2026 Conference Speaker Hub

May 6-8, 2026

Opening Keynote

Marcus Lattimore

Marcus Lattimore

The ART of Design‑Build: Creating the Timeless Together

What if design‑build wasn’t just a delivery method—but an art form?

The DBIA Northwest Annual Conference keynote offers an immersive experience that redefines creativity, collaboration, and performance in the built environment. Through poetic storytelling and lived experience, award‑winning speaker and artist Marcus Lattimore challenges design‑build professionals to rethink how great work is created—not just by what we build, but by how we build it together.

Drawing on his journey from elite athlete to nationally recognized spoken‑word artist, Marcus explores the power of listening, alignment, and shared vision to produce work that is authentic, resilient, and impossible to duplicate. This keynote goes beyond inspiration—it’s a call to intentionally craft results rooted in trust, integrity, and human connection.

Prepare for an artistic opening experience that reframes design‑build as the collaborative masterpiece it was always meant to be.

Thursday: The First 60 Days: Validation Lessons from the City of Belgrade’s First PDB Project

Nick Byers

Nick Byers

Hennebery Eddy Architects

Nick Byers, principal and architect at Hennebery Eddy Architects, is a certified Design‑Build Professional and immediate past president of the Oregon Chapter of the Design‑Build Institute of America, where he has served in multiple leadership roles, including programs committee chair, promotions committee co‑chair, board member, and planner of young professionals events. A seasoned speaker on design-build best practices, Nick has presented at DBIA’s national conference as well as to local and student chapters. His active involvement in DBIA underscores his commitment to strong collaboration with consultants, contractors, and trade partners to balance design intent with constructability. Nick brings more than a decade of experience in allied health facilities and flexible learning spaces for a variety of academic and learning environments. Nick is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon.

Greg Tryon

Greg Tryon

City of Belgrade

Greg Tryon is an accomplished leader with a passion for public service and community development.  Currently, serving as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Belgrade the fastest growing city, in the fastest growing county in Montana.  His city management role adds to his extensive experience leading fire and emergency service organizations. With a career that spans over 30 years, he has served in key leadership roles including Fire Chief in both Montana and Washington, where he led operational, administrative, and human resource functions for large regional fire departments serving large populations in urban to rural communities.

A graduate of the University of Washington with an Executive Master’s in Public Administration, Greg also holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration and Emergency Management. He has helped guide multiple LEEDs certified public buildings from concept to implementation, with a focus on sustainability and long-term functionality.

Beyond his professional roles, Greg is deeply committed to the community, serving as a Board Member for various public and non-profit boards. He is also a coach and facilitator for a community leadership organization focused on developing community leaders to address complex social issues. Additionally, Greg is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served from 1985 to 1993, receiving the command awarded Expeditionary Medal.

With a strong background in municipal services, leadership, and community engagement, Greg strives to make a significant impact on the communities he serves, advocating for effective collaboration, accountability, and growth.

Daniel Bates

Daniel Bates

Haselden Montana Constructors

Daniel Bates is the President of Haselden Montana Constructors, bringing over a decade of experience with Haselden Construction. He previously served as a Senior Preconstruction Manager, where he played a key role in several high-profile projects, including the Intermountain Health Lutheran Replacement Hospital and the Medical Center of the Rockies Expansion. Dan has also served as a project manager for both the higher education and K-12 markets, giving him unique insight into all phases of a project and what makes each successful. He consistently delivers exceptional projects through his innate ability to solve complex problems and build strong relationships across all stakeholders. With a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Brigham Young University – Idaho, Daniel is also an accredited DBIA Professional and LEED A.P., underscoring his commitment to construction excellence.

