The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) announces the winners of the 2023 National Design-Build Project/Team Merit Awards. A total of 62 projects from across the United States were submitted for consideration in 10 different categories. The submissions underwent evaluation by a panel of industry experts.

“With the continued growth of design-build, we are seeing more impressive projects that are raising the bar for success for design-build teams across the country, pushing the limits of high performance, and optimizing triple-bottom line success,” said DBIA Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, CAE.

Merit Award winners will now compete for the National Award of Excellence, "Best of" categories, and Project of the Year. The recognition of Merit Award winners and the announcement of additional winners will take place at DBIA's Design-Build Conference & Expo Awards Ceremony on November 2 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

In the category of Industrial/Process/Research Facilities, one project from the Construction News area received a DBIA award:

With the use of 19,200 cubic yards of concrete and 2,700 tons of structural steel, the Intralox Hammond project constructed a plastics manufacturing plant, distribution warehouse, and office space in Louisiana. Covering 400,000 square feet, the $82.3 million project expanded the existing Intralox Hammond facility and facilitated the growth of Intralox L.L.C.'s manufacturing processes and global distribution.

The Intralox Hammond facility plays a role in the production and assembly operations of modular plastic conveyor belts, which are utilized in various industries, including food, industrial, and e-commerce sectors on a global scale. One of the challenges of the project was the need for rapid delivery while ensuring the uninterrupted operations of the existing facility. Due to the project team’s utilization of the design-build model, the project was completed in just 22 months.

The design-build approach provided the flexibility necessary for simultaneous design documentation development and preconstruction value engineering efforts. This allowed for early identification of cost-saving opportunities and facilitated early subcontractor involvement. Additionally, trade partners played a design-assist role in guiding the project's development, offering specialized knowledge on critical scopes of work.

By utilizing cross-discipline innovation, the project team was able to meet the owner’s project requirements and goals (such as ensuring that 15% of the warehouse space became fully operational within 10 months). Early alignment of team expectations was also crucial in exceeding lifecycle cost expectations and addressing long-term project performance goals.

Throughout the project, design-build’s streamlined approach helped to address market volatility, and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) technology was used to explore alternative design solutions when experiencing material procurement challenges. Building Information Modeling (BIM) also assessed alternative options for the team when the initial bar-joist roof system became unavailable, ultimately aiding in the decision to switch to W sections for the roof.

• Client/Owner: Intralox, L.L.C.
• Design-Build Firm: Broadmoor, LLC
• Architect: Broadmoor, LLC
• Engineers: Morphy Makofsky, Inc.; GVA Engineering; Fox-Nesbit
• Specialty Contractors: Gallo Mechanical, LLC; Hi-Tech Electric; Merit Sprinkler
• Owner Advisor: Intralox, LLC