A resilient workforce is one that demonstrates agility, adaptability, innovative thinking, and the ability to keep working towards a goal, even when there are setbacks or failures. There’s a massive opportunity for the construction industry to attract young problem-solvers who are looking for a career that challenges them intellectually in addition to providing a sense of purpose in building things better. Construction also offers diverse entry points and growth-oriented career paths. However, based on historical U.S. Census Bureau Job-to-Job Flows data, an estimated 1.9 million construction workers will leave their jobs to work in other industries this year. New talent is needed to fill this gap.
Additionally, according to Associated General Contractors of America, it has become even more difficult than a year ago to find construction workers to fill open positions. Among the firms with openings, 94 percent report it is hard to fill craft positions, and 92 percent report difficulty in filling salaried openings. To alleviate the labor shortage and sustain the future of the industry for the long-term, construction needs to go beyond just drawing in talent. The next generation of builders must also be equipped with the digital skills and mindset that will enable them to not only find their way into the field, but also to thrive and continue to evolve once they get there.
At Autodesk, part of our mission is to create a better industry for today and tomorrow. We believe that when students have the tools and skills to bring their ideas to life, they develop the mindset that they can become anything - whether it's an architect, engineer, builder, city planner, or another job that might not even exist yet.
Now that free education access to the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform is available for qualified educators and schools, next-generation designers and builders can be empowered with truly connected workflows that are used by innovators across the industry today.
We also know that young innovators don’t want to wait to make their mark; they want to make the future now. Through our Make It Real program, we encourage young people to engage with their communities by applying the design thinking process to real problems related to construction and the built environment. Two key initiatives include:
Judges for the contest included representatives from the National Society of Black Engineers, Nox Innovations, The PENTA Building Group, Aurelia Institute, and Autodesk Research.
So far, we’ve had some incredible winners for our scholarship awards and microgrants. We recently had the opportunity to speak with four of our winners to learn about what motivates them and their insights into what makes the construction industry appealing to youth. We also had the chance to hear from the contest judges about how they stay inspired in their careers and the advice they have for the next generation.
A theme that resonated from these conversations is the power of mentorship to encourage perseverance and confidence in forging new career paths, so we paired each winner story with that of a judge. Autodesk is also a proud sponsor of the ACE Mentor Program of America, which aims to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through mentoring and continued support for their advancement into the industry.
Read their stories, below! And if you are a student inspired to tackle a similar challenge, please check out the current student contests on Instructables.
Ajith Reddy Varikuti, a sophomore at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, won a $10,000 Grand Prize for Best Physical Prototype for his design of a modular, transportable, 3D printed home to address the issue of coastal flooding. Now having lived through the historic Hurricane Helene and seeing firsthand the devastating impact that extreme weather has had on his neighbors to the west in Asheville, Ajith’s drive to make progress now in addressing an issue that is important to him carries even more poignancy.
As Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), Cliff Cole oversees all strategy, implementation, and execution of VDC processes for The PENTA Building Group. A recent project of his is the first-ever Formula 1® racetrack in Las Vegas.
Tell us about your submission. What inspired you to enter the design challenge?
For as long as I can remember, my family spent much of our summers at the Outer Banks. For a few weeks after school ended, we would escape the hustle of city life and explore the lush nature of the islands. One of my earliest memories is of a large wooden house on Kitty Hawk Island, standing proudly just a few feet from the shore. Each year, I returned to that same beach, noticing how the ocean crept closer and closer. Last year, I witnessed the ocean beginning to swallow that same house. Unlike homes inland, coastal houses face a high risk of frequent flooding and are elevated to allow floodwater to pass beneath them. Instead of traditional concrete foundations, thick wooden pilings are driven deep into the sand to support these homes. After seeing many older houses, built on pilings, battered by storms, I realized there had to be a better solution.
In the summer of 2023, while watching a video about 3D-printed homes right after a newscast on Hurricane Idalia’s impact on coastal North Carolina, it hit me: I could apply this technology to address the challenges of coastal living. Everything clicked, and before I knew it, I was designing a resilient 3D-printed modular home that could be relocated as the shoreline shifts.
As part of his design process, Ajith began researching firms that do their structural engineering in-house and came across AECOM. After reaching out, Ajith was put in contact with Moustafa El-Sawy who is a structural engineer and who has worked with families affected by Hurricane Sandy to rebuild and repair their homes. Moustafa volunteered to mentor Ajith and provided feedback on his design, which Ajith implemented.