Thursday: Preconstruction in Progressive Design-Build: A Team View

 

Aaron Binger

Aaron Binger

Absher Construction

Aaron Binger brings over 20 years of experience in commercial construction, with a strong focus on both traditional and progressive design‑build delivery. He has led integrated design‑build teams across all phases of project development; guiding early collaboration; risk alignment; and shared accountability among contractors, architects, and owners. Having served in leadership roles representing both the owner and the general contractor, Aaron offers a balanced perspective that helps teams align early, build trust, cultivate long‑term partnerships, and consistently deliver successful design‑build projects.

Sheila Wald

Sheila Wald

Grant County PUD

Sheila Wald is a Senior Project Manager with 15 years of experience delivering projects for Grant County PUD. She has led initiatives using both Traditional and Progressive Design‑Build delivery, with a portfolio spanning technology and utility infrastructure. Sheila brings practical, real‑world insights from public‑sector project delivery. She is passionate about sharing lessons learned from real‑world delivery to help organizations achieve more predictable, sustainable project outcomes.

Stacy Shewell

Stacy Shewell

Turner & Townsend Heery

Stacy is an experienced Owner Advisor with over 15 years in the construction industry, specializing in Progressive Design-Build. She partners with owners to navigate procurement, align goals, manage risk, and foster collaboration, often for first-time Design-Build users. Stacy has supported 36 alternative delivery projects totaling more than $2 billion. She is Treasurer of the DBIA Northwest Region and subcommittee co-chair on the DBIA National Owner Advisor Committee.

Steven Clark

Steven Clark

Integrus Architecture

Steven Clark, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB is an Associate Principal and Architect at Integrus with 20 years of experience leading complex, community‑focused projects across K‑12 education, higher education, civic, and public facilities. His work is grounded in collaborative delivery and a deep understanding of how to advance projects while balancing technical rigor, stakeholder needs, and active campus or community environments.

Thursday: Unlocking Design-Build’s Greatest Opportunities: Leveraging the Value of Trade Partner Early Involvement. 

 

Brian Aske, FDBIA, LEED AP

Brian Aske, FDBIA, LEED AP

SAK Builders

Brian is a DBIA Fellow and the President of SAK Builders, a concrete specialty builder. He has served on the DBIA Northwest Region Board for over 16 years and has actively advocated and advanced design-build in the Pacific Northwest. He is chair of the DBIA’s Progressive Design-Build Committee and he guest lectures and instructs industry classes on design-build. His projects have been awarded DBIA’s 2021 Project of the Year and DBIA’s 2023 Best in Teaming.

Ken Dyckman, PE, DBIA, CEM, LEED AP

Ken Dyckman, PE, DBIA, CEM, LEED AP

Four decades of mechanical construction experience as a journeyman tradesman, project manager, engineering manager, precon manager, sales, and regional business manager. Involved in hundreds of DB and DA jobs ranging in size from a few hundred dollars to $300M. Past DBIA NW Regional President. Author of Radically Different MEP Preconstruction: Get Out From the Pack and Win More Jobs With Higher Profits. Avid hiker and long-distance touring cyclist.

Thursday: Design-Build Isn’t Broken, Our Habits Are | The Mindset Shift That Makes or Breaks DB Projects

 

Sarah Young, NCARB, CDT, DBIA

Sarah Young, NCARB, CDT, DBIA

Senior Project Manager, Open Concept Architecture

Sarah Young is a Senior Project Manager at Open Concept Architecture. She holds a B.S. in Interior Design from Texas State University and an M.Arch from Pratt Institute, and has built her career on projects ranging from high-rise housing in New York City to wineries in Oregon. Since joining the AEC industry in 2012, her experience has shaped her belief that strong structure and best practices add value at every scale.

Passionate about integrating design and construction teams, Sarah emphasizes trust, clarity, and alignment throughout the process. Her work focuses on integration and the mindset shifts required to sustain it, with an emphasis on how team behaviors, decision-making, and communication shape project outcomes.

Noah Toomey, AIA, Assoc. DBIA

Noah Toomey, AIA, Assoc. DBIA

Director – Strategic Growth, SAK Builders Inc.

