Overview

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) northwest region, Oregon chapter, is committed to advancing the adoption of innovative and effective design-build practices by recognizing outstanding design-build projects throughout the pacific northwest.

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of DBIA officers.  They will assess applications based on the successful utilization of innovative, team-based design-build strategies, adherence to budget and schedule goals, and general excellence in design and construction. Project submissions will be judged based only on the information submitted regardless of general knowledge of the project.

Project Categories

Applications will be categorized as small or large projects across the following categories:

• Aviation
• Civic/Assembly
• Commercial Buildings
• Educational Facilities
• Government (Federal, State, County, Municipal)
• Healthcare Facilities
• Industrial, Process, and/or Research Facilities
• Rehabilitation, Renovation, and/or Restoration
• Transportation
• Water/Wastewater

Each submitting team must identify the category in which the Project belongs. The category that best aligns with the project should be selected, keeping in mind that DBIA reserves the right to make adjustments as deemed appropriate. Small projects are those less than $10M in construction cost, or $30M in the transportation category.

Eligibility

Only projects meeting the following criteria will be considered:

• One team member must be an active registered member in the Oregon Chapter of DBIA.
• Project must be substantially complete, with a certificate of occupancy date no earlier than 3 years prior to the award submission deadline.
• Project may not have active claims or litigation.
• Projects must be completed under a single point of responsibility contract.

Evaluation Criteria

The primary criterion for evaluating projects is the project team’s utilization and execution of an innovative, collaborative, team-oriented design-build process.

Submissions should highlight the utilization of a design-build approach and its contribution to project success. Effective implementation of this approach requires a foundation of trusting relationships. Provide details regarding the involved team members and their respective organizations. Describe the team dynamics and notable collaboration efforts. Additionally, share creative problem-solving strategies employed throughout the design-build process.

Provide insights into the project, including any budget and schedule constraints and how the design-build approach facilitated to meeting or surpassing these objectives. Discuss other significant project goals and how they were achieved, addressing the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Elaborate on the role of design-build in contributing to the overall success of the project.

Submission Application

• Submissions are due September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST
• Submissions must be uploaded to JotForm
• Submission fee of $100 due upon submittal.
• Digital files (.pdf) must include a standard page size of 8 1/2" x 11".
• Minimum font size of 11 pt.
• Up to 5 project graphics (photos, drawings, diagrams) may be included
• Maximum of 10 pages for each project submitted

Application Requirements

Cover Letter      

Cover letter shall include the project name, owner name, and contact information for submitting party. (1 page maximum)

Owner Letter

Provide a detailed, signed letter from the owner on owner’s letterhead (2 pages maximum) attesting to the owner’s satisfaction with the project and the process. The letter must include the following:

• Factor(s) that drove the owner’s decision to pursue a design-build project delivery method.
• Verification that the project met cost and schedule goals (explain any increase in the original schedule duration and/or budget).
• Areas of particular satisfaction for the owner, highlighting project enhancements and improvements
• Description of the team’s collaborative work practices.

Project Description

In 500 words or less, describe the following:

• Lens from the DBIA Position Statement – Design Excellence that inspired project success and how it relates to your project (see pages 3 & 4 of the Application Template
• Owner’s project requirements and purpose
• Major programmatic goals & components
• Contract format
• Procurement method
• Certifications and awards received
• Operational and energy efficiency measures
• Unique characteristics of the project (aesthetics, environment, site considerations, etc.).

Design-Build Story

In 500 words or less, describe the following:

• Project team’s effective use of a design-build approach and best practices implemented to meet project goals.
• Ways the project was enhanced by and benefitted from the design-build process
• Team challenges and accomplishments
• Impact of the project on the surrounding community.

DBIA Best Practice Checklist

Attach the DBIA Best Practices Checklist and up to 5 project graphics with relevant captions.