Insurance Solutions for Managing Risk on Design-Build and Alternative Delivery Projects
2025-10-07 08:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Sheppard Mullin, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY, 10112, United States
An insightful panel featuring legal and insurance experts who will offer Owner, contractor and designer perspectives on managing project risk on design-build and other alternative delivery projects. Learn how to leverage innovative insurance solutions to navigate challenges and strengthen project outcomes.
This session is offered both in-person and virtually.

Register for In-Person | Register for Virtual
Four Learning Objectives:

Identify common risk exposures unique to design-build and alternative delivery projects from the perspectives of Owners, contractors and designers.
Evaluate innovative insurance solutions and legal strategies that can be applied to mitigate project risks and protect all parties involved.
Analyze real-world case examples to understand how insurance solutions have been successfully leveraged to strengthen project outcomes.
Apply practical insights from legal and insurance experts to develop a proactive risk management approach for their own design-build or alternative delivery projects.

Event Agenda:

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Registration & Networking
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM – Program
9:45 AM -10:15 AM – Questions & Answers

Continuing Education:
Attendees will be eligible for 1.5 DBIA CEHs.
Sponsored by:

Speakers:
Moderator: Jayne Czik, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Citnalta Construction Corp.
Jayne Czik is Executive Vice President & General Counsel at Citnalta Construction Corp., a New York–based Design-Builder and General Contractor focused on public sector projects. She oversees all legal matters including contracts, procurement, risk management, insurance and compliance, while advising on strategy, proposals and operations. With over 30 years in construction law, Jayne has served as Deputy General Counsel at MTA Capital Construction, practiced privately and written extensively on industry issues. She is Chair of the GCA’s Law & Legislative Committee, the DBIA NYC Metro Region’s Law & Legislative Committee, a fellow of the ACCL, an AAA arbitrator and a DBIA-certified professional.

Joseph Dennis, Principal/General Counsel, Arup Americas
Joseph Dennis is Arup’s General Counsel for the Americas region. He is responsible for managing Arup’s legal portfolio throughout the U.S. In addition to implementing the firm’s risk management program, Joseph interacts with outside counsel and insurance carriers; implements firm-wide seminars on contract review and best practices; reviews client-generated design services and construction division contracts; and maintains a comprehensive intranet that provides team members access to reference material and to standard forms and agreements. He has over 25 years of experience.
Prior to joining Arup, Joseph served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to Syska Hennessy Group. There he was responsible for the overall management for the firm’s legal portfolio. Joseph’s early experience included working as an associate at a law firm specializing in representing architects and engineers in litigation.

Claudia Reuben, Deputy Chief of Risk Management, MTA
Claudia Reuben serves as Deputy Chief of Risk Management at the MTA and as President of its wholly owned captive insurer, First Mutual Transportation Assurance Company (FMTAC). With more than 20 years of industry experience, she is responsible for overseeing the Risk Management department and ensuring FMTAC’s financial stability and regulatory compliance. She is dedicated to reducing the MTA’s cost of risk through strategic risk analysis, risk transfer and claims management. She works closely with internal and external counsels to negotiate insurance and indemnification provisions in complex multi-party agreements and is in charge of securing optimal insurance solutions for the MTA through global markets and its captive.

Adam M. Giuliano, Partner, Kaplan Kirsch LLP
Adam Giuliano’s practice focuses on transactional matters related to transportation and infrastructure. He has experience advising public agencies, investors, project sponsors, contractors and lenders in connection with the procurement, project financing, concessioning, privatization, and construction, operations and maintenance of a variety of infrastructure, transportation and energy facilities. His past projects have involved highways, roads and bridges, parking, transit, commuter rail and high-speed rail, airports, ports, water and wastewater, schools, telecommunications, energy and power generation, renewables and natural resources. He has also represented clients on matters related to the governance, sale and acquisition of project companies and infrastructure investment vehicles.

Richard Hartman, Senior Vice President, NFP
As Senior Vice President, Professional Liability Broking Leader of NFP’s Construction & Infrastructure Group, Rich Hartman delivers professional liability insurance services to clients across the spectrum of the construction industry. Before joining NFP, Rich served in leadership roles as an underwriter and a corporate risk manager. Prior to his underwriting leadership roles, Rich was co-owner of brokerage firms specializing in professional and pollution liability insurance for design, construction and environmental professional firms in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Cesar Pereira, Partner, Sheppard Mullin
Cesar Pereira is a former General Counsel of a national construction company. In his position as General Counsel, he was responsible for the legal, compliance and risk management departments of the company. His practice involves advising clients in all stages of a construction project. He has negotiated various forms of construction related agreements between and among owners, developers, contractors, construction managers, designers, sureties, operators, suppliers and subcontractors. This includes teaming, memorandum of understanding, joint venture, design and build, construction manager, interface, operation and maintenance, subcontract, rental, purchase and professional service agreements, as well as surety indemnity agreements and payment and performance bonds.

Lessons Learned from the Borough-Based Jails Program
2025-10-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Jacobs Engineering One Penn Plaza, 24th Floor, Suite 2400 New York, NY 10119
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Join us for an in-depth panel discussion featuring leaders from the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), AECOM (Owner’s Representative), and Tutor Perini (Lead Contractor) as they share insights from the groundbreaking Brooklyn Facility—the first of four projects within the Borough-Based Jails (BBJ) Program.
This session will explore how DDC and its partners are leveraging the Design-Build delivery model to accelerate project delivery, foster innovation, and address critical community, sustainability, and funding needs in one of the city’s most complex infrastructure programs. Attendees will hear directly from the team responsible for guiding the Brooklyn Facility through planning and implementation, gaining firsthand perspective on what worked, what was learned, and how these lessons will shape the future of Design-Build in NYC.
Whether you are an owner, contractor, designer, or consultant, this program offers valuable insights into how collaborative delivery is transforming vertical construction in the metropolitan area.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the experts shaping the future of NYC’s Design-Build programs.
Four Learning Objectives:

