Students from the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science at Tuskegee University earned second place in the 2026 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, according to a Mar. 23 announcement.
The achievement highlights the team’s strong performance among 36 teams in the Four-Year and Graduate Programs Custom/Small Home Builder Division, finishing just .25 points behind Kennesaw State University and ahead of the University of Oklahoma. The competition is designed to test students’ knowledge in residential development, time management, organizational skills, and presentation abilities through real-world site analysis and comprehensive proposals.
Outstanding Students Award recipients included Jayden Woullard, a graduating senior majoring in Architecture, and Kaleizhanae’ Bell, a graduating dual major senior in Architecture & Construction Science and Management. The Tuskegee team presented Serenity Pointe at Lake Martin—a five-bedroom estate with various amenities—listed at $2,750,000 with a forecasted profit of $881,800 and a rate of return exceeding 32 percent.
Dr. Catherine Armwood, Dean of the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science said: “It is important that we expose our students to competitive opportunities like the NAHB competition so that they understand in real-time the impact of their planning and how to put their classroom and lab skills to work. Once again we have shown that the training our students receive at Tuskegee is able to compete with others across the country.”
DaNia Patterson led this year’s team as captain for her second year: “The past three years participating on the competition team have been an honor serving as co-captain for one year and captain for two years,” she said. “I would like to give a huge thank you to our industry coach, Dr. Charner Rodgers and Mr. Knox Newell, our architecture construction advisors… Professor Vicki Carter, Carla Robinson and Department Chair Rogers Hunt for equipping me to lead the team to win and for their dedication to developing industry-ready young professionals.”
Rogers Hunt III ’93 noted: “The NAHB Student Competition is one of the more rigorous construction management competitions requiring students to demonstrate breadth of knowledge in design, construction, and business; however it serves as an excellent assessment of student learning outcomes for both CSM [Construction Science Management] and Architecture programs.”
Support came from several organizations including Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association whose executive officer Angela Allen said: “The Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association is proud to support Tuskegee University not only through financial contributions but also through meaningful industry mentorship… Investing in these students is an investment in the future of residential construction.” Crystal Jones Jenkins ’96 added on behalf of alumni supporters: “When legacy shows up to support learning excellence is no longer pursued alone it is carried forward together.”
The result underscores continued collaboration between academic preparation at Tuskegee University CAENS programs and engagement with professional organizations.
