Developing Expertise in the Built Environment Industry

Students in the ACE Club at Hoover High School in San Diego are developing expertise alongside mentors from design, construction, and other professions and disciplines within the built environment industry. They’ll need the expertise they’re developing to address the requirements for a “Smart Growth” project in San Diego that they were introduced to last semester (previous post). As the culminating challenge of this academic year’s ACE project, the students will showcase their expertise as they prepare their proposal for a chance at the National Design Competition.

Students review changes to their original floor plan with Architect Mark Rowland.

Expertise-building sessions that cover various building systems, design disciplines, cost estimation, and management practices are underway as their major activities for this semester. Prior to the ACE student exhibition this May at San Diego State University, the students will work and learn more about the design and construction industry. With input and perspective from their mentors, they’ll develop architectural, construction, and engineering deliverables like the essential content of models, plans, schedules, and budgets for their proposed project.

Students work on a material board for their project with Interior Designer Kat Waller.

ACE Mentors coordinate and lead project based learning styled activities like these for high school students across the United States every year. Besides a chance to compete in in the national competition, ACE students can compete for scholarships and other opportunities through the program. Consider supporting project based learning experiences for students interested in design and construction careers by donating to ACE.