The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC)’s perspective in Design-Build delivery method for large-scale NYC projects
How Design-Build Delivery works for vertical construction in NYC – benefits and challenges
How to organize a Design-Build team to fit the ownership objectives and project requirements
Lessons learned so far from one of the first large-scale Design-Build projects in NYC metro

Event Agenda:

5:30 PM – Networking​
6:00 PM – Opening Remarks ​
6:05 PM – Panel Discussion​
7:00 PM – Q&A & Networking​
7:30 PM – Closing Remarks

Continuing Education:
Attendees will be eligible for 1.5 DBIA and AIA CEHs.
Speakers:

Moderator: Hamid Fallah, PE, DBIA
Senior Project Manager, Langan
Hamid Fallah is a Senior Project Manager With Langan Engineering in New York City office. He is managing a team of project managers and staff engineers for projects in New York City and the Middle East. Hamid has more than 29 years of diversified experience in geotechnical engineering, project management, and Design-Build leadership including urban construction, dams, power plants, and major transit facilities and infrastructures worldwide. Hamid has more than 20 years of experience in management, leadership, and mentorship, plus extensive background in Design-Build mega projects, including more than 10 years in the design lead role, construction supervision, and quality control planning.
Hamid obtained his DBIA certification In August 2022 and has been a DBIA Member since September 2023.

Eduardo N. del Valle, AIA, LEED AP, DBIA
Acting Commissioner, NYC Department of Design and Construction
Over 35 years of experience in the fields of design and construction management, including alternative delivery and design-build. Twenty years of experience at senior management level, including reconstruction of the $3.8-billion One World Trade Center project, as well as approximately $20 billion in numerous new construction, renovation, rehabilitation and adaptive re-use projects, and facility and infrastructure expansion and capital improvement initiatives in the public and private sectors. Currently serving as NYC’s DDC Acting Commissioner for Mega Projects, including the multi-billion-dollar Borough-Based Jails Program.

Beverly Prior, FAIA, NCARB, DBIA, LEED AP
Vice President, AECOM
Beverly Prior, FAIA, DBIA, is a recognized leader in public design-build delivery in roles as the owner’s advisor and with design builders. Since 2019, as the program manager for New York City’s Borough Based Jails design-build program she has partnered with the Department of Design and Construction to deliver the $16 billion justice reform program including five design-build early works projects and four new high-rise jails, one each in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx.

Peter Sukalo
Chief Executive Officer and President, WDF-Tutor Perini
Peter Sukalo has an extensive background in planning, supervising, and managing large-scale projects throughout North America for both public agencies and private companies. He has over 45 years of experience in the construction industry specializing in general contracting, CM at risk and design-build project delivery. He has the technical experience gained from years in the field as Superintendent, Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Project Executive, and the managerial experience gained from successfully running offices as a Construction Operations Manager, Regional Manager and President and CEO.
Peter is currently the Chief Executive Officer and President of WDF Inc. which is a General Building Contractor and a Specialty HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection Specialty Contractor.

Bar Debate: "Design-Build…Dead or Alive?"
2025-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | 11th St. Bar – East Village, 510 E 11th St., New York, NY, 10009, United States
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Join the Institution of Civil Engineers NY (ICE NY) and the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) as we debate design-build!
This event is free!

DDC Innovation Summit
2025-10-22 08:30 - 16:00 | NYC Department of Design and Construction, 30-30 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY, 11101, United States
The Department of Design and Construction is New York City’s primary capital construction project manager. The agency manages a portfolio valued at over $34 billion which includes both civic facilities and infrastructure projects across all five boroughs. DDC makes every effort to utilize new and emerging technology that allows for safer, more efficient construction while reducing the cost for New Yorkers.
This fall, DDC is hosting an Innovation Summit where attendees can learn more about emerging technologies across the industry and how DDC and our partners might best utilize them. In partnership with Contech Alliance, the summit will feature pitches from the construction technology service providers demonstrating how breakthrough solutions can streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and revolutionize project delivery. The summit will also feature an exhibition area where select innovators will showcase their products and connect with attendees.
Register for the summit if you would like to be a part of the conversation shaping the future of construction! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and innovate with peers in the industry.

Learn More Register Now

Combo! Value Add with Design Management Best Practices Site Tour of the Redevelopment of 30 Street Station
2025-10-23 15:00 - 17:00 | William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
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Join the DBIA Liberty Northeast Region Tri-State Chapter for the ‘COMBO! Value Add with Design Management Best Practices Presentation, Site Tour of the Redevelopment of 30th Street Station & Happy Hour at The Post’ on October 23, 2025 at 3:00PM.
Design-Build Done Right® is more than just having the Designer report to the Builder. Success requires a specific Design-Build Manager to zipper and integrate teams to execute the best practices. Hear perspectives, challenges, and experiences of why true Design Management is different and the importance of a specific skill set for success. CEH are offered.
‍Schedule:
3:00PM – 3:15PM: Welcome and Sign In
3:15PM – 4:00PM: Value Add w/ Design Management
4:00PM – 4:15PM: 30th Street Project Overview
4:15PM – 5:00PM: Construction Site Tour
5:15PM: Happy Hour at The Post
Tour: William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Happy Hour: The Post, 129 S 30th Street‍

PPE Requirements:
Long Paints, Work Boots – safety toed and hard soled, Hard hats, Safety Glasses, Hi-Visibility Vest.‍