Noah Toomey is the Director of Strategic Growth at SAK Builders Inc., a leading concrete construction firm, where he brings more than 24 years of experience across architecture and construction. With a career grounded in both design and delivery, Noah plays a key role in advancing the firm’s strategic vision, market development, and collaborative delivery approach.

A passionate advocate for design-build and integrated project delivery, Noah consistently champions solutions that align teams early, strengthen collaboration, and exceed Owner expectations. He is known for fostering high‑performance teams built on trust, transparency, and open communication—critical elements in delivering successful design‑build outcomes.

Noah’s leadership style emphasizes alignment, accountability, and innovation, enabling teams to navigate complexity while driving value throughout the project lifecycle. His strategic insight and deep industry experience continue to shape SAK Builders’ growth trajectory, positioning the company as a trusted partner on complex, high‑impact construction projects.

Lisa Rihtar, AIA, Assoc. DBIA

Lisa Rihtar, AIA, Assoc. DBIA

Senior Associate, DLR Group

Lisa Rihtar is an architect and the K‑12 Educational Lead for Washington State at DLR Group. With more than 15 years of field experience, she brings a deeply collaborative and integrated approach to every project, guiding diverse multidisciplinary teams and fostering an environment where design excellence can truly thrive. Her commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation has established her as a trusted voice in the completion of innovative projects. A leader in sustainable design, Lisa has contributed to multiple projects exceeding ambitious sustainability goals, such as Net Zero Energy, low carbon and LEED certified. Her work reflects a profound dedication to creating educational environments that support learning, strengthen community, and inspire forward‑thinking ideas—values she brings to every conversation and every project she leads

Rebecca Matlack, DBIA

Rebecca Matlack, DBIA

Discipline Manager, Civil Engineering, Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Rebecca Matlack holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Washington State University and a Certificate in Women’s Leadership from Gonzaga University. Rebecca remains actively involved in professional and industry organizations supporting mentorship, design‑build delivery, and engineering leadership. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys traveling with her husband, gardening and foraging, exploring local geology and history, and enjoying the lakes and whitewater rivers of the Inland Northwest.

Thursday: DBIA’s New Progressive Design-Build Best Practices

Brian Aske, FDBIA, LEED AP

Brian Aske, FDBIA, LEED AP

SAK Builders

Brian Aske, FDBIA is a DBIA Fellow and the President of SAK Builders, Inc. He has served on the DBIA Northwest Region Board for over 17 years and advanced Washington State’s current progressive design-build legislation. He is chair of the DBIA’s Progressive Design-Build Committee, a DBIA PDB Instructor, a guest lecturer, and instructor of industry classes on design-build. His projects have won numerous awards including DBIA’s 2021 Project of the Year and DBIA’s 2023 Best in Teaming.

Robynne Thaxton Parkinson

Robynne Thaxton Parkinson

Groff Murphy PLLC

Robynne Thaxton Parkinson is a Seattle based lawyer with substantial experience in both construction and employment
law. Previously affiliated with the law firm Groff Murphy PLLC, she started her own practice so that she could provide legal services to a full range of clients performing construction work, including Owners, Contractors, Design-Builders, Engineers and Architects. In addition to construction law, Robynne counsels employers in all aspects of employment law, including discrimination, wrongful discharge, contract claims and labor issues.
Robynne’s philosophy of providing practical, business based advice reflects her substantial experience in both the construction industry and employment field. She started practicing in the Anchorage, Alaska office of Perkins Coie in 1989 providing advice in the area of labor and employment law. When she transferred to Perkins Coie’s Seattle office in 1991, she began work in the construction field representing public owners. In 1994, she started working at Groff Murphy, PLLC, one of the Northwest’s premier construction law firms, becoming a partner in 1998. From 2000 to 2001, she was the Director of Contract Administration for XO Communications, Inc., assisting the company in building its infrastructure on a national basis. She gained invaluable experience working in house as an owner drafting, negotiating and helping to manage design-build projects across the country. Robynne is one of the leading experts in construction law and alternative procurement both in Washington State and on a national basis. She is on the Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors for the Design Build Institute of America and is the Past President of the NW Region for DBIA. She is also the co-chair of the DBIA National Legal Committee and was the chair of the 2012 DBIA National Convention Planning Committee. She is also one of DBIA’s highest rated speakers on the subject of Design Build Contracts and Risk Management. She is an active participant on the legislative subcommittees of the Washington Capital Projects Advisory Review Board, which reviews all legislation involving capital projects in the state. Robynne was named a Washington Super Lawyer from 2010 through 2013.

