Recently, WGI joined more than industry professionals, agency leaders, and project stakeholders in Asheville, North Carolina, for the 2026 Design-Build Institute of America Southeast (DBIA-SE) Region Conference.

Representing WGI at this year’s conference were Walter Kloss, PE, Vice President of Transportation Alternative Delivery; Eliza Partington, Assoc. DBIA, Alternative Delivery Client Services Director; and Scott Boyles, PE, Project Director. WGI was also proud to serve as sponsor of the Opening Reception, creating opportunities to connect with peers and engage in conversations shaping the future of infrastructure delivery across the Southeast.

Alternative Delivery Has Entered Its Next Chapter

One of the clearest themes throughout this year’s conference was that Alternative Delivery (AD) is becoming the standard for delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Discussions throughout the event focused less on introducing delivery methods and more on refining how teams work together to achieve stronger outcomes. Sessions explored how agencies to contractors are evolving processes to improve collaboration, manage risk more effectively, and increase project certainty.

Insights shared during the Industry Outlook and Update reinforced the momentum behind this shift, highlighting continued growth in Progressive Design-Build (PDB), increased legislative support nationwide, and growing demand for experienced advisors who can help owners successfully implement alternative delivery strategies.

As adoption accelerates, owners and project teams alike are placing greater value on flexibility, transparency, and early alignment.

Collaboration Continues to Drive Project Success

While technical delivery methods remain important, one of the strongest takeaways from the conference centered on culture and relationships.

Successful alternative delivery projects increasingly rely on shared accountability, proactive communication, and meaningful collaboration beginning early in procurement and extending throughout project execution.

Conference conversations emphasized several recurring themes that continue to influence successful outcomes:

• Establishing balanced and thoughtful risk allocation
• Encouraging early engagement between owners and delivery teams
• Creating environments that support transparency and collaboration
• Building long-term partnerships that improve project certainty

As the industry continues to mature, organizations are increasingly evaluating potential partners not only on technical capability, but also on their ability to collaborate effectively and deliver value throughout the project lifecycle.

Delivering Confidence Through Alternative Delivery

At WGI, we continue to help owners and contractors navigate increasingly complex infrastructure programs through collaborative delivery strategies that prioritize innovation, resilience, and long-term success.

Whether serving as a trusted owner advisor or partnering with contractors as a designer-of-choice, our teams bring the multidisciplinary expertise and alternative delivery experience needed to move projects forward with confidence.

Thank you to DBIA Southeast for hosting another impactful event and to everyone who connected with our team throughout the week! We look forward to continuing the conversations and helping shape the future of infrastructure delivery across the region.

Looking Ahead

As Alternative Delivery continues to evolve and gain momentum across the industry, WGI remains committed to helping owners, contractors, and partners navigate complexity through collaboration and proven delivery strategies.

Events like the DBIA Southeast Region Conference provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and stay at the forefront of emerging trends that are shaping the future of infrastructure delivery. We look forward to continuing these conversations and applying the insights gained to help deliver resilient and impactful projects across the Southeast and beyond.

Contact Us

Whether you’re exploring Alternative Delivery for the first time, seeking an experienced owner advisor, or looking for a trusted designer-of-choice, WGI is ready to support your next project.

Connect with our team to learn how our multidisciplinary expertise and collaborative approach can help move your infrastructure goals forward.