Registration Deadline: October 17, 2025
Register Now

DBIA NYC Metro Region Owners' Forum (Owners Only)
2025-11-03 14:00 - 16:00 | New York City Economic Development Corporation, One Liberty Plaza, New York City, NY, 10006, United States
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This roundtable discussion is for Qualifying Owners only. Please limit the number of attendees per agency or organization to 3 individuals.
The DBIA NYC Metro Region invites you to an Owners-Only Roundtable, hosted at the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC). This exclusive gathering provides a candid, peer-to-peer forum for public and private Owners in New Jersey and the New York Metro region to share experiences, build connections and explore emerging best practices in design-build.
Key topics will include the advent of Progressive Design-Build in New York City, strategies for addressing common claims and project challenges, and approaches to effective design-builder oversight that balance accountability with collaboration.
Modeled after DBIA’s nationally recognized Owners Forums, this event emphasizes open dialogue, practical insights and networking opportunities. Whether you are launching a new program or managing established design-build projects, you’ll gain actionable takeaways and strengthen your professional network.
Join your peers for this important conversation and help shape the future of design-build in the New York Metro region.
Four Learning Objectives:

Compare design-build delivery models with a focus on Progressive Design-Build and evaluate how this approach is being introduced and implemented across New York City agencies.
Identify common sources of claims and challenges (“claims and pains”) in design-build projects and discuss strategies to mitigate risk and resolve disputes effectively.
Examine best practices for owner oversight of design-build teams, ensuring accountability while fostering collaboration and innovation throughout the project lifecycle.
Strengthen peer-to-peer connections among public and private owners in the NY Metro region, building a network for shared learning, resource exchange and future collaboration in advancing design-build practices.

Event Agenda:

2:00-2:15 pm Meet and Greet
2:15-3:30 pm Moderated discussion on four learning topics
3:30-3:45 pm Close and plans for 2026 round tables
3:45-4:00 pm Networking

Rehabilitation and Modernization of NYC Subway Stations Using Design-Build Delivery
2025-12-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual, United States
The Enhanced Station Initiative (ESI) was an ambitious program to rehabilitate and enhance existing New York City Subway stations under an aggressive schedule using Design-Build contracts, a delivery method not previously used by NYC Transit. This virtual presentation will elaborate on the execution of the program, beginning with the decision to use Design-Build delivery, development of the RFP documents, the bid phase and the post-award process.
You will learn:

How Design-Build delivery can be effective when opportunities for creativity are limited and the Owner has specific aesthetic requirements.
How to develop the request for proposal documents.
How to incentivize contractors to maximize quality and reduce design and construction schedules.
How to develop a design review program for multiple concurrent projects.

Register Now
Continuing Education:
Attendees will be eligible for 1.5 AIA LUs and DBIA CEHs.
Pricing (registration closes Dec. 18 at noon):

Members: $30
Owners: $20
Students: $20
Non-members: $45

Speakers:
Chad Corsten, PE, DBIA
Associate Principal, Arup
Chad Corsten is an Associate Principal, Project Director and Major Projects Leader in Arup’s Los Angeles Office. He is an internationally experienced engineer with over 30 years in the industry, with extensive experience supporting Design-Build and Progressive Design-Build projects in rail and aviation.

Craig Covil, PE, FASCE, DBIA
C2 Consulting LLC
Craig Covil is a seasoned professional engineer who was the Arup Project Director and MTA Program Facilitator for NYCT’s ESI Program. He is an award-winning PM and Design Engineer who has worked on airport terminals, HSR, commuter and subway metro rail projects around the world. Covil is President of DBIA’s NYC Metro Region. He is a FASCE, a member of The Moles and The Beavers, and also recently inducted into the National Academy of Construction.

Brian Liona, PE
RA, Program CEO, MTA Construction & Development
Brian Liona is a Registered Architect and Program CEO with MTA Construction & Development. With over 20 years as part of the MTA, he’s been a Project Architect, Design Manager and Construction Manager on projects throughout the New York City Transit system. As a Design Manager, he led one of NYCT’s first subway Design-Build station projects. He helped develop and refine MTA’s DB process and continues to work on major MTA subway expansions and accessibility projects.

Dennis Lowenwirth, PE
Project Manager, Jacobs
Dennis Lowenwirth is an experienced Professional Engineer and Project Manager with a strong background in projects with multiple stakeholders, particularly within the transportation sector. He is Jacobs Aviation lead for projects and clients in NY/NJ and is based in the Morristown, NJ office. He has experience working on a variety of project typologies, including transportation infrastructure at all stages of design. Lowenwirth is particularly adept at leading teams of engineers and architects to deliver integrated design solutions, which have successfully responded to project and stakeholder requirements on large-scale projects in various phases of design and construction.

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Delivering the Brooklyn Borough-Based Jail: Design-Build at Scale in NYC
2026-01-27 09:30 - 11:30 | Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY, 10012, United States
In 2018, the New York State Legislature passed a bill authorizing the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to use design-build for the first time to construct the Borough-Based Jails program (BBJ). The authorization became a key tool in meeting the policy mandate to replace Riker’s Island with smaller, safer, fairer detention facilities in the boroughs, closer to communities and the courts. DDC and program management partner AECOM-Hill JV immediately set to work creating a new design-build capital delivery program for the Borough-Based Jails that is transforming how the City delivers capital projects. By the end of 2025, DDC was well underway on the nation’s largest public vertical design-build program: completing five BBJ early works projects on time and on budget, earning the Design-Build Institute of America 2024 I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. Owner of the Year Award and National Award of Excellence for the Queens Municipal Garage and Community Facility, and awarding design-build contracts for all four new jail facilities. The first contract to be awarded, the new Brooklyn Facility on Atlantic Avenue is currently under construction by design-build team Tutor Perini and HOK, with the Phase 2 design completion and construction approved in November 2024 and structure already erected to twelve stories. This session will explore how the Brooklyn jail team is leveraging design-build collaboration to deliver design excellence, on-the-ground problem solving to address the needs of the Department of Correction and other vital jail services, and real-time cost and schedule management to meet the ambitious goals of the Borough-Based Jails program. A presentation on the project’s design and delivery approach will be followed by a moderated discussion examining how design-build is performing at each stage, and the lessons DDC is bringing back to its larger capital program.
Register Now
Speakers:

