February 4, 2014

Students in Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 185, residential architecture class at Medicine Hat College (MHC) are being offered a unique opportunity this semester; the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) of Medicine Hat has introduced a student design category into their annual Top Hat Awards.

The students will be working in teams to design a home that meets the guidelines of Habitat for Humanity. The submissions will be judged by representatives from CHBA and the top two teams will be invited to attend the 2015 awards night to have their work recognized. The CHBA is also supporting 3D printing models of these designs at the advanced manufacturing technologies lab at the college.

 “What we are most excited about is that while students are working on their designs, members of the CHBA have agreed to act as mentors to the individual groups and help guide them through the project,” said Peter Kelly, CADD instructor at MHC.

Thus far, Aaron Brost from Brost Developments Inc. and Paula Herrington the executive officer for CHBA have presented in the classroom.   In the coming weeks the students will be meeting with Brost Developments Inc., Kenco Construction Inc., Remcon Builders Ltd. and Wahl Construction Ltd.; all of whom have volunteered their time to act as mentors.

Herrington explained the guidelines for the submissions, “Students will have to design a single family home that is not just esthetically pleasing but also considers functionality, layout, and cost ratio to market as well as curb appeal. Eight projects will be submitted from the class and only two finalists will be selected.”

Herrington also noted that this is a great opportunity for students to network and meet with potential builders, trades and suppliers and be mentored and make connections that can help them when getting into residential design.

CHBA represents over 8000 members across Canada. The membership is made up of new homebuilders, renovators, land developers, suppliers, manufacturers, trade contractors, lending institutions and other professions that relate to the construction industry.

For more information about the residential architecture class or the CADD technical illustrator program, visit www.mhc.ab.ca or if you are a company interested in learning how MHC can connect you to opportunities in the classroom contact the foundation office.