Design Build Structures was founded in 2002 by a group with more than fifty years combined experience in the steel construction industry. At the beginning, DBS was fabricating in a 10,000 square foot building and employing three fabricators. Fast forward to 2009 when we moved to a 30,000 square foot building and currently employ eleven fabricators. Transitioning to a larger shop not only allowed us to grow our fabrication capacity but allowed us to grow in manufacturing technology. For example, in 2016 we were able to install a PythonX, a robotic plasma cutting system. Most recently in 2022, we installed a Peddinghaus angle master that allows us to manufacture custom parts and components for in-house projects and offers another service for customers. But even as DBS continues to evolve our business and grow, our roots will always be in steel fabrication.
We have been honored to work with many local partners over the years in the Midwest, specifically in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Some of our partners include: University of Dubuque Heritage Center, Allen Hospital, Rock Island Armory Park, and NICC College Peosta & Calmar- just to name a few. To find more information about our portfolio, reference the projects tab.
Design Build Structures is an ASIC certified Building Fabricator (BU). The AISC certification is the quality standard for the structural steel industry. Being a certified BU proves that our facility has the personnel, organization, experience, produces, knowledge, and equipment to perform quality fabrication.
We have been honored to work with many local partners over the years in the Midwest, specifically in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Some of our partners include: University of Dubuque Heritage Center, Allen Hospital, Rock Island Armory Park, and NICC College Peosta & Calmar- just to name a few. To find more information about our portfolio, reference the projects tab.
Design Build Structures is an ASIC certified Building Fabricator (BU). The AISC certification is the quality standard for the structural steel industry. Being a certified BU proves that our facility has the personnel, organization, experience, produces, knowledge, and equipment to perform quality fabrication.
awards and recognition
Lorraine D. Wright Award for 2007-2008 Outstanding Construction Project Award of Excellence for Rock Island Arsenal
SDS/2 Design Data Customers’ Choice Award 2012 Solid Steel Competition for University of Dubuque Heritage Center
Featured in Modern Steel Construction: https://www.aisc.org/modernsteel/archives/2015/september-2015/
Liquid Motion Article University of Dubuque Heritage Building
https://www.aisc.org/modernsteel/archives/2016/september-2016/
Rapid Rise Article Berthel Fischer Building
SDS/2 Design Data Customers’ Choice Award 2012 Solid Steel Competition for University of Dubuque Heritage Center
Featured in Modern Steel Construction: https://www.aisc.org/modernsteel/archives/2015/september-2015/
Liquid Motion Article University of Dubuque Heritage Building
https://www.aisc.org/modernsteel/archives/2016/september-2016/
Rapid Rise Article Berthel Fischer Building
a few words from our customers
We are very pleased to be working with Design Build Structures on this project, as you have served us with quality products and performance many times in the past. - John Baker of Rinderknecht Associates
You have no idea how much I appreciate you guys making this happen! It would have been so easy for you just to tell me that unfortunately they can’t meet our schedule, but instead you guys take it upon yourselves and help make the project a success. We need more suppliers like you! Willing to do whatever it takes to meet a schedule. Thanks, I truly appreciate. - Sarah Perkins of Russell Construction