DBIA names Geoffrey Neumayr its 2026 Brunelleschi award winner

The Design-Build Institute of America selected Geoffrey Neumayr for its 2026 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award, DBIA’s top individual honor. He will be recognized Nov. 5 in Cleveland for more than three decades of work advancing progressive design-build, collaboration and project delivery.

Why it matters: - DBIA’s highest individual honor goes to a leader whose work helped shape how major projects are delivered. - Neumayr’s career centers on progressive design-build, virtual design and construction, and collaborative delivery. - The award highlights the industry’s shift toward team-based, owner-led approaches that aim to reduce friction and improve outcomes.

What happened: - The Design-Build Institute of America named Geoffrey Neumayr, SE, PE, DBIA, the recipient of the 2026 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award. - DBIA will present the award during the Awards Ceremony at the 2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo on Nov. 5 in Cleveland, Ohio. - The Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is DBIA’s highest individual honor.

The details: - DBIA recognized Neumayr for more than three decades of leadership and influence in the design-build industry. - His work helped advance progressive design-build, virtual design and construction, and collaborative project delivery. - Lisa Washington, CAE, DBIA Executive Director/CEO, said Neumayr did far more than advance progressive design-build and credited him with showing the industry what its best looks like. - Washington said Neumayr’s legacy reflects trust, collaboration and respect for the people doing the work. - Neumayr started his career as a structural engineer. - He later moved into project management and then served as an Owner at San Francisco International Airport. - At San Francisco International Airport, Neumayr helped advance progressive design-build across a major capital program that included Terminal 2, the air traffic control tower and Terminal 1. - Neumayr described his leadership philosophy as “collective wisdom,” bringing Owners, designers, builders, trades and stakeholders together to solve problems collaboratively. - Neumayr said, “A contract is just an enabler of good behavior.” - Neumayr also served as Chair of DBIA’s National Board of Directors in 2021. - He has taught progressive design-build and advised Owners and project teams. - Neumayr focused that teaching on sharing lessons learned and preparing the next generation of design-build leaders. - Neumayr said, “What I really have moving forward is the gift of knowledge from so many people that have taught me.”

Between the lines: - DBIA is elevating a practitioner whose influence spans both project delivery and industry education. - The award also reinforces the growing premium on collaboration, especially in complex capital programs where owners want more integration across teams. - Neumayr’s recognition suggests DBIA values leaders who can change practice, not just complete projects.

What's next: - Neumayr will be honored on Nov. 5 in Cleveland during DBIA’s annual conference and expo. - DBIA will use the ceremony to spotlight broader leadership in design-build project delivery. - Neumayr’s continued teaching and advising are likely to shape the next wave of design-build practitioners.