Healthcare Planner Kelly Schreihofer Earns DBIA Certification

Kelly Schreihofer, Principal Healthcare Planner at Architectural Nexus, recently earned the prestigious Designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA) certification after completing the Design-Build Institute of America’s rigorous education and certification program. This nationally recognized credential is considered the highest standard in the design-build industry.

To qualify for DBIA certification, candidates must demonstrate at least three years of substantial, documented experience directly managing design-build projects. This requirement ensures that certified professionals have a deep understanding of the principles of Design-Build Done Right and have successfully applied them in real-world settings.

DBIA certification is the nation’s only measurable benchmark of an individual’s expertise in design-build project delivery. Those who complete the program earn the right to add “DBIA” after their names, signifying advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in the field.

Reflecting on the experience, Schreihofer shared, “When I first discovered DBIA, it felt like I had finally found a professional home—an organization that truly reflects why I love the design-build process. The principles of collaboration, transparency, and efficiency resonated deeply with me. Even on projects that aren’t formally design-build, I find myself applying those ideals because they just make everything smoother—teams communicate better, challenges are tackled more creatively, and the overall experience is more rewarding for everyone involved.”

She continued, “One of the most memorable moments in my journey was delivering a complex hospital project in California. Between OSHPD regulations, tight timelines, and the sheer complexity of healthcare infrastructure, it was a true test of everything I’d learned. But thanks to the design-build mindset—early collaboration, clear criteria, and shared goals—we brought it in on time and on budget. That experience really cemented for me how powerful these principles are in practice.”