Why are you inspired to pursue a career in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry? What impact do you hope to make in the industry?
I truly believe that many of the problems society is facing can be solved by using human ingenuity and technology. Issues like coastal flooding motivated me to create my submission. By looking at the shortcomings in current construction practices, I am inspired to apply my skills and creativity in an AECO career. I would like to bring cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing, to the AECO industry. By integrating these newer technologies into traditional construction practices, I hope to drive the development of more resilient structures.
Why did you want to judge this competition? What makes you excited about this particular challenge?
I like to give back. I like to volunteer any way I can. I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of mentors and that helped me to get where I am at in my career. There are things that I wish I knew then that I know now, so any opportunities for me to provide that support and feedback makes me feel grateful. I also lead our Diversity and Inclusion Council here at PENTA, because it really motivates me to be able to give back to low-income and under privileged areas and expose them to opportunities that they may not ultimately have or know about, and just for them to know that there is a path to get you to where you want to be by working hard and having the right support.
At the time when I was graduating high school, I had no clue what architecture and engineering was, but I had the sense that I wanted to be an architect, so I was just figuring it out on the go. I remember going down into the city and what is now called Camden Yards. This is the baseball stadium for the Baltimore Orioles, which is the city where I was born and raised. It was an industrial area, and they basically spliced the stadium into an old sugar plant, and I was just amazed at how this industrial, rundown area became this live hotspot with mixed use. And I was a big sports fan, so this got me excited about architecture. Then midway through my college I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of construction, and that kind of steered my direction into recognizing that I actually love to see how buildings get built and be engaged in using my problem-solving skills in that way. So that’s how I got into construction. I had no family members, nobody in my immediate household involved in construction. I wasn’t aware of any programs like the ACE Mentor Program at the time. I wish I had known about it.
The contest theme of resilience and determination really resonated with me. I was intrigued by building a habitat especially in space. Growing up I didn’t know much about space, but it’s exciting knowing that it is a real opportunity now that’s out there – that space construction is also something that we’re going to be doing at some point, and how it’s going to impact not just construction in space, but construction here on earth. I wanted to be able to see the students’ ideas and what they come up with. After judging, I can truly say I have learned as much from them as they can potentially learn from me.
What new insights did you take away from these young innovators?
With the right opportunity, vision, and dedication, anything is possible.
What’s the best advice you can give aspiring engineers or AECO professionals?
I read a book called Grit by Angela Duckworth. Grit is what we consider in our industry a soft skill that is a requirement for success and growth. In construction specifically, my role is with technology, and understanding how to communicate and talk to people is critical. It’s a skill set that’s needed as part of the change management framework that we have when we’re innovating with new technology and software. Resilience to me is knowing that you’re going to have to continue to push forward in whatever you’re doing. When change happens, it doesn’t happen overnight. To me I look at it as: When we’re testing out new software and doing new research and development on different things and trying to implement different processes and procedures and technology, it doesn’t always go well. So, you have to have that resilience to push forward and confidence that if you have a clear plan and goal and have the right people on your team and processes in place, that you will be successful. If you make a mistake or have something go the way you didn’t want it to go, that’s not a failure. Instead think about it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Also, the opportunities with technology in the [AECO] industry are tremendous. I tell people all the time, we’re still just scratching the surface on the levels of innovation that we’re doing: drones, laser scanning, robotics, data analytics, programming, CAD software, is all part of our toolbox we’re trying to use to improve the construction industry.
Jane Serene Liou, a junior at Mountainview High School in Mountainview, California, won a $1,000 2nd Prize for her design of a sustainable habitat for the Amazon Rainforest. The goal of her design was to create a home for a family of four, including a park ranger, so that they could coexist peacefully with nature while still meeting their modern-day needs. She was also interested in exploring how exposure to nature can improve our mental health. Other topics she researched to create her design included the landscape, climate, indigenous tribes, and architectural traditions of the Amazon Rainforest.
Evan Hilgemann is Aurelia Institute's Senior Mechanical Engineer, and his career interests focus on exploring Earth and space through the development of hardware for extreme environments. Evan is currently leading an effort to mature technologies related to advanced space stations and supports other programs across Aurelia's portfolio. Previously, he was a mechanical engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he contributed to a wide array of projects ranging from early-stage technology developments to flight hardware design and mission operations.