Jeannie Natta

Jeannie Natta

Director of Major Projects for the University of Washington (UW)

Jeannie Natta is the Director of Major Projects for the University of Washington (UW) Project Delivery Group.  She serves also as the Vice Chair of the DBIA Western Washington Chapter. She received a Master of Science in Construction Management in 2013 from UW and is a DBIA Fellow. Prior to her work at the UW, Jeannie spent 10 years in the electrical trade, and 12 years as an educator in university residential life programs.

Sian Roberts, FAIA, Partner

Sian Roberts, FAIA, Partner

The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP

Sian Roberts, FAIA, is a partner with the Miller Hull Partnership where she has led design teams on civic, educational and infrastructure projects. Her projects include academic buildings for public and higher education clients as well as civic and infrastructure facilities for state and federal government clients.  Her projects have won AIA awards for design, the innovative use of BIM and excellence in design-build. Sian has a special interest in how alternative and collaborative delivery can foster design excellence. Sian has served on the on the DBIA Northwest Region Board and has spoken on changes in practice, integrated project delivery and sustainability at DBIA and AIA conferences and events. She is currently a member of the Washington State Licensing Board for Architects.

Thursday: Executing Design-Build Done Right®: Lessons from the Federal Way Link Extension Project

Ben Swarner

Ben Swarner

Ben Swarner is a licensed Civil Engineer and certified Project Manager specializing in the delivery of major rail and transit and bridge infrastructure programs throughout the United States and Canada. With approximately 15 years of experience, including seven years on Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension, he has led multidisciplinary teams through final design and construction support for electrified rail systems, stations, parking garages, and complex bridge structures, primarily on design-build teams. He is known for his strong leadership, effective management of complex technical issues, and practical solutions that align stakeholders and support successful project delivery.

Christine Jobe

Christine Jobe

Christine Jobe is a Project Engineer with almost 12 years of broad experience delivering complex transportation and transit infrastructure projects through collaborative delivery methods. With a background spanning field engineering, superintendent leadership, and project engineering, she brings a strong integration of field execution and project controls to design-build teams. Christine has supported major light rail, bridge, and guideway programs, with expertise in post-tensioned structures, precast fabrication, substructure construction, track systems, and project closeout. She is recognized for her ability to work effectively across disciplines, manage cost and risk, and partner with owners, designers, contractors, and trade partners to support successful project outcomes.

Ken Regan

Ken Regan

Kenneth (Ken) Regan is a Senior Project Manager with 25 years of experience spanning project and construction management as well as resident engineering. He has a proven track record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teams to successfully deliver complex infrastructure projects across multiple delivery methods, including design-bid-build, CM/GC, and Design Build.  Ken’s career encompasses a broad range of civil (roadway and bridge) and systems work, with extensive expertise in systems construction and integration for light rail transit. His depth of technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and commitment to collaborative project execution have consistently contributed to successful outcomes on high-profile, multidisciplinary programs.

