Andrew Stehl Earns DBIA Certification, Strengthening FGMA’s Design-Build Expertise

Andrew Stehl’s DBIA certification expands FGMA’s expertise in design-build and alternative delivery methods.

Complex projects demand more than technical expertise. They require architects, contractors, consultants and owners to align early, communicate openly and solve problems as one integrated team.

That collaborative mindset is central to design-build, and increasingly important across the federal market and other sectors where project complexity, schedule demands and multidisciplinary coordination continue to grow.

FGMA Federal Director Andrew Stehl, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, recently earned the Design-Build Institute of America’s Designated Design-Build Professional® (DBIA®) certification. The credential recognizes his knowledge and experience in applying design-build principles and industry best practices.

What DBIA Certification Means for FGMA’s Design-Build Expertise

Design-build brings design and construction professionals together under a unified delivery structure. When implemented effectively, it creates opportunities for earlier collaboration, clearer communication and more integrated decision-making throughout a project.

Earning the DBIA credential requires rigorous coursework, relevant professional experience and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. The certification builds on Stehl’s more than 20 years of experience at FGMA, during which he has advanced from project manager to principal-in-charge and Federal practice leader.

His approach has consistently centered on problem-solving, teamwork and a shared commitment to project outcomes. The DBIA certification adds another layer of specialized knowledge that he can bring to clients, partners and project teams.

Supporting Federal Projects Through Collaborative Delivery

Collaborative delivery is especially valuable in the federal market, where projects often involve multiple stakeholders, specialized technical requirements and complex approval processes. Integrated teams can identify challenges earlier, coordinate disciplines more effectively and maintain alignment from initial planning through construction.

Stehl’s certification strengthens FGMA’s ability to lead and support Design-Build and Progressive Design-Build projects. The knowledge gained through the certification process also informs the firm’s work across related collaborative delivery methods, including Construction Manager at Risk and Public-Private Partnerships.

For FGMA, the credential represents more than an individual accomplishment. It is part of an ongoing investment in the people, knowledge and partnerships required to deliver complex projects successfully.

As delivery models continue to evolve, FGMA remains committed to cultivating leaders who understand how to build trust, create alignment and help integrated teams achieve better outcomes for clients and the communities they serve.