Aurelia Institute’s TESSERAE Pavilion was the inspiration for the contest with its vision of a future where life in space is welcoming, enticing, and practically accessible for all people. Students could use a starter Autodesk Tinkercad or Autodesk Fusion model provided by Aurelia Institute, a resident team in the Autodesk Technology Centers Research Residency Program or create their own.
Tell us about your submission. What inspired you to enter the design challenge?
I was inspired to enter the Make it Resilient Autodesk challenge because I wanted to challenge myself as an aspiring architect and designer. The design challenge was not only an opportunity to win a scholarship to help me pursue my passion for architecture, but it was also an opportunity for me to learn CAD skills for the first time, learn more about architecture and the related industries of construction and engineering, and be able to practice the design process comprehensively. Going into the competition, I knew that I would have to devote lots of time towards designing a viable habitat in the extreme environment, as well as learning the actual Autodesk software (I used Fusion) from scratch. However, during the rigorous design process, I learned so much more than I expected. Not only was I able to improve my 3D modeling skills, but I was also able to engage in deep problem-solving, learn about sustainable materials and energy conservation strategies through extensive research, and overall, gain a newfound appreciation for the work of architects. I am so glad to have taken up this challenge and incredibly thankful that Autodesk and Instructables have created this opportunity for high schoolers to explore and expand on their passions.
Why are you inspired to pursue a career in the AECO industry? What impact do you hope to make in the industry?
I am inspired to pursue a career in the AECO industry because I believe this industry has such a profound and direct impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. I have witnessed how thoughtful and considerate architecture and urban planning can create a positive impact on communities by sustainably addressing community needs, responding to their unique culture, and improving the well-being of individuals in the community. I have also witnessed how poorly designed architecture can have adverse impacts on the health of both the inhabitants and the planet. Thus, I aspire to use my passion for architecture to create a better, more sustainable built environment for future generations.
Why did you want to judge this competition? What makes you excited about this particular challenge?
This challenge really gets to the heart of what we are working on at Aurelia Institute. We generally focus on life in space where living conditions are often austere and not very welcoming for people who are not professional astronauts. Our goal is to envision and create a future where the unique environment of space can truly be embraced and enjoyed by all. I really enjoyed seeing the variety of interpretations of the prompt and how students applied it to different environments and situations; it clearly showcased their talent for creative design!
What’s the best advice you can give aspiring engineers or AECO professionals?
Build things! Program a robot. Try to fix your bike. Make a bookshelf. It doesn't really matter what. Just get your hands dirty with something that captures your curiosity and see where it takes you. It will almost certainly pay off later in your career.
Could you recommend resources for developing stronger 3D literacy and design skills?
Nothing beats practice. For students who might not have access to tools or machines, check out your local library. Many districts now have well equipped makerspaces with active communities and volunteers who can help students improve their skills.
Jay Wen, a senior at Port Moody Secondary School in Port Moody, British Columbia, won a $1,000 2nd Prize for his design of a typhoon and flood-proof home. Having grown up in the Guangdong province of China, Jay vividly remembers the frightening typhoons, heavy rain, and howling winds that kept him awake at night and haunted his dreams as a small boy. The coastal areas of Guangdong in Southern China are one of the hardest hit regions by such disasters and extreme weather, so this connection to his childhood home was the motivation for his design.
As a researcher, educator, and self-professed techno-optimist, Fope Bademosi works to redefine how we engage with the built environment. A life-long interest in construction practices, paired with a passion for new technologies led Fope to her role as a Circular Economy and Construction Researcher at Autodesk. Being Nigerian and African, her goal going into grad school was to research affordable housing in sub-Saharan Africa. However, her experiences with software shifted her focus to construction technology.
Tell us about your submission. What inspired you to enter the design challenge?
Growing up, I have been influenced by diverse architectural styles, from the towering skyscrapers in China to the charming and timeless architecture of PEI, Canada. I noticed that the appealing ones were not only aesthetic, but they also conveyed emotions, told stories, and embodied the spirit of their surroundings, making them much more than just structures. This helped spark my interest in art and design, and upon discovering Instructables and the “Make it Resilient Challenge,” I was compelled to put my skills to the test and fully design my first house.
