Industry leader recognized for decades of influence on progressive design-build, collaboration and project delivery
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has named Geoffrey Neumayr, SE, PE, DBIA, recipient of the 2026 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award, DBIA’s highest individual honor.
Neumayr has been recognized for more than three decades of leadership and influence across the design-build industry, including his work advancing progressive design-build, virtual design and construction, and collaborative project delivery.
“Geoff has done far more than help advance progressive design-build. He has shown our industry what it looks like at its very best,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, DBIA Executive Director/CEO. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated that extraordinary outcomes begin with trust, collaboration and genuine respect for the people doing the work. His legacy can be seen not only in what he helped build but in the people and teams he made better along the way.”
Neumayr began his career as a structural engineer before moving into project management and later serving as an Owner at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). At SFO, he played a key role in the airport’s use and advancement of progressive design-build across a major capital program that included Terminal 2, the air traffic control tower and Terminal 1.
His leadership philosophy has consistently emphasized what he calls “collective wisdom,” or bringing together Owners, designers, builders, trades and stakeholders to solve problems collaboratively.
“A contract is just an enabler of good behavior,” Neumayr said.
Neumayr also has a long history of service to DBIA, including serving as Chair of DBIA’s National Board of Directors in 2021. He has also taught progressive design-build and advised Owners and project teams, with a focus on sharing lessons learned and preparing the next generation of design-build leaders.
“What I really have moving forward is the gift of knowledge from so many people that have taught me,” Neumayr said.
Neumayr will receive the 2026 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award during the Awards Ceremony at the2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo, Nov. 5, in Cleveland, Ohio.
About the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award
The Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is DBIA’s highest individual honor and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and made lasting contributions to the advancement of design-build project delivery.
The Design-Build Institute of America is the authority on Design-Build Done Right®. Comprising architectural, engineering and construction professionals, as well as Owners, academics and students, our members have collaborated and innovated for more than 30 years, successfully delivering some of America’s most notable projects. DBIA has transformed the industry by bringing together multiple disciplines and reinventing what design-build can achieve for our nation. With education, certification and collaboration at its core, DBIA empowers designers, construction professionals, Owners and industry firms to achieve collaborative success in design-build projects.
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