A group of energized and genuinely curious students approached our booth at the DBIA conference—initially drawn in by our “I 💗 Specs / I 🤮 Specs” display, but quickly proving they were there for much more than a clever sign. Within moments, it was clear: they were eager to learn from every company, every exhibitor, and every professional they could meet. (And yes—they also proudly let us know they’re Buffalo Bills fans, which only added to their enthusiasm.)
Selena Fullone, Connor Welsh, Jessica Budd, Fernanda Ceja and Owen Lantiegne—students from Alfred State College (SUNY) in Alfred, NY—had traveled to Las Vegas in early November to attend the Design-Build Institute of America National Conference. Competing under the name Pioneer Design-Build, their team placed in the top three out of thirty-five teams in the DBIA National Student Competition, demonstrating not only their technical capabilities but also their ability to operate like a true design-build firm.
Across the episode, they share their aspirations as students and emerging professionals—where they hope to go in the industry, what excites them about design-build, and how their different paths intersect. They talk openly about what they learned from the DBIA competition, how they tackled challenges, and how they collaborated as four architecture majors and one construction management major to plan, coordinate, and deliver a cohesive project submission. Their teamwork, communication, and resourcefulness reflect exactly what the industry needs in its next generation.
Their energy is contagious. Their ambition is unmistakable. Their hunger to learn and make a meaningful impact is genuinely inspiring.
Join hosts Dave Stutzman and Steve Gantner as they sit down with the Pioneer Design-Build team and see firsthand just how bright the future of our industry is with Owen, Fernanda, Jessica, Connor, and Selena leading the way.
DBIA Student Competition
Pioneer Design Build
David Stutzman + Steve Gantner
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