Student chapter of NAHB forms at SMSU

A new student organization has become active at Southwest Missouri State University.

The student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders is sponsored by faculty members Thomas Kachel and Julie MacLachlan, both of the housing and interior design/consumer and family studies department at SMSU.

Besides the opportunities and privileges afforded by official membership in local, state and national home builders associations, the group receives matching funds from NAHB and the Springfield Home Builders Association, which has for eight years contributed to a university scholarship fund for construction and interior design students.

According to Kachel, membership is $15 and is open to SMSU students enrolled in the construction technology or housing and interior design program.

The group's constitution was approved by the university's Student Government Association and by the Student Life and Development Office, which sponsors on-campus activities.

The new organization has 19 members, including an executive board comprising a president, two vice presidents, a treasurer and a secretary.

The organization meets monthly during the regular school year. Officers are Scott Dettmer, president, construction technology; Carson Cash, vice president, construction technology; Crystal Calvird, vice president, interior design; Julie Severson, treasurer, interior design; and Missy Klein, secretary, interior design.

While focusing on residential design, the organization also seeks to bridge gaps between different aspects of the industry and provide students with real-world information and experiences.

Kachel said the housing and interior design department has a 30-year history at SMSU, but, MacLachlan added, local contractors may be unaware of the program. "Our goal is to assist students in finding real experience, so we're exploring ways to get them involved in their prospective local field. And, selfishly, so that contractors know the students are here and are trained well."

Members of the student NAHB are required to complete professional internships, gathering hands-on, practical experience in what may eventually become their chosen careers.

This may include field trips that allow students a close look at various stages of home construction and interior design.

So far, the organization has participated in decorating a demo home at the River Run development, attended a Springfield HBA meeting and the Home-O-Rama convention in St. Louis, and designed an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramp for a private residence.

Future projects may include working with Habitat for Humanity and fund raising, with an eye to the February Home Builders Association trade show in Springfield.

For more information, contact Tom Kachel at 836-5756, or the NAHB at 800-368-5242, ext. 0.