In February, lower school math teacher Pat Walsh’s grade 5 students submitted building designs to Aaron Bean ’85, who now works as a general contractor. Bean assessed designs submitted by students in all of Walsh’s classes, and selected a winner from each class to go on a special trip to a building site.

Bean chose Makenzie Tomihiro’s design for its creative design. “The right use of offsets in a building’s shape can really improve the architectural design,” he said. He gave the honorable mention to Kaitlin Hsu, calling her design “beautiful.”

From Walsh’s period 4 class, Bean selected Mateusz Kranz as the winner. “I saw amazing maturity in his design: the proportions of rooms were very good, and even more importantly, the floor plan has flow,” he said. The runner up was Ben Hyver, whose round design impressed Bean. “Does Ben know that a round exterior is the most efficient one to complete? Definitely thinking outside the box!” he exclaimed.

“The 25’ wide by 20’ deep unobstructed space that includes the entry, kitchen, dining and living spaces is really inviting,” Bean said of Tanvi Singh’s design, which was chosen as the period 5 winner. Runner up Akshaya Vemuri created “an example of overall good layout. Akshaya minimizes hallways and uses the space in each room to its fullest potential.” Taylor Kohlmann’s house, with its trampoline room and indoor water slides, was given an honorable mention. “I just love the color and creativity!” Bean said.

Period 7 student Amy Dunphy’s design won for what Bean called its “simple elegance. This is the most versatile floor plan I saw. Amy even thought about the shape of the opening and passageways!” Bean said. Runner up Ania Kranz submitted another “open” design. “Here is another situation where simplicity wins!” said Bean.

Mateusz Kranz was selected as the overall winner from all the classes.