The second annual design-build challenge was held Monday, Sept. 3, along the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland. It pitted teams of designers, trades workers and contractors against each other in a quest to create the most creative project possible while working against the clock and under a strict set of rules covering theme, materials and more.

This year’s competition featured 27 teams of four people each, up from 14 a year ago, each competing to craft a project that fit the theme: “A Seat At The Table.” The interpretations were left up to the teams, which had just 24 hours to prep for the competition after the theme was revealed to them. Further, the teams were limited to a strict set of reclaimed building materials, both wood and metal.

Judges made up of fellow building industry professionals ultimately chose the creation of the team representing Portland general contractor Engaging Environments as the winner.

According to a synopsis of the project, the team’s take on “A Seat At The Table” was a “unique opportunity to examine empowerment within the current structure of our social-political system.” Half the table is therefore not seen on the surface. Instead, that half holds the rest of the table up, expressing “strength and resiliency.”

The half providing support “represents a conglomeration of workers of all genders, multi-ethnicities, and minorities that hold up the table but whose voice is often unheard.”

The seat itself represents the “patriarchal oligarchy” that we all live in.

Team Engaging Environments produced a design so compelling it also earned a viewer’s choice award. Second place in the judging went to a project from Portland contractor Neil Kelly Company.

Check out photos of this unique event below.

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