"Fearing the Beard" at AIA Houston's Sandcastle Competition
Houston, Texas ' On Saturday, May 30th, VLK Architects grabbed their shovels and buckets and headed to Galveston's East Beach to compete in this year's AIA Sandcastle Competition. This is the 7th year that VLK has participated in AIA's fundraising event which benefits the ArCH Foundation. There were eight competition categories that were considered. VLK, with Cobb Fendley, entered the 'Let the Games Begin' category in hopes of winning the prestigious Golden Bucket Award.
Several months of planning and design development was necessary to make the perfect concept for the VLK/Cobb Fendley team who joined over 60 teams of architects, engineers and contractors in putting their talents to work using sand and water. 'Fear the Beard' was the chosen concept that was inspired by the Houston Rockets player, James Harden in support of the team's playoff run against the Warriors.
'It was a three month planning process.' said VLK Project Designer, Brad Ewing, 'We voted on the best idea, drew plans, produced a 3-D Model then built formwork so that we were ready to compete.'
On the day of the event, the team meticulously sculpted their piles of sand and worked non-stop for five hours to masterfully make their concept a reality. The competition brings professionals of the A/E industry together for a common cause but to VLK it means much more.
'In the end, we all enjoy a team building experience leaving with memories of a great day at the beach filled with fun, sand, and sun.' Todd Lien, VLK Principal.
The AIA Sandcastle Competition began in 1986 and is a fund-raising event for AIA Houston and the ArCH Foundation. It is also listed as one of the top five revenue generating events for the City of Galveston.