DBIA New England was proud to partner with Elena Franks, AIA Intl., MBA, PMP, DBIA, Deputy Chief of Contract Services at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and with DBIA National, to host a sold-out DBIA Certification Workshop from 17 to 19 August 2026 at MBTA Headquarters in Boston.
The three-day program attracted 40 participants representing owners, public agencies, contractors, designers, and consultants from across New England, underscoring the growing demand for design-build education and professional development.
Participants engaged in discussions on the key elements of successful design-build delivery, including procurement strategies, team selection, risk allocation, contract structures, collaborative problem solving, and stakeholder alignment. Throughout the workshop, attendees explored the principles of Design-Build Done Right, DBIA's nationally recognized best-practices framework, while sharing lessons learned from real project delivery.
The curriculum
The workshop featured DBIA National's core certification curriculum: Setting the Stage for Design-Build Success, Collaborating for Exceptional Outcomes, and Contracts and Risk Management. These courses provide the foundational knowledge required for DBIA certification and are taught by experienced instructors trained to deliver practical, industry-tested guidance.
MBTA's commitment
MBTA's leadership has been a driving force behind these workshops. This certification program is part of a three-part series designed to advance design-build expertise among MBTA staff. As the agency expands its use of design-build delivery, it is also recognizing the DBIA credential as a valuable indicator of design-build knowledge and commitment within competitive procurements. That investment reflects a dedication to building collaborative teams capable of delivering successful infrastructure projects.
DBIA New England extends its sincere appreciation to MBTA for hosting the workshop, and to DBIA National for providing exceptional instructors and educational content. The strong participation and engagement throughout the program reaffirm the momentum behind collaborative project delivery across New England.
The next workshop
For those unable to attend, DBIA National and DBIA New England will offer another Boston-area certification workshop from 16 to 18 November 2026 at MBTA Headquarters. Interested professionals are encouraged to register early, as demand for these programs continues to grow. Registration opens 60 days before the start of the class.
The future of design-build depends on knowledgeable, collaborative leaders. Judging by the enthusiasm and dialogue throughout this workshop, that future is bright.