Æðµã´«Ã½ Student Competition: Four-Year Programs — Custom/Small Build
The Æðµã´«Ã½ Custom/Small Build Student Competition exposes students to a small scale residential construction project from concept to closing. Teams identify a home building opportunity in a specific geographic area, focusing on the best opportunity for a small builder to be successful and grow their business.
The 2026 Æðµã´«Ã½ Student Competition will be held at the 2026 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Feb. 17-19.
2026 Competition Timeline
Aug. 22, 2025 — Project Posted
Oct. 14, 2025 — Registration Deadline* (this is separate from membership dues)
Oct. 14, 2025 — National Housing Endowment IBS Scholarship Application due
Nov. 18, 2025 — Team List Due (completed through registration portal)
Dec. 2, 2025 — Last Day to Withdraw from Competition
Dec. 16, 2025 — Projects Due (submitted through registration portal)
Feb. 16-17, 2026 — Presentation Dates (in-person, Orlando). 2026 Æðµã´«Ã½ Student Competition presentation schedules will be posted as soon as available (subject to change).
Feb. 18, 2026 — Judges Debriefing (morning, time TBD)
Feb. 18, 2026 — Award Ceremony (in-person, Orlando, time TBD)
*Register through the Æðµã´«Ã½ Awards Portal. A link will be posted here when available. The person registering the team will need their Æðµã´«Ã½ credentials. Next, select Student Chapters Awards and select the Student Competition application.
2025 Competition Materials
The 2025 competition problem description, rules and guidelines, and important materials are available below. Æðµã´«Ã½ encourages students to request to join the as a Q&A space for questions related to the competition.
2025 Competition Problem Description
2025 Custom/Small Build Competition Winners
(Thank you Tri Pointe Homes for supporting the student competition livestream and presentation recordings!)
First Place: University of Denver (CO)
Second Place: Louisiana State University (LA)
Third Place: Purdue University (Team Black) (IN)
Rookie of the Year: Norfolk State University (VA)
Entry Requirements
$400 entry fee for four-year programs.
2025 Project Sponsored By:
