On Saturday, November 22, approximately 300 Texas A&M University College of Architecture students strapped on their tool belts and built 50 deluxe "pet palaces" as part of the Department of Construction Science's Build Day competition.

The event, dubbed the "Pet Palace Project," took place on the College of Architecture's 16-acre spread at Texas A&M University's Riverside Campus. The opulent pet homes, designed as part of the Construction Materials and Methods I class project, were constructed and judged on the 22nd and then donated to the Brazos County Animal Shelter and the Houston Humane Society. Both groups are planning to sell/auction the homes at future fund-raising events.

Designs included an elaborate Victorian-style doghouse, a medieval castle with drawbridge, an oriental structure and several miniature replicas of the landmark Texas Aggie Barn near Calvert. Tremendous creativity and effort went into all of the designs and the final products were a reflection.

Students were required to have all of their materials cut and ready to assemble at the site. Hence, the College of Architecture's woodshop was abuzz all week in preparation for the event, college officials noted. A woodshop safety class was required for all students prior to participating. The finished structures were to be no larger than four feet in height, width and depth, but the students were allowed to use any materials as long as the cost did not exceed $50.

Thanks to a generous gift from Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, students received a 10 percent or greater discount on building materials. Kolache Rolf's, a local eatery, donated 12 dozen kolaches to get the students rolling in the morning. Additionally, Stone Castle Industries of Houston donated $150 and Brett and Amy Taylor and Boenigk Masonry of B/CS each donated $100 to help make the project a success.

The Build Day/Pet Palace Project was the first event held on the future site of the College of Architecture's "Architecture Ranch." Though still on the drawing board, the college has plans to invest $1 million into the site's development. The 16-acre site will soon be a testing ground for college research initiatives and student projects in construction, design, planning, landscape architecture and art.

Judging of the student projects was conducted by Dr. James Smith, Head of the Department of Construction Science, Dr. Mark Clayton, Executive Associate Dean for the College of Architecture, Dr. Mardelle Shepley, Associate Dean for Student Services for the College of Architecture and Dr. John August, a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Program. Certificates were awarded for the “most creative” house, for “best craftsmanship” and “outstanding effort”. A fourth category was added during the competition for the “best indoor structure”.

Students had a wonderful time, learned about material lists, estimates and schedules and practiced team work. Overall the day was a great success. The Department plans to continue similar “Build Day” events in the future.