About the Course
Introduction
This CLE webinar will examine the progressive design-build (PDB) project delivery method that has increased in popularity in recent years, especially for large construction projects with lengthy timelines. The panel will discuss the PDB model structure, address the advantages and disadvantages of using this model as compared to more traditional models, and offer best practices for drafting key contractual provisions when selecting this structure.
Description
Project delivery methods continue to evolve in the construction industry away from the design-bid-build method to the traditional design-build (DB) method and more recently to the PDB method that has increased in popularity in recent years. Counsel should understand the PDB model structure, the risks and benefits to choosing this project delivery method over others, and key contractual considerations.
The PDB model primarily differs from the traditional DB model in contract structure, timing of pricing negotiations, and level of party collaboration. While DB projects typically involve a fixed-price, lump-sum contract for design and construction, PDB projects begin with a qualifications-based selection of the design-builder and progress to a design and price negotiation between the design-builder and owner.
In addition to understanding the PDB process, counsel should consider how the PDB structure impacts key contractual provisions in the construction agreements—including those involving risk allocation, insurance coverage, change order procedures, and dispute resolution—and draft accordingly to best protect their clients' interests.
Listen as our authoritative panel provides a comprehensive overview of the PDB project delivery method, discusses its advantages and disadvantages, and offers best practices for drafting key contractual provisions when using this structure.
Presented By
Mr. Brill is a member of the Construction and Infrastructure Practice Group. He focuses his practice on complex commercial and construction litigation. In that role, Mr. Brill has represented owners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in oil-and-gas disputes, design-defect claims, and public procurement matters in state and federal court, and various administrative boards. He has also regularly represented clients in complex commercial litigation involving breaches of contract, fraud, various consumer protection acts, employment matters, and business tort claims.
Mr. Wickard concentrates his practice on construction and commercial litigation along with negotiating and drafting construction contracts. He has worked on a wide variety of projects (both international and domestic), including oil and gas, offshore oil production facilities, power plants, manufacturing plants, railroads, solar power facilities, wind farms, water treatment plants, steel mills, dams, and health care facilities. Mr. Wickard has been involved in all phases of litigation in a number of state and federal courts, including jury trials, bench trials, injunction and TRO proceedings. He also has handled numerous appeals in several different state and federal jurisdictions. Mr. Wickard also has significant experience with arbitration proceedings. Mr. Wickard has also drafted and negotiated numerous construction contracts, including EPCs, subcontracts, design contracts, and supply contracts, for many different domestic and international projects. Mr. Wickard also represents clients in connection with public procurement issues and has extensive experience in all phases of bid protest proceedings throughout the country.
Wolfe is a member of the Construction and Infrastructure practice group. She focuses her practice on assisting clients in a variety of disputes involving construction projects, including construction agreements, design and construction defect claims, and payment claims, among others. Ms. Wolfe also handles general complex commercial litigation related to contract, real estate, and development matters. She represents clients in arbitrations, as well as jury and bench trials in state and federal courts. In addition, Ms. Wolfe advises entities on other regulatory and standards issues including building codes, National Fire Protection Association codes and standards, and Facility Guidelines Institute guidelines.
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Date + Time
- event
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- schedule
1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT
I. Introduction
II. PDB overview
A. PDB model structure
B. Benefits and risks
C. When to select PDB for the project
D. PDB 2025 AIA contract updates
III. Key drafting considerations for PDB projects
A. Risk allocation
B. Insurance
C. Change order procedures
D. Dispute resolution
E. Others
IV. Practitioner takeaways
The panel will review these and other important considerations:
- How does the PDB project delivery method differ from more traditional methods such as design-bid-build and DB?
- What are the advantages to using the PDB structure? Disadvantages?
- For what types of projects should counsel and clients consider using the PDB method?
- How does using the PDB method impact key contractual provisions? What are best practices for drafting these provisions?
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