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.
at the competition, which will be held at the 2026 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Feb. 16-18.
2026 Competition Timeline
Aug. 22, 2025 — Project Posted
Oct. 14, 2025 — * (this is separate from membership dues)
Oct. 14, 2025 —
Oct. 20, 2025 —Live Q&A webinar with the America’s Home Place team and students at 3 p.m. ET (link to join will be sent to registered teams)
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 person registering the team will need their Æðµã´«Ã½ credentials. Next, select Student Chapters Awards and select the Student Competition application.
The 2026 Æðµã´«Ã½ Student Competition project problem is now available! Registration closes on Oct. 14, 2025.
2026 Competition Materials
The 2026 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 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.
2026 Project Sponsored By:
