Students Gain Industry Insight and Professional Networking Experience in Orlando
NAHB Chapter Makes National Debut at International Builders’ Show Competition
Alabama A&M University’s National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Chapter recently made its national competition debut at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and NAHB Student Competition in Orlando, Florida.
The event brought together thousands of construction professionals, students and industry leaders from across the country for education sessions, exhibits and one of the nation’s premier collegiate construction competitions.
Representing Alabama A&M were seniors Eric Lytle II of St. Louis, David Jackson of Birmingham, Alabama, Lauryn Baker of Atlanta and Hailey Fowler of Apopka, Florida; juniors Jayden Head of Montevallo, Alabama, and Kortney Adkins of Louisville, Kentucky; sophomore Madison Everett of Mobile, Alabama; and freshman Makenzie Carter of Fort Deposit, Alabama. All are construction management majors except Adkins, who majors in finance. The students are enrolled in the University’s Construction Management program and School of Business and are advised by Professor Mahbub Hasan, NAHB faculty adviser.
Competing in the NAHB Student Competition – Four-Year Program, Alabama A&M’s presentation team — Lytle, Jackson, Baker and Head — delivered a comprehensive proposal for a custom residential home build developed to meet NAHB’s real-world standards. Operating as Rocket City Residential Group, the team proposed “The Lakeside Haven,” a 4,264-square-foot luxury lakefront home planned for Lake Martin in Alabama.
The design features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and open-concept living spaces that blend classic Southern architecture with modern functionality. The proposal emphasized energy efficiency, sustainability and quality materials, along with a detailed market analysis, construction schedule, cost estimate and sales and marketing strategy. The projected completion date for the home is July 2026.
“Being able to compete at IBS was a great experience that I hope other students at the university are able to experience in the near future,” said Lytle II. “Presenting in front of industry professionals at a national competition helped us build confidence and sharpen our skills.”
Beyond the competition, students explored the IBS show floor, engaging with exhibitors showcasing the latest building products, technologies and innovations. They also attended the judges’ debriefing and awards ceremony, gaining valuable feedback and insight into national competition standards and industry expectations.
As part of their professional development, chapter members attended a Black Builder Mixer at The New American Home 2026, where they toured a fully furnished showcase home highlighting advanced design features, energy-efficient systems and innovative construction techniques. The event provided opportunities to network with contractors, builders and representatives from other historically Black colleges and universities, expanding professional connections and sharing ideas.
The 2026 competition marked the chapter’s first appearance on the national stage, serving as a significant learning opportunity and milestone for the program. Students plan to apply the lessons learned and compete again next year at IBS in Las Vegas.
The chapter extends special thanks to the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association for its support in helping the team prepare and compete at a national level.
Alabama A&M University has had an NAHB Student Chapter for two years. The chapter is open to students of all majors and GPA levels, and there is no selection process required to join. Students can join by attending interest meetings or general body meetings announced on the chapter’s Instagram page or by email at aamunahb@gmail.com.
“This trip showed me what’s possible in this industry and how prepared we are as Alabama A&M students,” said Madison Everett. “It motivated me to come back stronger, represent the University with excellence and compete again next year.”
Photo from left: Jayden Head, David Jackson, Eric Lytle II, Madison Everett, Prof. Mahbub Hasan, Lauryn Baker, Hailey Fowler, Makenzie Carter and Kortney Adkins.