Thursday: Going Places: Bringing Progressive Design-Build to New Industries and New Locations

Robynne Thaxton Parkinson

Robynne Thaxton Parkinson

Groff Murphy PLLC

Robynne Thaxton Parkinson is a Seattle based lawyer with substantial experience in both construction and employment
law. Previously affiliated with the law firm Groff Murphy PLLC, she started her own practice so that she could provide legal services to a full range of clients performing construction work, including Owners, Contractors, Design-Builders, Engineers and Architects. In addition to construction law, Robynne counsels employers in all aspects of employment law, including discrimination, wrongful discharge, contract claims and labor issues.
Robynne’s philosophy of providing practical, business based advice reflects her substantial experience in both the construction industry and employment field. She started practicing in the Anchorage, Alaska office of Perkins Coie in 1989 providing advice in the area of labor and employment law. When she transferred to Perkins Coie’s Seattle office in 1991, she began work in the construction field representing public owners. In 1994, she started working at Groff Murphy, PLLC, one of the Northwest’s premier construction law firms, becoming a partner in 1998. From 2000 to 2001, she was the Director of Contract Administration for XO Communications, Inc., assisting the company in building its infrastructure on a national basis. She gained invaluable experience working in house as an owner drafting, negotiating and helping to manage design-build projects across the country. Robynne is one of the leading experts in construction law and alternative procurement both in Washington State and on a national basis. She is on the Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors for the Design Build Institute of America and is the Past President of the NW Region for DBIA. She is also the co-chair of the DBIA National Legal Committee and was the chair of the 2012 DBIA National Convention Planning Committee. She is also one of DBIA’s highest rated speakers on the subject of Design Build Contracts and Risk Management. She is an active participant on the legislative subcommittees of the Washington Capital Projects Advisory Review Board, which reviews all legislation involving capital projects in the state. Robynne was named a Washington Super Lawyer from 2010 through 2013.

Becky Blankenship, FDBIA

Becky Blankenship, FDBIA

Progressive Design-Build Consulting, LLC

Becky Blankenship, FDBIA is a Partner with Progressive Design-Build Consulting, LLC and has extensive experience as a designer, construction manager, and owner’s advisor.  She has served in leadership roles on over 50 design-build and progressive design-build projects ranging from $3 million to $6 billion managing complex workflows, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and maintaining cost control. 

Robert Blain

Robert Blain

Robert Blain has over 23 years of experience in public sector design and construction.  In 2019, he took on the roll of the Facilities and Capital Assets Director at Benton County, managing the Facilities, Purchasing, and the Capital Programs Department.  Robert is leading the County in adopting alternate delivery methods and is using the progressive design-build method for several projects.   Robert is also a member of the Washington State Capital Projects Advisory Review Board.

Thursday: Progressive Design-Build for Complex Occupied Renovations

Erica Dunn, AIA

Erica Dunn, AIA

Opsis Architecture

Committed to a sustainable future, Erica, a Principal at Opsis Architecture, brings 20+ years of experience in architecture with a focus on zero energy projects delivered through progressive design build.  Erica believes architecture developed through a collaborative design process empowers communities to be more connected, more resilient, and more likely to find delight in the world around them. She is a recognized leader in sustainable design, and a New Buildings Institute Senior Fellow.

Nick Pritchard, Assoc. DBIA, PMP

Nick Pritchard, Assoc. DBIA, PMP

Lease Crutcher Lewis

Leveraging experience as an owner’s rep and general contractor, Nick sees each project as an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with all team members. In a constant pursuit to push the boundaries of possibility, Nick thrives in highly collaborative environments. Having worked in a variety of delivery methods over the last 15 years, he believes Progressive Design Build encourages diverse thinking, fostering innovation and creating lasting value in every project.

Christina Vinson, PE

Christina Vinson, PE

Oregon State University

Christina Vinson is a seasoned project manager with over 25 years of experience leading public sector projects, including the past seven years at Oregon State University. Her work has ranged from infrastructure upgrades to new construction and complex remodels. Prior to OSU, she managed capital projects for the City of Salem, Oregon. Christina holds a strong belief in the value of collaborative project delivery, based on decades of experience delivering community-centered projects.

