Design Build Program
What Design/Build Is
Recognizing the need for a well-trained workforce in the construction industry, in 1987 the then 86-year old Sacramento Builders Exchange initiated a design/build competition among three local high schools. With the guidance of current Executive Vice President, Jim Lambert, teams with supportive instructors and administrators from Sacramento, Rio Linda and San Juan secondary schools were assembled, and the three teams gathered in the parking lot behind the exchange building to construct their designed projects.
Given the clear need and the value of the experienced gained through this interaction with the industry, additional schools modified their programs to incorporate this program into their annual curriculum. In 2011, the 25th Anniversay Design/Build Competition took place with fifteen regional high schools entering 18 teams into this interactive opportunity. (See a preview article in the Spring-2011 issue of Construction Quarterly magazine that highlights a school that signed on in 1988… has remained actively involved in contributing to the program’s success… and for the past decade has been entering two teams each year – including the first all-girls team in 2010.) Now that’s progress!
How Design/Build Works
Following defined criteria provided by SRBX, each team completes the challenge of designing and preparing construction documents for a 96 aquare-foot structure – which are submitted for plan review by volunteer community plan-checkers and professional architects. Any required corrections must be submitted prior to the construction phase of the project, which take place over a tw0-day period under supervision and a primary focus on safety!
Judging is conducted by a panel of design and construction industry professionals by prescribed criteria — including quality of documentation, planning and design, scheduling, project management and conduct, craftmanship, teamwork and safety.
The same package of materials is provided to each team, yet the creations of sheds and playhouses have varied greatly over the years — from miniature castles and victorians, to replicas of California missions, barns and even a jail house! Recent years have brought a focus to Green designs, framing and construction techniques. Each school is allowed to sell their final product and retain the revenue to support their school’s program.
Many of the participating Design/Build teams spend a good part of the year planning and training for the event, and even though it becomes a competition with pride on the line, one of the most notable aspects is the enthusiasm of both students and instructors – and a definite spirit of mutual support and sharing knowledge among teams… helping each realize the best of their potential.
For more information, please visit the Design/Build website http://sacregionbx.com/designbuild/
2012 Design/Build
The 26th year of Design/Build has come to an end. Another successful year! Congratulations to all 17 participating teams and a huge thank you to all students, teachers, volunteers, and sponsors! Without all of you, the program would not be such a success! We appreciate all of the hard work, support and dedication you all put forth to make Design/Build such a phenomenal program!
Participating Teams
Burbank High School Cordova High School Cosumnes Oaks High School Esparato High School Delta High School Golden Sierra High School Gridley High School Linden High School Live Oak High School Rio Vista High School River City High School Sheldon High School Wheatland High School William Daylor High School Winters High School Woodland Senior High School (2 teams)Winning Teams
Best in Show: Luther Burbank High SchoolArchitectural: Golden Sierra High School
Craftsmanship: Linden High School
Teamwork: Rio Vista High School
Safety Team: Sheldon High School
Safety Person: Marrissa Highberger, Golden Sierra High School
Rookie Team: Esparto High School
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