Certified for Success: Erik Kunkel Brings Design-Build Expertise to City’s $1B Walnut Creek Wastewater Expansion

AUSTIN, TEXAS (October 9) - Austin Capital Delivery Services is proud to recognize Erik Kunkel, PE, ENV SP, Assoc. DBIA, Capital Delivery Consultant, and liaison to Austin Water, on achieving his Associate Design-Build Institute of America (Assoc. DBIA) certification.  

Kunkel’s achievement directly benefits the Austin community by helping the city deliver major infrastructure projects more efficiently, cost-effectively, and sustainably. His certification comes as he leads the $1 billion Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, which is the largest wastewater infrastructure investment in the City’s history.  

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Erik and for our department,” said Marcus Hammer, Assistant Director, Austin Capital Delivery Services. “His certification reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing collaborative project delivery, supporting the City’s growing infrastructure needs and investing in professional development.”

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) sets the national standard for integrated project delivery, emphasizing collaboration between designers and contractors to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with higher innovation potential. By earning this certification, Kunkel brings specialized expertise that strengthens Austin’s capacity to build smarter and faster, minimizing disruptions while maximizing value for communities and ratepayers.

This knowledge is especially critical as Kunkel serves as the Program Manager for the City of Austin’s $1 billion Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion - the largest wastewater infrastructure investment in the City’s history. The six-year expansion will add 25 million gallons per day of treatment capacity, modernize critical systems, and enhance flood protection, ensuring reliable wastewater service for more than one million residents.

“The design-build process plays a vital role in delivering projects of this scale,” said Erik Kunkel. “This certification equips me with the tools to lead collaborative teams effectively and ensure that we deliver the Walnut Creek expansion efficiently and responsibly for our community.”

Kunkel’s achievement underscores Capital Delivery’s mission to provide exceptional, community-focused infrastructure through strategic planning, design, and construction. It also aligns with the department’s broader goals of increasing the number of City staff with advanced industry credentials to support the growing use of design-build and progressive design-build project delivery methods.

For more information about Austin Capital Delivery Services and its role in delivering critical infrastructure across the city, visit Austin Capital Delivery Services.

About Austin Capital Delivery Services

Austin Capital Delivery Services (ACDS) builds public projects that serve the community. Our team of engineers, architects, and construction professionals collaborates with residents, consultants, and City departments to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with the community’s best interests at heart. With the philosophy of One City, One Team, One Approach, ACDS is committed to Austin’s continued success.

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