Location:
DBIA Western Pacific Region Conference
Scottsdale, AZ
Speaker:
Lynn McBride, Bill LaPatra
Date & Time:
05.17.2026 | 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Entering the realm of public institution construction can be daunting for first-time contractors new to a campus or public agency, particularly at established institutions like UC Irvine, where the design-build process is highly sophisticated and dominated by a few long-standing players.
Join Mithun partners Lynn McBride and Bill La Patra for “Breaking the Mold: Strategies for New Contractors to Gain Trust and Enter Established Public Institution Markets,“ to gather insights and actionable strategies for contractors looking to break the mold and gain trust within a competitive market. Using UC Irvine Oso Tower as a case study, they will examine the unique challenges faced by new entrants into a landscape traditionally controlled by repeat contractors with deep project history on campus. A key focus will be on building trust with university stakeholders, as successful entry into this market relies heavily on establishing credibility and fostering long-term relationships. Throughout the session, they will explore key strategies, including understanding the nuances of the design-build process, demonstrating reliability and integrity, and effectively communicating commitment to the university’s needs.
Co-presenters include UC Irvine campus architect and associate vice chancellor for design and construction services Brian Pratt, and Webcor Builders director of design integration Matt Johnson.
Date Posted: 05.17.2026