While I had some CAD skills from smaller projects, this contest required much more complexity and countless factors to consider. I chose a modern aesthetic design inspired by the contemporary architecture of the city around me. I actually got the idea of a resilient home by connecting it to my own experiences with the devastating typhoons in eastern China which made the project even more exciting. I incorporated many details and textures while prioritizing realism by explaining each design choice. After all, I wanted my work to be able to be a good attempt at designing a resilient home.
I'm overjoyed about the final result but even more grateful for the experience. I learned the importance of organization when tackling large projects and refined my CAD skills. Best of all, I had the opportunity to share my work on Instructables. Nothing compares to the satisfaction and fulfillment of seeing your finished work showcased for others to appreciate or draw inspiration from.
What impact do you think the scholarship will have on your future?
I am still amazed by how far I have come. The scholarship will be of huge help in assisting my academic needs. I plan on using this to apply to universities where I can take my ambitions of designing for innovation to greater heights. Most importantly, receiving this award has boosted my confidence in my skills, motivating me to tackle even bigger projects in the future. It is crazy how my journey with Instructables only started this year. What began as a simple leap of curiosity elevated my passion for design and CAD. It has taught me that trying new things is the gateway to growth and success, and I can’t wait to keep designing.
Why are you inspired to pursue a career in the AECO industry? What impact do you hope to make in the industry?
I am an art person. When words fail me, I turn to illustrations and drawings to express my ideas. After learning 3D modelling and then CAD, they expanded my artistic and creative expression by bringing my visions to life in new dimensions. Participating in this challenge and working to solve a real-world problem solidified one thing for me: I love to use my creativity to design, build and innovate. What makes AECO appealing to me is the opportunity to develop my ideas and make them a reality, potentially making a real impact and changing lives.
Additionally, engineering in particular bridges another area of my interest – physics. I love learning and exploring the physical phenomena and the scientific frameworks of the world. It inspires me to chase the ever-expanding edge of scientific discovery and use my ideas to help develop new technologies for exploration with engineering.
Why did you want to judge this competition? What makes you excited about this particular challenge?
I judged it because I believe in the power of innovation to address the world’s most pressing challenges. This competition allows participants to push the boundaries of design, engineering, and construction, and it’s inspiring to see how they embrace extreme environments to create habitats that could redefine sustainability and resilience. I was excited to see how they leveraged their skills and imagination to solve problems for space exploration and address challenges we face here on Earth, such as climate change and resource scarcity.
From your perspective, what are some of the top skills the future workforce should focus on developing?
The future workforce should focus on developing a blend of technical and adaptive skills. Mastering digital literacy, especially in 3D modeling and design, is crucial. Beyond that, the ability to work with emerging technologies like AI and robotics, as well as sustainable building materials, will be critical. Equally important are soft skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and a mindset for sustainability. The ability to design systems that are both innovative and practical will be a defining factor in the future of construction and engineering.
What strategies or methods do you recommend for testing concepts or seeking user feedback?
One effective strategy for testing concepts is to create early prototypes—whether digital or physical—and share them with a diverse group of users for feedback. Testing in real-world or simulated conditions that closely mimic the intended environment is essential. Rapid iteration is key: gather feedback early and often, learn from failures, and adjust designs based on data and user insights. This method not only strengthens the design but also ensures it is user-centric and responsive to the environment in which it will be applied.
What’s the best advice you can give aspiring engineers or AECO professionals?
My best advice is to remain curious and never stop learning. The AECO industry is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, materials, and methodologies constantly emerging. Stay up to date with these advancements, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Additionally, build a strong foundation in collaboration and communication skills. Engineering and construction are inherently team-oriented fields, so being able to work effectively with a diverse range of professionals will set you apart.
Could you recommend resources for developing stronger 3D literacy and design skills?
For those looking to develop stronger 3D literacy, I recommend starting with Autodesk software like Revit and Fusion, which offer powerful tools for both beginners and professionals. There are great free resources available through platforms like Autodesk University, Coursera, and Instructables. Additionally, practicing with online challenges and competitions like this can provide hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of design principles and tools.
What was your favorite part of judging? What new insights did you take away from these young innovators?