Eduardo del Valle, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, Acting Commissioner, NYC DDC
Beverly Prior, FAIA, NCARB, DBIA, LEED AP, Vice President, Senior Program Manager, AECOM
Carl Galioto, FAIA, President, HOK
Moderator: Becky Yurek, AIA, Chief Strategy Officer, NYC DDC

Price:

In-Person – AIANY Member: Free
In-Person – Student with Valid ID: Free
In-Person – General Public: $15

Benefactor

First-of-a-Kind: PANYNJ Leverages Unique Investigate-Design-Build Delivery to Restore Salt Damage at World Trade Center
2026-03-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcadis of New York, Inc. (The Woolworth Building), 233 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, NY, 10279, United States
During construction of the new World Trade Center (WTC) in 2012, Hurricane Sandy inundated the worksite with 200M gallons of brackish water. The water was rapidly removed, but the salt remained embedded, causing damage across the iconic structure’s first decade of service life. The saltwater caused corrosion and service life reduction along the lowest levels of WTC approximately 70 feet below grade.
Beginning in 2021, the Port Authority of New York New Jersey (PANYNJ) embarked on a multi-year project aimed at remediating the damage and restoring structural capacity for WTC’s intended 100-year service life. Based upon the varied extent-of-damage conditions which drove the need for extensive investigation as a first step, PANYNJ’s desire for cost certainty and need to manage schedule constraints in a complex working environment, design-build delivery was selected.
Four Learning Objectives:

Discover the Owner’s evaluation of delivery methods process, and analyze the decision criteria for use of design-build using the WTC project for reference
Translate PANYNJ’s extensive experience related to Design-Build for new construction of world class facilities into how to effectively manage and deliver Design-Build for rehabilitation projects
Assess the risks presented on repair projects and how they are managed through strategic use of contingencies and allowances, specifically for portions of scope that have variable quantities and potential scope changes based on variability or as-found conditions.
Acquire knowledge regarding the benefits of Design-Build delivery to develop solutions and execute repair and restoration of existing structures.

Participants will be eligible for 1.5 DBIA credits.
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Registration Now
About our Presenters

Jeff Binder, DBIA | Director of Preconstruction, Structural
Jeff Binder is Director of Preconstruction for STRUCTURAL with over 17 years of experience in the repair and restoration of concrete structures. After spending the first 16 years of his career in an operations role, he has a strong aptitude for solving logistical challenges that are inherent in the Design Build approach.

Shana Holberton, LEED AP, ENV SP | Program Manager, Major Capital Projects, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Shana Holberton is a Program Manager at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey with 15 years of experience supporting projects across New York City’s evolving built environment. With a focus on climate resilience and sustainability, she supports the planning and delivery of complex transportation and building infrastructure projects for public agencies. Her work includes overseeing World Trade Center Campus climate resilience programs as well as broader capital program efforts aligned with net-zero and long-term adaptation goals.

Navid Safaie, PE | Senior Project Manager, Dewberry
Navid Safaie is a Senior Project Manager at Dewberry Engineers, having over 9 years of industry experience with a particular emphasis on rehabilitation of existing concrete and steel structures. He has successfully completed projects working for both private clients and government agencies under various project delivery formats and has developed an analytical and systematic approach to working through constraints and challenges in rehabilitation and Design-Build.

Dennis Sanschagrin Assoc DBIA | Sr Vice President, Pullman
Dennis Sanschagrin is a Senior Vice President for PULLMAN. He has over 30 years of experience in the repair and restoration of existing structures, including corrosion mitigation, structural strengthening, post tension repair and façade restoration. Dennis assists all types of commercial and municipal owners with their design-build projects around the country. He has experience teaching integrated product delivery systems and how to procure them to small groups of owners at their facilities as well as presentations for larger groups at association meetings. Dennis has a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and an MBA from George Mason University and is a designated Design Build Professional with DBIA.

Isaac Pitre, P. Eng., PMP, DBIA, is Division Manager, STRUCTURAL
Isaac Pitre, P. Eng., PMP, DBIA, is Division Manager at STRUCTURAL, specializing in concrete restoration projects of small and large scale. He has successfully delivered bid-build & design-build work across both United-States & Canada, and is known for fostering high-performing, cross-functional teams. Isaac believes diverse perspectives are essential to delivering better project outcomes and actively works to cultivate them.

Alternative Delivery Method Selection a CMAA & DBIA Collaborative Discourse
2026-03-23 17:30 - 20:30 | Club 101, 101 Park Ave., New York, 10178, United States
Monday, March 23, 2026
Join the DBIA NYC Metro Region and CMAA NYC for a dynamic panel discussion on Alternative Delivery Method selection. Gain exclusive insights and strategies from a diverse group of industry-leading Owner-Clients and Owner-Representatives.
We will be covering the following:

Alternative Delivery Methods
ADM selection decision drivers, and key differentiators
ADM Procurement Strategies:

Qualifications based selection
Best Value
Lowest Cost – Responsive Bidder

Cultural challenges – mastering team integration
Importance of Professional Credentialing

Event Agenda:
5:30PM – 6:30PM – Reception & Networking / Open Bar
6:30PM – 6:45PM – Introductions & Buffet Dinner Served
6:45PM – 8:15PM – Program & Panel Discussions
8:15PM – 8:30PM – Closing Comments and Q&A
Please Note: Dinner will be served at this event.
Continuing Education:
Attendees will be eligible for 1.5 DBIA CEHs & AIA LU.
Register Now
Become a Sponsor ___________________________________________________________
Meet Our Panelists
Thomas Foley, PE, CCM, DBIA – Senior Vice President for Facilities – Mount Sinai Health System
Thomas Foley is a Senior Vice President at Mount Sinai Health System and is responsible for planning, design, and construction of facilities across the Health System. He leads the development of major land assets and the redesign of existing campuses in alignment with system priorities, as well as space management across the system.
Tom is a licensed Professional Engineer, a certified Construction Manager, a National Board member at the Design Build Institute of America and was recently inducted into the National Academy of Construction. He was previously Commissioner of NYC’s Department of Design and Construction.

