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St. Louis Chapter Hosts First Education/Industry Exchange Program
The St. Louis Chapter of DBIA-MAR held its first-ever "Education/Industry Exchange" on November 18th with the purpose of engaging with students and academia in the region - letting the students and our members meet for internships and future employment.
Seven schools attended, with each giving a brief presentation about their programs and whether or not they include instruction on the design-build process. Schools included Missouri State University (Construction Management), Missouri University of Science and Technology (Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering), Ranken Technical College (Architectural Technology and Carpentry), Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (Construction Management), University of Illinois- Champaign (Global Leaders Program- combined BS/MS Construction Management), Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (Architectural Studies) and Washington University (Graduate- Construction Management).
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville’s Department Chair Dianne Slattery gave an interesting presentation regarding an assignment to build a tall "Oreo" tower. Students were given a maximum budget ($10) and limited site (2' x 2' wooden base) to illustrate a design/build process. Ingenuity reigned, as some teams substituted Oreo-brand for Wal-Mart and Famous Amos versions, including rationale to the owner why the substitutions met assignment criteria.
Steve Moeller, DBIA, Chapter President, told the group about the local St. Louis Chapter and the importance of being a designated DBIA professional--as DBIA encompasses a wide spectrum of the built environment. Oretta Smith, Executive Director for DBIA-MAR, invited schools to start student chapters, and pledged support from the Mid-America Region as well as National towards such efforts. A few of the schools expressed interest and hope to start working towards their own Student Chapters. Oretta also gave a brief overview of the educational tour for 2009 emphasizing the courses that will be conducted here in St. Louis. In addition, she briefly explained the benefits of membership in the organization.
Missouri State University brought more than 60 students, while traveling to St. Louis for a two-day field trip. This group expressed strong interest in combining a similar field trip in conjunction with the next Exchange – planning for September of 2009.
Both participating schools and numerous local member firms had tabletop "home bases" where each could seek out and learn about the others. Many of the construction management students visited architects’ "home bases" to learn more about their firms and the current industry client. As our photos depict, there was a lot of interaction at each of the tables.
Special thanks for planning and execution of this very successful event must go to Susie Green of Guarantee Electrical and Holly Guth of Salian Commercial.
In a debriefing meeting, all concluded that this was a good first start. Plans are being made for a similar event scheduled in 2009. A number of the schools reported that next time, they will have even more students and departments attending. Members reported that next time they will help encourage more members to have tables, although we had a diverse representation with Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Supplier, Contractor and integrated Design-Build firm participation. The Young Constructors Forum of AGC, and the Young Architects Forum of AIA were also invited to this year’s event.
By: Matt Ford, Sr. Vice President of Sales, Universe Classing Solutions
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Despite dramatic changes in recent years, in our country and around the world, the design and construction industry continues to serve America’s interest by remaining one of the key driving forces of our country’s economy. Design-build is revolutionizing the industry, accounting for more than 40% of all Designated Design-Build Professional™ Designated Design-Build ProfessionalTM commercial design and construction in the U.S.
You can be a part of this revolution. DBIA-MAR provides you with high quality design-build education opportunities through our designation courses and our monthly Chapter programs. DBIA-MAR is the leader in design-build education throughout the Midwest, we educate more than practitioners. Our courses turn out the best of the best. Don’t be left behind, start working on your designation credentials now.
Owners look for the best when they look to design-build. If you are looking for a way to distinguish yourself from the masses in design-build project delivery, you’ll find it in our designation process. Earn the right to call yourself a Designated Design-Build ProfessionalTM – a powerful credential for the respected design-build professional. Educated Owners expect to see “DBIA” as part of your credentials. It sets your team apart. It puts you at the head of the class.
Remember - Who’s Who of Design-Build? DBIA Designated Design-Build Professionals. That’s who!
Capitalize on your strengths. Take advantage of top notch training! Take part in our series of 2008 courses by contacting Executive Director, Oretta Smith – 816.506.1881 (Oretta.Smith@dbiamar.org) or our Education Chairman, Chris Vaeth – 816.960.1111 (cvaeth@mccowngordon.com).
