increase in credential holders — validation that the market is demanding demonstrated knowledge and expertise in design-build project delivery.

As demand for the DBIA™ certification increases, so does the need to ensure proper oversight and governance. In 2009, the DBIA National Board created an “administratively independent” body known as the Design-Build Certification Board (DBCB). DBCB is both a standard-setting and assessment body for professionals in the design-build field. The work of the DBCB is critically important as we see increased interest and recognition in the DBIA™ certification program. The DBCB’s mission is to implement and maintain a quality certification program that promotes high performance in the use of design-build by using current and valid standards that provide reliable indicators of competence. In accomplishing this mission, the DBCB is responsible for defining standards for determining the initial and continuing competence of credential holders, determining initial eligibility of candidates and working closely with the DBIA National Board to determine any proposed changes in the certification program and/or offerings.

The DBCB is seeking nominations of qualified individuals. To qualify, an individual must be a DBIA™ credential holder in good standing. Board member terms are for three years (two-term maximum), with the next term starting on January 1, 2011. To ensure that the DBCB represents a diverse cross-section of industry, we are specifically seeking public owner and general contractor nominees.

The DBCB meets monthly by conference call and face-to-face once each year during the DBIA annual conference. Although individuals may nominate other people, the full nomination package should come directly from the person being nominated to confirm the nominee’s interest. The nomination must include the following information:

• Provide a full resume and condensed bio (condensed version for use by DBIA if selected).
• Provide a photo (high-resolution JPEG file for use by DBIA if selected).
• Provide a written statement as to why you are interested in serving on the DBCB, including confirmation of your commitment to DBIA’s and DBCB’s mission and strategic goals.
• Provide a written statement confirming your willingness to attend monthly conference calls and one face-to-face meeting at your own expense (with the exception of public owners who may have expenses covered, upon request).
• Provide the names and contact information of at least two references that would confirm nominee’s qualifications and would provide a written “second” to the nomination.

Interested applicants should provide the information outlined above to Valexia Hall, director of certification, at vhall@dbia.org. Questions can be directed to DBIA at 202-682-0110.