Sara Appleton Director, Penn Station Transformation – AMTRAK
Sara Appleton is an urban development and transportation strategist passionate about delivering public infrastructure and services that improve life in New York City. Sara currently leads Amtrak’s multibillion-dollar Penn Station Transformation program, a landmark initiative to modernize the critical transportation hub and improve regional connectivity. Prior to Amtrak, Sara led consultant teams at McKinsey & Company, advising senior government leaders on strategic planning, asset management, and operational efficiency, and has worked for multiple NYC mayoral administrations, including at the NYC Economic Development Corporation. Sara earned her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and B.A. from Georgetown University. A native New Yorker, she lives in Manhattan with her husband.

Gianpiero Carovillano, PE -The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Gianpiero Carovillano, P.E. is an Engineer of Construction for JFK International Airport at The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and is currently overseeing the $1.2 Billion Roadways, Utilities and Ground Transportation Center Design Build project, among other supporting infrastructure projects, on behalf of the Port Authority.
Gianpiero’s 13-year journey with the Port Authority began in 2013 as part of the Engineering and Architecture Associates program and began his career at the George Washington Bridge working on various state of good repair projects followed by the Suspender Ropes Replacement project and the 178th/179th Street Rehabilitation and Pedestrian walkway projects as part of the Restore the George Program. Since 2020, Gianpiero has been at JFK International Airport focused on delivering various infrastructure projects for the JFK Redevelopment Program.

Meet Our Moderators:
Peter Caravousanos RA, CCM, DBIA, PMP, LEEDap Owner Advisory | Program/Project Delivery – Jacobs
Peter Caravousanos, RA, CCM, DBIA, PMP, LEED AP, is a distinguished project delivery expert with over 30 years of experience in design and construction management. At Jacobs, he led a major program for NYC as Executive Program Manager. Since the early-1990s, he managed Design-Led-Design-Build projects for prominent clients including Hearst Communications, Crain’s Communications and Financial Times. Peter led the planning and delivery of highly sensitive projects for the U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense and NASA, employing Agile and iterative DB approaches. Peter taught PM/CM courses at SUNY Farmingdale and Baruch College and served on several professional advisory boards.

Nick Dandolos, CCM, DBIA, PMP, ENV SP Senior Vice President, Construction Management Area Manager, New York – GFT Inc.
Nick Dandolos, CCM, DBIA, PMP, ENV SP brings four decades of experience in the AEC industry. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President and the New York Area Manager in GFT’s construction services business line. In this role, he serves as a project executive for key clients and leverages his deep knowledge of the New York metropolitan area’s construction market to grow the firm’s construction services. His experience encompasses program, construction, and design management, including projects executed through alternative delivery methods such as construction manager/design-build, design-build and progressive design-build. Nick’s projects include work for private clients and publicly-funded work for local, state, and federal governments. He has remained a trusted partner to NYC agencies through his involvement in large-scale building improvement projects for the New York City School Construction Authority, New York City Housing Authority, and New York City Department of Design and Construction.
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NextGen/Young Professionals - "Coffee With" - Matt Neuringer
2026-04-24 12:00 - 12:40 | NY
Join us for our very first “Coffee With…” Virtual Conversation on April 24th from 12:00 PM – 12:40 PM.
The “Coffee With…” Series is a NextGen initiative created to advance DBIA’s mission of promoting excellence in Design-Build project delivery by connecting emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders.
This informal, virtual forum provides young professionals the opportunity to listen and learn from candid conversations about real-world Design-Build execution – including integrated team dynamics, risk allocation, procurement strategies, leadership decision-making, and lessons learned across complex projects. The series emphasizes open dialogue and firsthand experience, reinforcing DBIA Best Practices and exposing participants to the cultural and collaborative foundations that define successful Design-Build delivery.
By providing consistent access to authentic industry insight in a virtual and accessible format, the initiative strengthens engagement within the DBIA community, supports professional growth and credentialing pathways, and helps prepare the next generation to lead integrated project delivery across the region.
REGISTER HERE
Please note: This event will take place on Zoom. You will receive a follow-up email with the Zoom link.
About Our Guest:
Matthew Neuringer, Partner
Orrick
Matthew’s practice focuses on complex and innovative social, transportation and infrastructure projects across the United States, particularly alternative delivery projects (public-private partnerships (P3), design-build (DB) and progressive design-build).
Matthew is recognized nationally and globally by Chambers USA, where clients describe him as “smart, organized and responsive and offers really good insight on key issues” and “he is an encyclopedia of PPP and he does an excellent job of leading tricky conversations and getting to a point where all parties agree.”
Matthew has advised clients across a full spectrum of energy and infrastructure assets, including telecoms, rail, highways, airport, intermodal transit, combined heat and power, social infrastructure, and waste to energy. In Matthew’s capacity as outside counsel to the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure (AIAI) Matthew has also provided input on various key pieces of federal, state and local governments on the sufficiency of their laws to produce P3 projects in their jurisdictions.
Meet Your Host:
Sheriff Naggar, Project Manager & Claims Consultant
Hill International, Inc.
Sheriff Naggar is a Project Manager & Claims Consultant with over 10 years of experience delivering mega Design-Build infrastructure programs, including projects with an aggregate portfolio exceeding $35B. He has supported landmark initiatives such as the Hudson Tunnel Project, Borough-Based Jail Program, and Penn Station Expansion, specializing in project management, risk management, dispute resolution, cost control, scheduling, and contract administration. Sheriff serves as Chair of DBIA NextGen and holds a Master of Science in Construction Management from Columbia University and a Program in Finance and Behavioral Economics from Harvard Business School.