Bill Calender

Bill Calender

Oregon State University

Having served the Oregon State University Campus Community in a variety of capacities for over 30 years, Bill has provided leadership in the areas of Campus and Land Use Planning, Risk Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Sustainability and continues to enjoy the process of learning, “asking why or why not”, and saying “yes”.  From the lens of a professional in Campus Recreation, Bill likes to bring ideation, context, optimism and strategic approaches to the team.

Thursday: The Reliable Promise: Unifying Teams and Managing Risk in Progressive Design-Build

Tony Carlson, Associate DBIA

Tony Carlson, Associate DBIA

Andersen Construction

Tony Carlson, Associate DBIA, is a Senior Project Manager at Andersen Construction, specializing in healthcare, life sciences, and pharmaceutical projects. He is dedicated to building cohesive teams and fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Tony emphasizes design and construction excellence, recognizing design-build delivery as a key driver of project success.

Andreas Wallner

Andreas Wallner

Roche / Genentech

Andreas is an Architect and Project Manager with over 30 years of experience in the High Tech and Pharmaceutical industries. After working as an Architect for 10 years, he became a Project Manager for large owner organizations. He has been passionate about collaborative project execution using Lean and Integrated Delivery Methods since his first involvement in an early IPD project in 2012.

Mandy Butler

Mandy Butler

Principal at TVA Architects

Mandy Butler is a Principal at TVA Architects, where she leads the Science, Technology, and Healthcare practice. With over 25 years of experience in laboratory and healthcare design, she approaches each project as an opportunity to learn and collaborate with clients to create spaces that enhance their daily work.

Throughout her career, Mandy has focused on continuous improvement in collaborative design delivery, stakeholder engagement, and human-centered design. She finds deep satisfaction in navigating clients through complex processes and values the lasting relationships that develop from successful partnerships.

Mandy serves on the University of Oregon’s College of Design Dean’s Advisory Council and volunteers with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon. She is a member of AIA and NOMA.

Friday: Owner Insights for Successful Design-Build Delivery: Lessons from an Accelerated Houseless Shelter Project

Geoffrey Kavulya

Geoffrey Kavulya

Senior Manager for the City of Hillsboro

With over 13 years of local government leadership, Geoffrey is a Senior Manager for the City of Hillsboro dedicated to advancing public infrastructure through collaborative project delivery. He brings deep expertise in Progressive Design-Build (PDB), having successfully led a diverse range of projects from the Water Operations Expansion and 17th Ave. Houseless Shelter to the Brookwood Library Elevator & Parapet project. Geoffrey is recognized for his ability to adapt delivery methods to project needs, evidenced by his oversight of the South Hillsboro Fire Station’s evolution from a DB to a CM/GC model. Grounded in a multidisciplinary background of architecture and engineering, he bridges the gap between technical execution and public policy, ensuring that municipal operations drive sustainable, equitable, and climate-conscious development.

Sean Morrison

Sean Morrison

Capital & Development Division Manager at the City of Hillsboro

Sean is the Capital & Development Division Manager at the City of Hillsboro overseeing both horizontal and vertical capital projects. Aside from leading the division which encompasses a variety of programs, Sean focuses on project planning and project development. Since 2020, Sean has been a leader in adopting design build in his organization as a way to meet unique project delivery challenges on projects big and small. Sean and his team are working on five projects utilizing DB: South Hillsboro Fire Station (DB to CM/GC), 17th Ave. Houseless Shelter, Brookwood Library Elevator & Parapet, Water Operations Expansion and the Hillsboro Hops Ballpark.

Friday: Progressive Design Build for UBEs: Understanding the Process and Path to Success

Rachael Pease

Rachael Pease

Director of Business Development and Strategic Growth at Kiewit

Rachael Pease is Director of Business Development and Strategic Growth at Kiewit. She brings 17 years in construction, with over a decade focused on expanding access for underutilized businesses. Rachael connects small firms to real project opportunities through design-build. She also serves in leadership with Design-Build Institute of America, advancing practical strategies that help underutilized businesses compete and succeed.

