Hands-on projects challenge students to think like builders
By Jeanene Dunn
During Foundations for the Future Week, students from across the Kansas City metro stepped onto a larger stage. It’s a moment that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity and career pathways in the building trades.
Hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA), the Parade of Playhouses is one activity during Foundations for the Future Week. It’s both a community tradition and a platform for students. Custom-built playhouses are displayed, judged and ultimately auctioned to the public; supporting workforce development and housing initiatives while showcasing emerging talent.
Representing 11 area high schools, students brought their ideas to life in front of industry professionals and the public.
The other activity during this week is KC MADE, which is for students to submit projects from their shop classes to be judged and awarded prizes. On display in Science City throughout the week, students from six schools with more than 20 projects were featured. The projects ranged from tables to a wakeboard.
Building Like the Real World
At the end of the week, KCHBA hosts an awards ceremony that includes an interactive activity. This year, it was a hands-on, mock homebuilding project designed to mirror real-world conditions. Students were divided into teams of six and tasked with planning, budgeting and constructing their miniature builds using provided materials, including wooden sticks, index cards, aluminum foil, tape and glue.
In 30 minutes, they had to construct the frame, three rooms and a garage on a $1,500 budget, while navigating pricing changes and material constraints.
With limited time and resources, the challenge quickly became more than construction. It required communication, strategy and quick decision-making.
“We kind of all figured out our tasks and responsibilities as a group,” said Jada, a freshman from Grandview High School, who served as project manager for her team. “Once we did that, everything started to come together.”
Decisions That Shape the Outcome
For many students, budgeting proved to be one of the most valuable lessons.
“We’re trying to make do with what we have and only buy what we absolutely need,” said Rylan Nolan, a senior from Liberty High School. “You have to think ahead instead of just grabbing materials.”
Other teams found that having resources wasn’t always the challenge—it was knowing how to use them.
“We had more money and materials than we needed,” one student said. “That made it easier, but we still had to agree on what we were building.”
When the Clock Forces Change
Even the strongest ideas had to adapt under pressure.
Andrew Urban, a student from Olathe, said his team quickly realized their original concept wouldn’t fit within the time limit. “We had about 30 minutes to map it out, so we just created a basic outline,” he said. “After that, it was about doing what we could with the time we had.”
“We only got the garage done,” another student said. “The house is still not finished.”
More Than a Finished Product
While the playhouses on display drew attention for their design and craftsmanship, the deeper impact came from the process behind them.
“It’s not just building,” Rylan said. “There’s a lot more planning and thinking that goes into it than people realize.”
That level of thinking is exactly what industry professionals look for.
“What stands out is the level of craftsmanship and pride these students bring to their work,” said Greg Kudrna, president of Henges Insulation and a Parade of Playhouses judge. “They’re not just learning how to build—they’re learning how to think like builders, work as a team and solve problems in real time. That’s exactly what this industry needs.”
By the end of the week, students walked away with more than completed projects. They gained insight into teamwork, problem-solving and the discipline required to turn an idea into something tangible.
That mindset was evident in standout projects like the pool house from the Olathe Public Schools Construction Technology Academy, which earned top recognition for its design and execution, winning both Best in Distinctive Plan & Design and Pick of the Parade.
“We challenged the students to think beyond a traditional design,” said Construction Technology instructor David Pfortmiller. “They wanted to try something different, and that meant figuring out the logistics of how to support the structure and work within height limits. Seeing that effort recognized with awards shows them what’s possible when they push themselves.”
Foundations for the Future Week Winners
As the week wrapped up, the Foundations for the Future awards ceremony recognized student builders and projects that stood out for creativity, craftsmanship and execution.
Parade of Playhouses Winners
Best in Innovation: Excelsior Springs Area Career Center
Best in Craftsmanship: Basehor-Linwood High School
Best in Distinctive Plan & Design: Olathe Public Schools Construction Technology Academy — Pool House
Pick of the Parade, Runner-Up: Excelsior Springs Area Career Center
Pick of the Parade: Olathe Public Schools Construction Technology Academy — Pool House
KC Made Competition Winners
Showmanship: Mason Smedley, Blue Springs South High School
People’s Choice: Willa Richardson, Liberty High School
Wood Division
1st Place: Tiberius Watkins, Shawnee Mission West High School
2nd Place: Willa Richardson, Liberty High School
Mixed Materials Division
1st Place: Nathan Cropp, Shawnee Mission West High School
2nd Place: Conlan Beckett, Shawnee Mission West High School
Overall Winners
1st Place Overall: Tiberius Watkins, Shawnee Mission West High School
2nd Place Overall: Willa Richardson, Liberty High School
3rd Place Overall: Nathan Cropp, Shawnee Mission West High School
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