Don Warren Receives DBIA’s Highest Honor for Longstanding Commitment to Design-Build

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) recognized Donald G. Warren, FDBIA, with the 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo held in Dallas TX, in early November. Named after Filippo Brunelleschi, one of history’s greatest architects and engineers, the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is DBIA’s highest honor.

In announcing Warren as recipient of this prestigious award, which recognizes individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the principles and practice of design-build, DBIA wrote: “Warren, a founding father of DBIA and an instrumental figure in shaping Design-Build Done Right^®, has made a profound and lasting impact on the construction industry over his nearly five decades of service.”

“To receive this award is totally humbling and is truly the highlight of my 40-plus career history,” said Warren. “In 1993, at our first Annual DBIA Meeting, we had 35 in attendance. It’s been amazing to watch this organization, and the use of design-build delivery, grow over the years. This year’s Conference drew more than 2,000 attendees!”

DBIA CEO and Executive Director Lisa Washington, CAE, said “Don’s role as a founding father of DBIA over 30 years ago is undeniably significant, but what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment throughout these decades. His enduring involvement has been nothing short of remarkable. Don has not only witnessed the growth and evolution of DBIA but has also been a constant source of insight and support. His forward-thinking vision and steadfast dedication have continually propelled DBIA and design-build forward, embodying the same pioneering spirit that ignited the organization in 1993.”

Warren was inducted into the Design-Build Institute of America’s (DBIA) 2018 Inaugural Class of DBIA Certified Fellows. DBIA Fellow status is limited to two percent of Designated Design-Build Professionals who are elected to Fellowship by a jury of their peers.

A Design-Build Legacy

Warren began his career at the age of 15, working on construction sites during the summers. His passion for construction and leadership led him through roles as an estimator, project manager and eventually President and CEO at Suitt Construction in Greenville, SC, where he grew the company to over $500 million in annual revenue by 2000. It was at Suitt Construction’s Special Projects Group that Warren first recognized the potential of design-build delivery, becoming a trailblazer for promoting collaboration, teamwork and partnership in the industry.

In 1993, Warren co-founded DBIA and has remained deeply engaged in advancing the organization’s mission and best practices. He served on the DBIA Board for seven years, including his tenure as Chair in 1998, where his leadership was crucial to the development of DBIA’s early Best Practices and contract documents. Under his guidance, projects such as the Bayer Dorlastan Chemical Plant and the Eli Lilly Research & Development Sphinx Facility received DBIA Awards of Excellence in 1996 and 1999, respectively.

Warren’s contributions extend beyond his leadership roles. He has been a tireless mentor, serving as Chair of DBIA’s College of Fellows Mentoring Committee and a certified DBIA Instructor, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of design-build professionals. Warren also continues to mentor members of a basketball team he coached following the tragic passing of his son, Brandon, embodying his favorite motto: “TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More.”

“Design-Build Done Right^® is embedded in Don Warren’s DNA,” said Rik Kunnath, FDBIA, a past DBIA Chairman and Brunelleschi Award winner. “He has consistently advocated for best practices from a practitioner’s perspective and has been essential in advancing the success of truly integrated design-build projects nationwide.”

Warren is currently Executive Vice President with Omega Construction, for which he leads the company’s Upstate South Carolina Division. As Warren approaches retirement, his legacy of leadership, innovation and mentorship will continue to shape the future of design-build.

Photos by Robb McCormick Photography (www.robbmccormick.com).

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