Thuli Lushaba

Thuli Lushaba

Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development at Korsmo Construction

Thuli Lushaba is Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development at Korsmo Construction, bringing over 15 years of experience in construction and community-centered systems leadership. She leads strategies that expand access for underutilized businesses and strengthen workforce pathways across Washington State. A recognized voice in equity-centered delivery, Thuli serves on the DBIA NW Small Business Engagement and Growth Committee, advancing inclusive growth, diverse business participation, and community-integrated project delivery.

Cathy Pack

Cathy Pack

Principal at SmithGroup

Cathy Pack is a Principal at SmithGroup and co-chair of the NW DBIA Small Business Engagement & Growth Committee. With a strong belief in the power of collaboration and craft, she is most energized when she’s on the construction site—where design intent becomes reality and partnerships with builders deepen the quality of the work.

With more than 25 years of experience as a project architect, Cathy leads the delivery of complex projects across scales with a focus on integrated design, team health, and client-centered outcomes. Her background in history and classical archaeology gives her a wide-frame perspective of built, social, and natural environments. A hands-on designer and humanist, she aims to charm, delight, and instigate curiosity through her work

Lillian Stevenson

Lillian Stevenson

CEO of Berrien Concrete

Lillian Stevenson is the CEO of Berrien Concrete, where she brings over 21 years of corporate leadership experience to drive growth, excellence, and impact. Recruited by her brothers to help build the company in honor of their late father, Lillian leads with a clear brand vision centered on quality, integrity, and inclusion. Under her leadership, Berrien Concrete champions workforce development and diversity initiatives while strengthening communities throughout Oregon through purpose-driven strategy and disciplined operational execution.

Ben Ferguson

Ben Ferguson

Managing Principal of Ferguson Architecture

Ben Ferguson is Managing Principal of Ferguson Architecture, where he leads complex projects across education, civic, commercial, and residential sectors. A licensed Washington architect, he founded the firm in 2015 and built a strong regional presence through consistent delivery and trusted partnerships. Ben is known for clear leadership, practical design, and a sharp focus on constructability, cost control, and outcomes that serve clients and the community.

Alicia Lawver, MBA, APR, DBIA Assoc.

Alicia Lawver, MBA, APR, DBIA Assoc.

Director of Strategic Planning, Tacoma Public Schools

Alicia brings extensive experience advancing strategies that strengthen local systems by investing in small and disadvantaged businesses, creating meaningful career pathways for students, and keeping public resources rooted in the community. With nearly 30 years of experience in collaborative leadership, strategic communications and behavior change, Alicia is known for championing practical, systems‑level solutions that lead to lasting impact.

Friday: Connecting Industry with Education: PBD’s Role in Redeveloping Tacoma’s Working Waterfront

Morris Aldridge, DBIA

Morris Aldridge, DBIA

Executive Director, Planning and Construction, Tacoma Public Schools

As Executive Director of Planning and Construction for Tacoma Public Schools, Morris Aldridge stands at the front of the replacement and renovation projects for one of the largest school districts in Washington State. Morris has spent the last six years implementing innovative school design ideas for TPS, including leadership of Washington State’s first K-12 public school design-build project, which earned Project of the Year from AGC of Washington Construction of Excellence Award.

Stanley Ryter, PE, PMP

Stanley Ryter, PE, PMP

Director of Engineering Project Management, Port of Tacoma

Stan is responsible for supervising the Port of Tacoma’s project managers and development of capital projects for all types of Port infrastructure, including wharfs, buildings, utilities and remediation. This includes a role of Project Manager for the Maritime Center, a collaborative project under construction with Tacoma Public Schools which includes a new Port Headquarters, a Maritime Skills Center, parking facilities, community-use plaza, and waterfront promenade.