Winning Design-Build Proposals: From RFEI to Project Award
2026-04-29 08:30 - 12:30 | Club 101, 101 Park Ave., New York, 10178, United States
Join the DBIA NYC Metro Region for a dynamic, half-day workshop designed for owners, contractors, designers, and project leaders navigating today’s complex design-build procurement environment.
As proposal demands intensify – requiring higher costs, tighter schedules, and deeper integration – this session offers practical insights into how successful teams compete, collaborate, and win.
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EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm (includes a continental breakfast & lunch)
Location: Club 101 – New York, NY
Credits: Earn DBIA CEH Credits

WHY ATTEND?
Explore the full lifecycle of the design-build proposal process, from early engagement (RFEI/LOI) through RFQ, RFP, interviews, and post-award transition. Participants will gain:
Strategic Insights: Learn how to align design, construction, and estimating teams under deadline pressure.
Owner Perspectives: Understand how shortlisting decisions are made and what owners truly seek at each phase.
Hands-on Experience: Interactive breakout sessions to review sample responses, develop win themes, and simulate BAFO negotiations.
Digital Tools: Best practices for using platforms like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint to manage schedules and content development.
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Featured Industry Leaders
Hear from a moderated panel of experienced professionals providing candid discussion on proposal best practices and lessons learned:
Allison Agliardo, Senior Director of Commercial Management at Amtrak
With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex transportation infrastructure projects. Her work focuses on procurement strategy, contract structuring, and risk allocation for large-scale public projects.
Allison has played a key role in advancing major initiatives including the Hudson Tunnel Program, working alongside agencies such as the Gateway Development Commission and regional stakeholders. Previously, Ms. Agliardo held senior roles at Arup, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, where she advised on project delivery strategy, managed major design‑build procurements, and supported governance and risk programs for large portfolios.
She offers practical, owner-side perspective on the procurement process. Her work focuses on aligning project objectives with market realities to drive successful project delivery.
Allison holds a BS in Civil Engineering, a BA in Geology and is a resident of New York City.

Michael Mifsud, Vice President of Operations, Skanska USA Civil Northeast
Michael Mifsud is Vice President of Operations for Skanska USA Civil Northeast. He is a
licensed PE, and Certified DBIA Professional with BS, and MS Engineering Degrees from
Columbia University.
Michael and has 27 years of experience managing Design-Build projects from teaming and
proposal stage through design and construction stages. He has led 14 Design-Build
projects through the full project lifecycle for East coast clients including Amtrak, WMATA,
MBTA, PATH, and MTA Agencies including Metro North, Long Island Railroad, NYCT, and
MTA C&D.
On these and many other projects, Michael has led collaboration of project teams during
pre-award stage to optimize proposals and the team’s approach to meeting client goals
and requirements

Steve Kramer, PE, FASCE, Senior Vice President, COWI North America, Inc.
Steve has over 40 years of experience in engineering firms serving the infrastructure industry. Steve led the design, management and construction of over 75 underground projects around the globe with construction values up to $2 billion using conventional and alternative delivery methods.
A frequent speaker on the implementation of alternative delivery and active participant at industry conferences and in technical societies, Kramer has published more than 90 technical and management papers. Kramer served as the 2023 President of the ASCE Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI).

Paul Monte, Chair, Peckar & Abramson
Paul Monte is Chair of Peckar & Abramson’s Infrastructure practice. He regularly advises
constructors on transactions and disputes on major public and private projects, including
design-build and P3 mega-projects. Whether building subways, highways, bridges,
railways, water treatment plants, or energy projects, Paul has been called on to help
manage, pursue, and deliver projects timely and profitably.

Moderated By: Craig S. Covil, DBIA, PE, FASCE C2 Consulting LLC
Craig Covil is a senior construction advisor with over 38 years of global experience delivering major infrastructure. He has led multidisciplinary teams on landmark projects like New York’s Fulton Street Station and Second Avenue Subway.
Formerly a Managing Director at ASTM North America and Principal at Arup, Craig specializes in Design-Build and P3 initiatives spanning tunnels, aviation, and transit. A Fellow of ASCE, ICE, HKIE, and IEAust, he currently serves as President of the DBIA New York City Region. Beyond engineering, he is a VC advisor and chairs the charity American Friends of Cecily’s Fund.
REGISTER NOW
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MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Executive Sponsors

Event Sponsors

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BECOME A SPONSOR
Position your firm at the forefront of the design-build industry by sponsoring this high impact, half day workshop. As procurement demands intensify requiring higher costs, tighter schedules, and deeper integration this session provides a rare opportunity to align your brand with excellence in project delivery.
Our program features a moderated panel of legendary industry figures and public agency leaders who will provide candid discussions on the entire procurement lifecycle. From initial qualifications to the final award, these experts will share the strategies that separate winning proposals from the rest of the pack.
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CHOOSE FROM
Executive Sponsor | $3,000 | 3 Available
Complimentary Entry: Includes four (4) individual registrations for your firm.
Solo Slide Loop: A dedicated, full-screen slide featuring your logo and a custom “Hosted By” message displayed throughout the 1-hour cocktail reception. Keynote Podium Recognition: An individual, distinguished “Thank You” by name during both the opening and closing remarks.
Premier Branding: Top-tier logo placement on all digital event invitations, social media promotions, and the regional website.
Showcase Table: As a premier sponsor, you’ll receive a Connection Point in the main dining room, giving you a physical ‘home base’ to engage with our audience and showcase your goods and services.

Event Sponsor | $2,000 | 5 Available
Complimentary Entry: Includes two (2) individual registrations for your firm.
Solo Slide Loop: A dedicated, full-screen slide featuring your logo and a custom “Hosted By” message displayed throughout the 1-hour cocktail reception. Keynote Podium Recognition: An individual, distinguished “Thank You” by name during both the opening and closing remarks.
Premier Branding: Top-tier logo placement on all digital event invitations, social media promotions, and the regional website.
Showcase Table: As an Event Sponsor, you’ll receive a Connection Point in the main dining room, giving you a physical ‘home base’ to engage with our audience and showcase your goods and services.