My favorite part of judging was seeing the creativity and passion of the participants. It was incredible to witness how they approached extreme environments with fresh perspectives, using advanced tools to bring their visions to life. I learned that young innovators are increasingly driven by a desire to make a positive impact—not just through technical skills but also through a deep commitment to sustainability, equity, and improving human well-being. Their ideas reminded me that the future of engineering isn’t just about solving technical challenges but about creating spaces where people can truly thrive.
Oliver Izen, a freshman at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, won a $5,000 1st Prize for his design of a lunar additive base. Oliver focused heavily on the practicality of the materials used, construction methods, and everyday usability to elevate the realism of his design. Wrote Oliver in his contest entry: “Overall, the most important factor in any extraterrestrial design is efficiency. When you’re on the moon, there’s no room for excess. Every part should serve a purpose, and it must do so without failure.”
As President of Nox Innovations, Aaron Thompson oversees all Virtual Construction and Fabrication operations. With over 24 years of experience in the construction industry, Aaron began as an apprentice electrician and progressed through various roles from Field to Operations. This growth has continuously provided him with the knowledge and insight to understand the issues faced within the field and gain insight on improvement. His goal as President is to proactively eliminate controllable issues within the field, from Virtual Construction to Field Installation.
Nox Innovations in Phoenix, Arizona, was the setting of Autodesk’s Beyond Bounds film series with professional football quarterback Josh Dobbs.
Tell us about your submission. What inspired you to enter the design challenge?
As the final project for my Drafting 12 class in high school, we had to select a design competition as the criteria. I selected the Make It Real competition because it offered an opportunity to take a more engineering-focused approach compared to other more architectural design competitions. The open-ended nature of the challenge allowed me to explore topics that genuinely interested me, especially 3D printing. I was eager to learn more about the inner workings and potential applications of this technology at scale. Participating in the competition provided the perfect opportunity to delve into that area.
What impact do you think the scholarship will have on your future?
This scholarship will have a significant impact on my immediate future by providing vital financial support as I pursue an engineering degree. It will enable me to obtain essential materials and hardware that will advance my learning and enhance my skills in the field. From a longer-term perspective being recognized as a first-place participant has given me a sense of confidence as I begin my university education and is something that I am proud to share.
Why are you inspired to pursue a career in the AECO industry? What impact do you hope to make in the industry?
I am inspired to pursue a career in the AECO industry, with a strong focus on engineering, because I've always enjoyed designing objects and witnessing projects come to fruition. The design process fascinates me, and I am equally intrigued by the intricate technicalities of how systems work. Engineering perfectly encompasses these interests, allowing me to blend creativity with technical problem-solving. I hope to play a role in advancing new technologies that contribute to the betterment of society and the planet.
Why did you want to judge this competition? What makes you excited about this particular challenge?
I am passionate about changing the perception of construction. Most people, if asked, think of the rough and dirty construction worker out in the weather sweating away. While some of this is true, it is changing. There is, in fact, another side of construction that a lot of people don’t realize, and that is the extreme increase of technology. I am excited to see engineering innovation increasing in the current and coming generations, and I share that excitement.
From your perspective, what are some of the top skills the future workforce should focus on developing?
Anything that decreases the need for a skilled workforce on project sites. The industry is in high demand for skilled workers, and there are not as many available as needed. Anything that allows the limited workforce to focus on tasks that need skill and shift work to off-site locations where builders can make the items in a controlled environment that decreases field injury, quality issues, and storage space on site. Anything that supports the process flows from design to off-site fabrication to just-in-time delivery to quick quality installation.
What strategies or methods do you recommend for testing concepts or seeking user feedback?
I think the first thing is to understand and be clear about what problem you are trying to solve. Make a checklist of the problems. If you have spoken to someone, they would be a great resource to pitch your idea. If you don’t have access to someone, I suggest you research the internet to make a list. Use the list you made of the problems you are trying to solve, go through it, and answer how your design solves them.
What’s the best advice you can give aspiring engineers or AECO professionals?
When developing new creative ideas, think of it from the individual's perspective that has to build it, and not just how it looks. See how you can make that process easier without compromising quality or safety.
What was your favorite part of judging? What new insights did you take away from these young innovators?
My favorite part of judging was seeing the innovative ideas. Many of the submissions were well thought out and forward-thinking. I think what I took away was that it is great to see the future of innovative thinking in construction has a bright future. I learned that we in the construction industry often look at solutions from a too complex perspective, and the takeaway is that sometimes the solution is found in individuals who are outside the industry.
