Issues & AdvocacyState

Design-Build Reform: Architects Listen Up!

By Yvonne Castillo, Director, State & Local Relations

Design-build is a project delivery method that has many attributes but, unfortunately, it has increasingly become an excuse for governmental entities to solicit “design competitions” and is unsustainable for the architectural profession. There’s nothing wrong with design competitions as long the parameters for the competition are equitable, but that’s far from the current reality. Architectural firms, the majority of which are small businesses, simply cannot compete in a climate where up-front free design services are required during the selection process. So, in an effort to address this pervasive problem, the AIA convened a Task Force to develop a strategy for state components to initiate reform in their states. After many months and many volunteer hours, the unveiling has arrived. Please click here to review a comprehensive set of materials that may be used, and modified to fit your statutory framework, to help your state advocacy team ensure equitable quality-based procurement in your state. Your AIA State & Local Relations Team stands ready to help you through the process. You may contact Yvonne Castillo, Esq., Director, or Zachary Hart, Managing Director to walk you and your leadership through the toolkit.

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