DBIA Exam Questions and Verified Answers Graded A+ 2026/27
What is Collaborative Project Delivery? - - a collection of project delivery systems
- early engagement of all team members
- collaboration in atmosphere based on trust, transparence and mutual respect
What are some examples of Collaborative Project Delivery? - - Design-Build
- Construction Management at Risk
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Integrated Project Delivery
What is Traditional Design-Build? - HALT. DBIA does not use this term. You mean "Best
Value" Design-Build
What is Best Value Design-Build Delivery? - - Two step procurement process -> RFQ,
then RFP
- Teams are shortlisted based on their qualifications
- Shortlisted teams produce a preliminary design and firm fixed price prior to selection
What is Progressive Design-Build Delivery? - - One step procurement process -> RFQ
only
- Owner selects the design-builder before design begins
- The owner and design-builder then collaboratively develop the design, scope, schedule and
budget together
,What is a Best Practice? - The belief that there is a technique, method, or process that is
more effective at delivering a particular outcome than any other effort.
What are DBIA's Universal Ethical Conduct Expectations? - Everyone engaged in a
design-build project should conduct themselves with high standards of honesty, transparency,
and integrity in compliance with the DBIA Code of Professional Conduct.
What are the Guiding Principles of DBIA Best Practices? - - Universal ethical conduct
- Demonstrated competence
- Sustainable professional development
- Supporting diversity
What are DBIA Demonstrated Competence Expectations? - - Emphasize the importance
of training and experience to achieve good outcomes in design-build
- Whenever possible, training and competence should be demonstrated by attaining appropriate
professional certifications (DBIA cert, professional licensure, LEED cert, etc.)
What are DBIA Sustainable Professional Development Expectations? - Owners and
practitioners should:
- proactively engage emerging professionals in a meaningful way to help with execution of Best
Practices and Implementing Techniques.
- encourage each member of the team to grow professionally and play a more significant role in
their team and industry
,What are DBIA Support Diversity Expectations? - Owners and practitioners should
intentionally create opportunities to involve and engage historically underrepresented companies
and individuals, prioritizing fair treatment without any racism or bias.
How does the Code of Hammurabi factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? -
First known laws that created an obligation for design and construction to protect the
health, safety and welfare of society.
How does Vitruvius factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? - Vitruvius
developed early documentation of design and construction practices in the age of the Master
Builder.
How does Filippo Brunelleschi factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? -
Brunelleschi is considered by DBIA to be the quintessential design-builder.
How does Leon Battista Alberti factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? -
Alberti defined architecture as a profession distinct from construction.
When did we see the big split between design and construction? Why? - During the
Industrial Revolution.
This is when we started to fabricate construction materials en masse, rather than on site. This led
to further stratification/compartmentalization of A/E/C discplines.
, When do we see the rise of professional societies like ASCE, AIA and AGC? Why were they
established? - During the Industrial Revolution.
They were established to reflect and collect the specialized knowledge needed in each dedicated
disciplines -- engineers, architects and construction professionals.
What is the Spearin Act? - -
What is the Miller Act? - Requires bonding for Federal Projects costing more than
$100,000
What is the Brooks Act? - Requires hiring Design Professionals on the basis of
qualifications rather than cost of service
What is the Clinger-Cohen Act? - Authorized use of design-build of federal sector projects
What does the cost/influence curve demonstrate? - The earlier on in the design
development process design changes get made, the greater their influence and lower their cost.
How is a design-build project delivery system defined? - A single contract for both design
and construction. Between an owner and a design-build entity.
Is the design-build project delivery system a process only? - No, it's also a mindset/culture
shift. There has to be an atmosphere of transparency and trust between all parties. Team members
must choose to collaborate.
What is Collaborative Project Delivery? - - a collection of project delivery systems
- early engagement of all team members
- collaboration in atmosphere based on trust, transparence and mutual respect
What are some examples of Collaborative Project Delivery? - - Design-Build
- Construction Management at Risk
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Integrated Project Delivery
What is Traditional Design-Build? - HALT. DBIA does not use this term. You mean "Best
Value" Design-Build
What is Best Value Design-Build Delivery? - - Two step procurement process -> RFQ,
then RFP
- Teams are shortlisted based on their qualifications
- Shortlisted teams produce a preliminary design and firm fixed price prior to selection
What is Progressive Design-Build Delivery? - - One step procurement process -> RFQ
only
- Owner selects the design-builder before design begins
- The owner and design-builder then collaboratively develop the design, scope, schedule and
budget together
,What is a Best Practice? - The belief that there is a technique, method, or process that is
more effective at delivering a particular outcome than any other effort.
What are DBIA's Universal Ethical Conduct Expectations? - Everyone engaged in a
design-build project should conduct themselves with high standards of honesty, transparency,
and integrity in compliance with the DBIA Code of Professional Conduct.
What are the Guiding Principles of DBIA Best Practices? - - Universal ethical conduct
- Demonstrated competence
- Sustainable professional development
- Supporting diversity
What are DBIA Demonstrated Competence Expectations? - - Emphasize the importance
of training and experience to achieve good outcomes in design-build
- Whenever possible, training and competence should be demonstrated by attaining appropriate
professional certifications (DBIA cert, professional licensure, LEED cert, etc.)
What are DBIA Sustainable Professional Development Expectations? - Owners and
practitioners should:
- proactively engage emerging professionals in a meaningful way to help with execution of Best
Practices and Implementing Techniques.
- encourage each member of the team to grow professionally and play a more significant role in
their team and industry
,What are DBIA Support Diversity Expectations? - Owners and practitioners should
intentionally create opportunities to involve and engage historically underrepresented companies
and individuals, prioritizing fair treatment without any racism or bias.
How does the Code of Hammurabi factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? -
First known laws that created an obligation for design and construction to protect the
health, safety and welfare of society.
How does Vitruvius factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? - Vitruvius
developed early documentation of design and construction practices in the age of the Master
Builder.
How does Filippo Brunelleschi factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? -
Brunelleschi is considered by DBIA to be the quintessential design-builder.
How does Leon Battista Alberti factor into the History of Project Delivery Systems? -
Alberti defined architecture as a profession distinct from construction.
When did we see the big split between design and construction? Why? - During the
Industrial Revolution.
This is when we started to fabricate construction materials en masse, rather than on site. This led
to further stratification/compartmentalization of A/E/C discplines.
, When do we see the rise of professional societies like ASCE, AIA and AGC? Why were they
established? - During the Industrial Revolution.
They were established to reflect and collect the specialized knowledge needed in each dedicated
disciplines -- engineers, architects and construction professionals.
What is the Spearin Act? - -
What is the Miller Act? - Requires bonding for Federal Projects costing more than
$100,000
What is the Brooks Act? - Requires hiring Design Professionals on the basis of
qualifications rather than cost of service
What is the Clinger-Cohen Act? - Authorized use of design-build of federal sector projects
What does the cost/influence curve demonstrate? - The earlier on in the design
development process design changes get made, the greater their influence and lower their cost.
How is a design-build project delivery system defined? - A single contract for both design
and construction. Between an owner and a design-build entity.
Is the design-build project delivery system a process only? - No, it's also a mindset/culture
shift. There has to be an atmosphere of transparency and trust between all parties. Team members
must choose to collaborate.
