From Playdough to Blueprints

At JJCA, we believe in nurturing curiosity and inspiring future architects, engineers, and construction leaders. That’s why we love partnering with ACE Mentoring—a program that gives high school students hands-on exposure to architecture, construction, and engineering careers.

Recently, our team members Stephanie Pielich and Caroline Abel hosted a group of 15 eager students at our office, and it was a few hours full of learning, creativity, and fun!

The visit kicked off with a presentation designed to demystify the journey to becoming an architect. Stephanie and Caroline shared their own experiences, walking the students through what it’s like to study architecture in college, gain early work experience, and navigate the path to licensure.

They offered insights into the diverse and dynamic roles architects take on every day—problem-solver, designer, collaborator, and visionary. It was an eye-opening session that revealed how rewarding a career in architecture can be.

Next, the students jumped into a hands-on activity with a playful twist: building a Thanksgiving pie out of playdough. But there was a catch! They had to rely on incomplete instructions to meet the client’s expectations. The exercise highlighted the critical role of communication, active listening, and asking the right questions—skills that make all the difference in delivering successful designs.

We were blown away by the students’ creativity and ability to connect the dots! They thoughtfully reflected on how the pie-building activity tied into real-world design and construction processes. Throughout the event, they asked insightful questions about architecture, demonstrating their enthusiasm and genuine interest in the field.

This experience reminded us of the immense value of mentorship and community engagement. Programs like ACE Mentoring introduce students to exciting career opportunities and help them build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It’s an honor to be part of their journey, and we can’t wait to see where their dreams take them.

At JJCA, we don’t just design buildings; we help shape the future, one student at a time.