Gray Chairman Featured as Founding Father of the Design-Build Institute of America

“DBIA’s Founding Fathers were design-build ‘true believers’ at a time when many in the industry considered alternative delivery processes risky and a threat to the status quo,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, Executive Director/CEO, Design-Build Institute of America. “25 years ago, Gray was already proving the naysayers wrong by delivering some of the nation’s best design-build projects, and Jim Gray was determined to expand those successes to all 50 states. It’s not often an individual can impact an entire industry; Jim Gray is one of those people. America has found a better way to build, thanks to his courage and insight.”

When these leaders came together 25 years ago, they had a mission – to expand design-build. The work has paid off since design-build is no longer an “alternative” project delivery method. The association is currently leading the industry to new heights.

“It’s so rewarding to see a 25-year-old vision develop to such an extraordinary level, proving that ideas are the DNA of everything that’s important,” said Jim Gray, Chairman of Gray.

Historically, more than 75 percent of Gray’s projects have utilized the design-build method, with expectations that this number will increase.

The panel included a spirited discussion of the founders, recalling fond memories of the early days and offering ideas for what the future could hold.

During the event, Jim Gray was also recognized as a DBIA fellow.

Picture (L to R): Lisa Washington, CAE, DBIA Executive Director/CEO, Founding Fathers: Jim Gray, Gray Construction, Richard M. Kunnath, P.E., Pankow Builders, Preston Haskell, P.E., The Haskell Company, Don Warren, McCrory Construction, and William Hasbrook, 2018 DBIA Board Chairman.