Lunch Sponsor | $1,500 | 1 Available
Complimentary Entry: Includes two (1) individual registrations for your firm.
Solo Slide Loop: A dedicated, full-screen slide featuring your logo and a custom “Hosted By” message displayed throughout the 1-hour cocktail reception. Keynote Podium Recognition: An individual, distinguished “Thank You” by name during both the opening and closing remarks.
Premier Branding: Top-tier logo placement on all digital event invitations, social media promotions, and the regional website. Signage on buffet breakfast table.

Breakfast Sponsor | $1,000 | 1 Available
Solo Slide Loop: A dedicated, full-screen slide featuring your logo and a custom “Hosted By” message displayed throughout the 1-hour cocktail reception. Keynote Podium Recognition: An individual, distinguished “Thank You” by name during both the opening and closing remarks.
Premier Branding: Top-tier logo placement on all digital event invitations, social media promotions, and the regional website. Signage on buffet breakfast table.
CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR THIS EVENT
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REGISTER NOW

DBIA NextGen/Young Professionals Event - Design-Build 101
2026-04-30 17:30 - 19:30 | NYIT, 1855 Broadway (at 61st Street), New York, NY, 10023
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Join us on April 30th, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 07:30 PM at the New York Institute of Technology – 1855 Broadway (at 61st Street) New York, NY 10023.
Design-Build 101 is an introductory event created to give students a clear and practical understanding of one of the most important and increasingly used project delivery methods in the construction industry. As projects continue to grow in complexity, speed, and scale, understanding how Design-Build works has become essential for future professionals entering the built environment.
This session will begin with welcome remarks and introductions, followed by an overview of project delivery methods to help students understand where Design-Build fits within the broader industry landscape. The program will then explore why Design-Build has become such a valuable delivery approach, highlighting its key benefits, including collaboration, efficiency, innovation, and stronger alignment between design and construction.
Students will also gain insight into Design-Build from multiple perspectives. The owner’s perspective will examine why owners choose this method and what they seek in terms of value, risk management, schedule, and project outcomes. The design-builder’s perspective will provide a closer look at how integrated teams work together to deliver projects more effectively. The session will also introduce DBIA Best Practices and explain how these principles support successful project delivery.
To connect theory with practice, the event will feature real project examples that demonstrate how Design-Build is applied in the field and how teams navigate real-world challenges. The program will conclude with a discussion on career pathways, key skills, and professional resources available to students who are interested in pursuing opportunities in construction, infrastructure, project management, and integrated project delivery.
Design-Build 101 is intended to be both educational and engaging, offering students a strong foundation in Design-Build while exposing them to its growing relevance across the industry. The event will close with a Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the topics presented.
Four Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the fundamentals of project delivery methods and identify how Design-Build differs from other delivery approaches.
2. Recognize the key benefits and industry value of Design-Build, including collaboration, efficiency, and integration between design and construction.
3. Gain insight into how Design-Build is viewed and implemented from both the owner’s and design-builder’s perspectives.
4. Explore career pathways, skills, and professional resources that can help students pursue opportunities in Design-Build and the broader construction industry.
*Earn Continuing Education credit.
Light fare and refreshments will be served.
Many thanks to our venue host,

Many thanks to our Food & Beverage sponsor,

A DBE/MBE/SBE Technology Solutions Company
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VASQUEZ INTERGRATORS

Meet Our Guest Speakers
Mackenzie Baert, PMP, DBIA
Senior Project Manager
Arup US, Inc
Mackenzie Baert is a Senior Project Manager in the Program and Project Management team in Arup’s New York Office. She has a breadth of experience in a variety of industries including infrastructure, healthcare, natural resources, and real estate. Mackenzie’s professional experiences have driven her career abroad having worked across Europe, North America and Latin America. Her work at Arup is centered around the delivery of complex projects and programs with multi-disciplinary teams, engaged from the outset at concept planning stages through to construction. In her current role, she focuses on improving capabilities for and supporting alternative delivery projects. Mackenzie is an active member of DBIA NextGen Committee.

Jung Hyun Lee, PHD, assoc. DBIA
Assistant Professor
SUNY Farmingdale State College
Jung Hyun Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Construction Management at SUNY Farmingdale State College. Her work focuses on project delivery methods, construction risk management, and construction contracts. She has experience in design-build through research and industry collaboration, including projects supported by the Georgia Department of Transportation. She is an Associate DBIA and an active member of the DBIA NextGen Committee , and DBIA National Student/Academia Outreach and Engagement Committee.

Sheriff Naggar, Project Manager & Claims Consultant
Hill International, Inc.
Sheriff Naggar is a Project Manager & Claims Consultant with over 10 years of experience delivering mega Design-Build infrastructure programs, including projects with an aggregate portfolio exceeding $35B. He has supported landmark initiatives such as the Hudson Tunnel Project, Borough-Based Jail Program, and Penn Station Expansion, specializing in project management, risk management, dispute resolution, cost control, scheduling, and contract administration. Sheriff serves as Chair of DBIA NextGen and holds a Master of Science in Construction Management from Columbia University and a Program in Finance and Behavioral Economics from Harvard Business School.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Lump Sum Budgeting for Design-Build: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
2026-05-14 16:00 - 18:30 | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10112, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10112, New York, NY, 10112, United States
This event will be a moderated discussion panel focused on exploring the next generation of lump sum design-build delivery by uniting experts in estimating, design, project leadership, and advanced technology. This panel discussion will examine how teams structure pricing responsibilities, maintain budgets throughout design, leverage collaborative tactics, and apply new AI-driven tools — while forecasting the innovations that will shape the future of design-build practice in New York City. The panel discussion will be followed by 45 minutes to an hour for networking.
This event will be a moderated discussion panel focused on exploring the next generation of lump sum design-build delivery by uniting experts in estimating, design, project leadership, and advanced technology. This panel discussion will examine how teams structure pricing responsibilities, maintain budgets throughout design, leverage collaborative tactics, and apply new AI-driven tools — while forecasting the innovations that will shape the future of design-build practice in New York City. The panel discussion will be followed by 45 minutes to an hour for networking.
AGENDA
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Arrive, Check-in, and Seating
4:30pm – 5:45pm: Panel Discussion
5:45pm – 6:30pm: Networking / Social