Brian Ho, AIA, ALEP, DBIA, LEED AP

Brian Ho, AIA, ALEP, DBIA, LEED AP

Principal, TCF Architecture

Brian leads TCF’s K–12 Educational Studio, shaping learning environments that support educators, inspire students, and flex as teaching evolves. He is an A4LE Accredited Learning Environment Planner and DBIA member/conference presenter, accustomed to balancing design ambition with budget and schedule realities. His ten completed and ongoing PDB-delivered schools include serving as Lead Design Principal on the Maritime Center, a dynamic waterfront learning environment featuring flexible spaces that adapt to evolving teaching methods, technologies, and practices in Career and Technical Education.

Geri Urbas, DBIA

Geri Urbas, DBIA

Project Executive, BNBuilders

Geri began her construction career after studying Civil Engineering at St. Martin’s College and has since built more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Much of her work has focused on the public sector, with a strong emphasis on alternative delivery methods. She has contributed to complex projects ranging from ground-up construction to historic renovations and upgrades within occupied critical care facilities. She is known for her steady focus on delivering projects on time and within budget, and for working collaboratively with clients to navigate complex and sensitive environments.

Friday: From Vision to Viability: Repurposing a Hospital into a Regional Recovery Center

Riley Ollero

Riley Ollero

Riley Ollero is a lifelong resident of Washington and a graduate of Eastern Washington University, where he earned a degree in construction management. He began his career as a project manager in the general contracting sector, gaining valuable experience across a variety of project types. In 2022, Riley transitioned into the role of construction manager for Benton County. Since joining Benton County, Riley has overseen more than twenty construction projects totaling over $100.5 million. His portfolio includes everything from small-scale ground-up developments to large, complex renovation efforts. He brings expertise in both progressive design-build and traditional design-bid-build delivery methods.

Mac McGrath

Mac McGrath

Mac McGrath brings more than two decades of construction experience, including twelve years with Bouten Construction where he currently serves as a Senior Project Manager. A graduate of Central Washington University with a degree in construction management, Mac has built a career leading complex projects across a range of delivery methods. His experience spans both traditional and alternative approaches, including design-bid-build and progressive design-build, allowing him to adapt to the unique needs of each project. In the past five years alone, Mac has successfully led over $180 million in progressive design-build and GC/CM projects, primarily within the healthcare and education sectors.

Cecilia Arroyo

Cecilia Arroyo

With over 14 years of experience, Cecilia Arroyo is a medical planner and designer specializing in healthcare environments. She has worked on projects across Washington State, California and Idaho. Her portfolio includes behavioral healthcare, hospitals, and both inpatient and outpatient clinics. She creates user-centered spaces that support patient well-being and outcomes by integrating architecture, lighting, nature, technology, and science. Known for leading projects from concept to completion, she collaborates closely with clients to deliver thoughtful, functional, and impactful design solutions.

Closing Keynote

Closing Keynote

Closing Keynote

Design-Build as a Performing Art: 14 Years of Festival Structures for the Pickathon Music Festival

Design-build challenges us to collaborate differently—to integrate people, materials, and ideas in ways that produce meaning beyond the finished structure. In that spirit, this keynote highlights an unconventional design-build laboratory where temporary architecture becomes a tool for experimentation, ethics, and shared making.

The Diversion Design/Build Studio at Portland State University’s School of Architecture, created by Professors Travis Bell and Clive Knights, is a student-led design experiment exploring the experiential qualities of architecture through the design and realization of temporary celebratory spaces. The studio embraces responsible and ethical design practice by diverting non-typical, reusable industrial materials and diverting design toward non-traditional experiences—particularly those rooted in festival culture and collective gathering.

Over the past 14 years, the studio has collaborated with the Pickathon Music Festival, architecture students, engineers, lighting designers, and builders to create annual projects that prioritize shared making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and design as a communal act.