FPSA’s Design-Build Network unites architects, designers, engineers, constructors, and equipment suppliers who are advancing facility development across the food and beverage industry.

Through peer-led discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and thought leadership, this Network explores how the design-build methodology can accelerate timelines, increase ROI, and drive innovation in plant development.

Value of Participation

• Explore how the design-build approach improves speed-to-market and project outcomes
• Collaborate with facility design and construction experts across the food industry
• Gain insights into procurement strategies, team structure, and turnkey delivery
• Participate in the development of white papers and educational programming
• Contribute to FPSA’s facility design content and member resources

Mission Statement

The FPSA Design-Build Network brings together architects, designers, engineers, constructors, and industry specialists to provide innovative solutions for the food and beverage industry through a design-build methodology. The Network facilitates collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community building to advance the development of food processing and facilities to benefit the industry and consumers.

Focus Areas

• Turnkey delivery of food processing facilities
• Speed-to-market advantages through design-build
• Scope definition, project structure, and team alignment
• Equipment supplier-led design-build models
• Procurement strategies and contracting best practices
• Managing change orders, NDAs, and risk
• Facility safety and regulatory considerations

Meeting Schedule

The Design-Build Network will meet on the second Friday of every other month at 10:00 AM EST including September 12th and November 14th. Meeting invitations and details are shared directly with Network participants.

 

 

 

 

 

Chair
Randy Tharp
EPSTEIN

Vice Chair
Ben Reeder
The WEBBER/SMITH Group

Programming & Member Initiatives

The Design-Build Network creates programming and resources that examine trends in facility design, improve project delivery models, and drive collaboration between stakeholders across the value chain. Recent and upcoming initiatives include:

• Food for Thought – Food for Thought – Designing for the Future: A Podcast Series Exploring How D-B Firms and OEMs Relate (Coming Soon)
• Scope Creep: Navigating When Projects Spread from a Design-Build Perspective Webinar (Coming Soon)
• Processor Expectations: What Processors Should Expect from Design-Builders Webinar (Coming Soon)