ELIGIBLE FOR EDUCATION CREDITS

MEET THE SPEAKERS
Moderator – Cesar Pereira, Partner – Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Design-Builders
Michael Trotta, Vice President – Estimating at Posillico Civil, Inc.
Roderick Fiske, Director Construction – BOND Civil & Utility Construction, Inc.
Lead Designer
David DeLuca, PE, DBIA – Director and Principal at Hardesty & Hanover
Owner / Client
Subhash Tuladha, Associate Commissioner of DDC’s Project Controls Division
Technology Expert
Rawle Sawh, Director of Operations Technology at Gilbane Building Company

REGISTER HERE

1st Annual NYC Metro Region Golf Tournament
2026-06-08 | St. Andrews Golf Club, 10 Old Jackson Ave #3203, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY, 10706, United States
Join the DBIA NYC Metro Region for our inaugural Golf Tournament at the historic St. Andrews Golf Club—America’s oldest golf club. Enjoy a day of friendly competition, networking, and camaraderie with design-build industry peers while supporting the continued growth of design-build excellence in our region.
REGISTER TO GOLF NOW!
Register as an Individual Golfer
Register as a Foursome (and save $500)
Limited golfer spots available. Register today to reserve your spot!
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CLICK HERE TO BECOME A SPONSOR
2026 DBIA NYC METRO REGION GOLF TOURNAMENT
Monday, June 8, 2026
The St. Andrews Golf Club
Realizing Collaboration Driven Success through Design Build Done Right®
The DBIA NYC Metro Region is thrilled to invite you to our 2026 Annual Golf Tournament and Networking Event. As a region dedicated to serving the design-build community across the Five Boroughs, Westchester, Long Island, and Northern New Jersey, we are proud to host this inaugural flagship tradition at the historic Saint Andrew’s Golf Club—the oldest golf club in the United States.
Join leading practitioners, public and private owners, and industry decision-makers for a day of strategic relationship building and brand exposure celebrating the collaborative leadership transforming the New York infrastructure landscape.
Event Snapshot

Location: The Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Hastings on Hudson, NY

Format: 18-Hole Scramble and Networking Reception

Agenda: 10:30 AM Registration/Brunch | 12:00 PM Shotgun Start | 5:00 PM Reception | 6:00 PM Dinner & Awards

PARTICIPATION AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
All sponsors receive logo placement on printed materials, event signage, and the DBIA NYC Metro website, plus the opportunity to include branded swag in gift bags.
Premier Corporate Tiers

Title Sponsor (1 Available) | $10,000 Premium placement: “Golf Tournament Brought to You by [Your Company].” Includes two foursomes (8 players) with carts, check-in table for 2 staff (includes lunch/refreshments), staff golf cart, speaking opportunity, and social media recognition.

Lunch Sponsor (1 Available) | $5,000 Includes one foursome (4 players) with carts. Signage displaying “Lunch brought to you by [Your Company]” at the lunch location.

Dinner Sponsor (1 Available) | $5,000 Includes one foursome (4 players) with carts. Signage displaying “Dinner brought to you by [Your Company]” at the banquet.

Beverage Sponsor (1 Available) | $4,000 Includes 2 golfer spots and company logo on signage at the bar.

Supporting Sponsor (6 Available) | $2,500 Includes 1 golfer spot and banquet attendance for 2 representatives.

Hole / Tee Sponsor (15 Available) | $1,000 Company logo on signage at a designated hole. (Does not include team).

Specialty & Contest Sponsorships (No Team Included)

Photography Sponsor (1 Available) | $3,000 Logo on all post-event photos. Includes check-in table for 2 staff (includes lunch/refreshments).

Pin Flag Sponsor (1 Available) | $3,000 Company logo on the pin flag at every hole.

Golf Cart Sponsor (1 Available) | $3,000 Company logo displayed on the entire fleet of golfer carts.

Beverage Cart Sponsor (1 Available) | $2,500 Logo displayed on the Beverage Cart driving around the range.

Hole-in-One Sponsor (1 Available) | $1,500 Logo at the designated HIO hole. Prize provided by Hole-in-One USA.

Golf Ball Sponsor (1 Available) | $1,000 Logo at check-in; attendance for 1 rep to distribute branded ball sleeves (provided by sponsor).

Contest Sponsors (Long Drive, Closest to the Pin, Mega Putt) | $1,000 Each Signage at the contest hole/green. Sponsor provides the contest prize(s).

Gift Bag Sponsor (1 Available) | $0 (In-Kind) Check-in table for 2 staff to distribute a welcome gift of your choice (provided by sponsor) to all players.

IMPORTANT COURSE RULES & ETIQUETTE

Digital Etiquette: The Club strictly prohibits cellular telephones in the Clubhouse, bar, dining areas, and on the course.

Dress Code: Collared shirts and Bermuda-length shorts required. Denim is not permitted.

Gratuity: Saint Andrew’s is a non-tipping facility.

REGISTER TODAY: Questions? Contact Executive Director Alison La Ferlita at 917-495-5954.

Or scan here:

1st Annual NYC Metro Region Conference
2026-09-29 - 2026-09-30 | Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Pl, New York, NY, 10280, United States
Mark your calendars for DBIA NYC Metro Region’s premier event of the year! This two-day conference will bring together design-build professionals, owners, and industry leaders for thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic breakout sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities—all set against the inspiring backdrop of Lower Manhattan.
Stay tuned for program details and registration information!
