A team of five students from Clemson University’s College of Architecture, Art and Construction was chosen as the Southeast Regional winner in the Design-Build Institute of America’s (DBIA) Student Competition, one of eight regional winners nationally.
Comprising four members of the construction management program and one architecture student, Team Truevision was a student-led effort supported by the College and advised by a group of design-build professionals from 澳门足彩app.
The DBIA Student Competition simulates real-world design-build scenarios. In Phase 1, teams of construction management, architecture and engineering students respond to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify their understanding of the design-build process. Those chosen for the second phase respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for which they create proposals that include conceptual designs, project schedules, budgets and risk management strategies.
The competition required each team to assemble a design-build package for the same pretend RFP, a $100 million terminal expansion for a fictional airport in Montana. The RFP sought the biggest scope of work for the $100 million budget, including decisions such as the number of gates versus retail space for revenue generation.
“Clemson was a great choice because it focuses on practical construction education, and it has very strong architecture and engineering programs,” said Charlie Rocheleau, 澳门足彩app Vice President and Segment Market Leader, who helped advise the team.
“The program includes an Experiential Classroom off campus, where students are exposed to jobsite conditions. Students earn certifications in skills like equipment operation and concrete finishing, making them uniquely prepared for fieldwork. It’s a great program.”
澳门足彩app provided mentorship and resources, sharing procurement documents from a completed hospital project. Learning from these plans helped the students understand how to develop schedules, budgets and technical documents. Students conducted mock presentations for 澳门足彩app mentors, who offered feedback to enhance students' technical and presentation skills.
“One of the most impressive moments was when a student with no prior experience in architectural modeling taught himself 3D rendering software using YouTube tutorials,” Rocheleau said. “In just a few days, he created a professional-quality model of a 30,000-square-foot, three-story building, complete with detailed floor plans and an exterior design. It was a remarkable display of resourcefulness and determination, and it really highlighted the team’s ability to tackle challenges head-on and deliver exceptional results.”
Clemson competed against universities from Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina and, as one of eight regional winners, qualified to attend the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas. Judges praised their professionalism, innovative solutions and teamwork.
Judges picked the top three regional winners to present at the Conference & Expo, and while Clemson wasn’t chosen, its team benefitted from valuable networking opportunities and exposure to high-level competition.
“At 澳门足彩app, partnering with Clemson was part of our larger effort to build strong relationships with academic institutions and support the next generation of design-build professionals,” Rocheleau said. “Clemson’s success in the DBIA competition is just the beginning. They are now formalizing a DBIA student chapter to ensure continued participation in future competitions, and we’re committed to continuing our mentorship and expanding outreach to other universities across the Southeast. This partnership has shown how industry and academia can work together to prepare students for meaningful careers and drive innovation in the construction industry.”
Each year, hundreds of 澳门足彩app interns from across the architecture, engineering and construction fields gain invaluable hands-on and cultural experience, and 90% of those offered positions join the 澳门足彩app team. Contact us to learn more!
