SE Michigan
High school students in the Detroit area can now benefit from a nationwide program designed to introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry. At weekly meetings, student teams work directly with professionals from leading area firms, who volunteer their time to mentor the teams as they design hypothetical projects, tour local construction sites, and visit architectural, engineering and construction offices.
For students, it’s a unique chance to discover and develop new skills, solidify future goals and get on track to exciting, rewarding careers. In addition, many students form positive relationships with industry professionals who can provide important references for obtaining college admissions, scholarships, internships and full-time employment.
Our program is designed to Engage, Excite and Enlighten local high school students in the creative industry of architecture, engineering and construction. Our mentors, industry professionals, work with these students to introduce them to potential careers as well as demonstrate how the knowledge that they are gaining in school applies directly to their future jobs.
Students in our ACE program work closely with their mentors on projects that provide hands-on experience in solving the types of design, engineering and construction challenges industry professionals confront every day. These students learn how to use advanced computerized tools, such as AutoCAD, while special exercises and activities illustrate the industry’s demand for young people skilled in math, physics, economics, art and other disciplines. The students conclude the program with a special event attended by industry leaders and professionals as well as their families.
The projects that these students work on are based on actual design and construction projects that are occurring in our communities. This program year, the ”2024 Project” is to envision the use of the site located at the site of the former proposed jail on Gratiot Avenue in downtown Detroit. The project site should be a signature, sustainable, mixed-use development with meaningful public space.
Each year, working with their mentors, our students create concept designs with accompanying sketches, drawings (blue prints) that describe the requirements of the project in terms of the property (site), the building plan (floor plans), an exterior elevation and a cross section of the site and structure. Additionally, the students create a presentation that conveys their understanding of the Project, the schedule to design and build, and the costs associated to build and operate the facility. The teams identify energy efficiencies and their design innovations while they detail how their design realistically and fully meets the project’s goals. Each year the students astound the professionals who judge their presentations with their thoughtful ideas and creative solutions. Each year it is a difficult choice to determine the winners of the program and award the prizes to the teams.
The “2023 Project” was to envision a renovation of the Kundinger House, the modern style home designed by acclaimed African American Architect, Nathan Johnson. The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) wishes to place the home back into productive use while highlighting the building’s architectural history. The renovation must remain a single-family home; however, students may assume the property can be adapted for a different use until its eventual sale one year after completion of the renovation. During this one-year period, students can incorporate other uses such as recreation and education uses. However, the DLBA’s goal is to sell the home at market rate, re-integrating the home and its future owners into the fabric of the Russell Woods community.
The “2022 Project” was to envision a new use of the former Hudson’s site in downtown Detroit. Potential uses can be residential, retail/entertainment, transit-based, or a mixture of all three. The Client goal is to develop a site that meets the needs of downtown Detroit and fulfills resources that are lacking in the area.
The “2021 Project” was to renovate and repurpose existing classrooms in an existing high school building in Saline, Michigan and design a new building addition for new classrooms. The purpose of this project is to design classrooms to meet the needs of the students and teaching professionals while at the same time creating a safe learning environment, limiting the exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The goal is to provide classroom space for three English classes and two Math classes that will accommodate 125 students (25 students per classroom). The Team will need to determine the most effective way to socially distance students and teachers and identify the number of students that can comfortably fit in each classroom.
The “2019 Project” was to envision a new use of the former Joe Louis Arena site in downtown Detroit. Potential uses can be residential, retail/entertainment, transit-based, or a mixture of all three. The Client goal is to develop a site that meets the needs of downtown Detroit and fulfills resources that are lacking in the area.
The ”2018 Project” was to design an energy efficient school student lounge using renewable materials and LEED elements. The detached structure will be located in southeast Michigan. The student lounge is proposed to be constructed within the next five years. Use of materials, building techniques, and approaches that emphasize sustainability, energy efficiency, and recyclable eco-friendly products as well as being equipped with the latest smart building and security technologies should be integral to the design.
Jasmine L. Sisson, PE
ACE Mentor of Michigan
Program Coordinator
What it takes to be an architect, engineer
Our board is comprised of local industry leaders who make a significant contribution to our affiliate. We are grateful for their continuing support.
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ACE Mentor of SE Michigan
If you’d like to experience ACE’s challenges, opportunities and rewards for yourself, contact us today!
I have participated in ACE for 4 years and have really enjoyed it. The program has opened my eyes to the many opportunities a career in construction can bring. Likewise, I have learned presentation skills, team work, time management and group organization, all of which I will use in my career.
