Design-build continues to reshape how infrastructure projects are delivered, and the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) remains at the center of that transformation. For more than three decades, DBIA has championed a project delivery method built on collaboration, accountability, and efficiency, helping teams streamline communication and deliver better outcomes for owners and communities alike.
A real-world challenge for future industry leaders
One of the most impactful ways the organization prepares the next generation of professionals to succeed is through the DBIA National Design-Build Student Competition. This annual, hands-on challenge mirrors the pressures and expectations of real-world project delivery.
As a 2025 sponsor, HCSS helped bring together 33 student teams from across the country, each tasked with delivering a comprehensive solution to an airport expansion scenario. The challenge required teams to balance design innovation, constructability, cost control, and schedule, all while working within the collaborative framework that defines design-build delivery.
After extensive preparation, seven regional winners advanced to the final phase. The top three teams were invited to present their proposals live at the 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, where they defended their approach on November 6, 2025 in front of a panel of judges.
Competition winners in 2025
This year’s competition highlighted exceptional talent and teamwork from every finalist. Specific winners were selected, and the results are as follows:
- First Place: D&T Construction — California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- Second Place: Cypress Construction — University of Florida
- Third Place: Pioneer Design-Build — Alfred State College
- Best Individual Presenter: Asa Richards — University of Florida
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s winning team earned top honors for their innovative, well-rounded proposal, demonstrating a strong understanding of design-build principles and execution strategy.
The Best Individual Presenter Award recognized a standout student who excelled in communication and technical mastery (a reminder that strong presentation skills are critical as solid numbers in today’s construction industry).
Investing in future industry leaders
Accurate estimating is a cornerstone of successful design-build projects. To help students experience that reality firsthand, we provided participating teams with access to HeavyBid during the competition.
With professional estimating software at their fingertips, students were able to move beyond high-level assumptions and develop detailed, data-driven cost models similar to those used on active jobsites today.
How HCSS software supported student teams:
Reliable, Real-Time Estimating: Students used HCSS’s web-based HeavyBid to build estimates that accounted for labor, materials, equipment, and indirect costs, helping them understand how decisions impact the overall project budget.
Clear Cost Visibility: Instead of relying on spreadsheets, teams generated structured reports that clearly broke down their assumptions and pricing.
Organized Bid Development: With multiple scope elements and design considerations in play, our software helped students keep their estimates organized while finalizing their proposals.
By using the same tools trusted by construction professionals, students learned first-hand how to win work in a competitive design-build environment. As a sponsor, HCSS is helping ensure these future leaders enter the workforce prepared to contribute from day one.
Learn more about the industry’s premier estimating software
The same HCSS estimating software used by DBIA competition teams is trusted by contractors across the country to deliver accurate bids, improve visibility, and reduce risk. To see how HCSS helps construction teams turn complex projects into confident estimates, schedule a custom demo with one of our product experts.
Universities interested in preparing students with hands-on experience can learn more about the HCSS University Program, which provides access to free software and practical learning resources designed to support the next generation of construction professionals.
