One of the highlights of the summer for TLCD is hosting the Mike Hauser STEM Academy students. The firm has been participating in this program for over 10 years and each June we look forward to welcoming incoming 9th graders to our office for two days of learning, exploration and fun.
Mike Hauser Academy is a partnership between the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, and the Healdsburg, Rohnert Park and Sebastopol Chambers. It provides extra math and science support, and the opportunity to visit STEM related companies in the community. The lessons that TLCD plans each year encourage students to work collaboratively in teams while utilizing math, sketching, 3D software, fabrication and model making skills.
Day one began with an introduction to Architecture, an overview of TLCD’s project types, careers in the field and generally answering any questions the students had. After a tour of the office, students used tape measures to document some of our office spaces and create ½”=1’ scale floor plans. Throughout the day, teacher Stacey Olson reinforced these concepts with planned lessons.
Day two began with presentations on 3D modeling, virtual fly-throughs and how to sketch and scale drawings. The students formed 4 teams or “design firms” to create and build a scale model of their ideal hangout space. With a table full of materials, they were free to begin fabricating their unique space. The TLCD team was available to support the students, but at this point they were having a blast building their spaces!
The two-day program culminated with each team presenting their hang out space, followed by a blind student vote for the best project. We won’t tell you which team won, because they were all so good!
“I really enjoyed leading the Mike Hauser program this year. It was a great opportunity to share what we do, connect with students and hopefully spark some excitement about careers in design and architecture.”
Tamara Gelvin/Project Captain
Many thanks to Tamara Gelvin for taking the lead this year, as well as other contributing team members Carl Servais, Stacey Walker, Melissa Weese, Tyler Laskowski, Ian Health, Mitchell Price, Justin Leonard, Lauren Davis and Intern, Jessica Guo.
Check out the last several years of Summertime STEM fun at TLCD: