February 20, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ray Ladd
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
(805) 756-7432
rladd@calpoly.edu
Cal Poly Students Top 34 Teams at National Homebuilders Competition
SAN LUIS OBISPO - Cal Poly’s construction management team topped 34 other universities to earn first place for the second year in a row at the National Association of Homebuilders Student Competition in Orlando, Fla.
The
“Polytex” team from the College of Architecture and
Environmental Design spent more than 300 hours developing the winning
proposal for a 10-acre, 175-unit unit condominium project of 28
buildings in Addison, Texas.
It was the sixth time Cal Poly students competed in the 16-year-old contest. Team members included Aaryn Abbott (Medford, Ore.), Aaron Amuchastegui (Klamath Falls, Ore.), Jeremy Johnson (Pauma Valley), Dan Loper (Chico), John Parnell (Whittier), and Clayton Thompson (Portola Valley).
“This is the strongest team we’ve fielded for this competition,” said the team’s coach, construction management Professor Barbara Jackson. “The team's commitment to excellence and their prep work were extraordinary. I am particularly impressed that this team earned first-place scores from all six judges. That’s highly unusual.”
The 341-page submission included architecture elevations and site layout, market analysis, demographics, construction cost estimates, building plans and a management approach for the project. The international show was attended by 105,000 builders and associates from around the world.
The team was committed to bringing home the gold again, said team member Parnell. “With Cal Poly’s top-notch construction management program and overwhelming support from the industry, we were equipped with all we needed to excel.”
The first-place award included $2,000, a plaque for the department, and a traveling Legacy trophy that will be displayed at Cal Poly until next year’s event. The local Homebuilders Association of the Central Coast and national sponsors Pulte Homes, Centex Homes, Standard Pacific Homes, Shea Homes, and Syncon Homes, helped to sponsor the team and make it possible for 15 additional Cal Poly students to attend the International Builder’s conference and show.
“These students represent the future of Southern California’s construction industry,” said Ram Fullen, division manager for Standard Pacific Homes Coachella Valley Division.
Editors: A digital photo file of Cal Poly’s winning team can be emailed upon request. Contact Ray Ladd in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at (805) 756-7432.
###