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DBIA YP Presents: Design-Build in Action with the Maritime Skills Center Team
Program Description:
This panel will explore the practical, boots-on-the-ground realities of delivering the Maritime Skills Center using a design-build project delivery model. While other discussions may focus on project structure and high-level strategy, this session will center on execution: how the team coordinated across disciplines, approached construction administration in a design-build environment, and identified opportunities to incorporate betterments as risk was reduced and contingency became available. Panelists from the project team will share candid lessons learned about decision-making, coordination, and delivering added value in real time on an active project.
DBIA Learning Objectives:
- Identify practical design-build delivery strategies used by the project team to improve coordination, decision-making, and construction administration during active project execution.
- Evaluate how progressive reduction of project risk can create opportunities to implement betterments and maximize available contingency within a design-build framework.
- Explain how integrated coordination between design and construction teams can improve project delivery, responsiveness, and quality during implementation.
- Assess how design decisions may evolve during construction as project constraints, risk exposure, and budget availability change over time.
- Describe the architect’s role in construction-phase collaboration, including coordination, problem-solving, and supporting project betterments within a design-build environment.
- Recognize how interdisciplinary communication and real-time decision-making can influence project outcomes related to constructibility, value, and overall design intent.
Kevin Manning
Kevin Manning is a project manager at BNBuilders with over ten years of experience delivering public and private projects through progressive design‑build and GC/CM delivery. He has worked extensively on complex projects in active environments and supports project teams from preconstruction through closeout. Kevin holds a BS in Construction Management from Northern Michigan University and is a DBIA, LEED AP BD+C, and PMP professional.
Stan Ryter
Stan is the Port of Tacoma’s project manager for the Maritime Center and is the Director of Engineering Project Management. Stan has worked for the Port for almost 13 years delivering capital projects. The Maritime Center is the Port of Tacoma’s first progressive design build project. Previously, Stan worked as a bridge engineer and project manager in the consulting industry for 20 years. He has a BS and Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington.
James Choate-Deeds
A Project Architect with over 40 years of experience delivering public buildings across the Pacific Northwest, James is known for his ability to translate clever ideas into practical, buildable solutions. With a special focus on sustainable design and daylighting, he is driven to enhance the longevity of built environments while designing buildings dedicated to the people who will inhabit them. His background across architecture, owner representation, and manufacturing brings a balanced, problem-solving approach that aligns project goals with real-world construction. After decades working within low bid delivery, James values progressive design-build for the way it strengthens collaboration and trust, leading to higher-quality projects that are more rewarding to deliver.
Sheena Hewett
Associate AIA
An Architectural Designer focused on positive community impact, Sheena blends her professional expertise with a dedication to nurturing future generations through crafting inspiring learning environments for students and educators that stimulate creativity, discovery and engagement. Sheena has experience collaborating with the community and Tacoma City Council on eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives within our local government and currently volunteers with Tacoma Public Schools to introduce high school students to the AEC industry.