Brasfield & Gorrie Competition
The Brasfield & Gorrie Student Design Competition is an annual interdisciplinary design competition composed of teams of students from each department in the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at Mississippi State University. The goal is to expose students to an interdisciplinary project delivery system to facilitate the design of a structure that incorporates sustainability, innovation and LEED construction principles. It is the goal of the competition to overcome preconceived ideas of the roles traditionally assumed by the various disciplines in the college. Teams will implement into their design solutions current issues that are impacting the design and construction industry.
Fall 2022
For this year’s assignment, students were asked to design and create a renovation and construction plan for an existing MSU building with the purpose of utilizing the space for the university’s new Master of Fine Arts in Historic Preservation.
Winning team members include (by hometown):
- CLINTON—Caroline Prather, architecture
- COLUMBIA—Heath Greenlee, building construction science
- DIAMONDHEAD—Sydney Macmann, interior design
- FRANKLIN, Tennessee—Ethan Harvey, architecture
- MADISON—Connor Bailey, building construction science
- SHANNON—Anna Kathryn Watson, interior design
- SOMERVILLE, Tennessee—Emily Young, interior design
- SPRING, Texas—Patrick Haggerty, building construction science
- STARKVILLE—Lucas Elder, architecture; and Sonsireth Di Geronimo, interior design
- TUSCUMBIA, Alabama—John Morrow, building construction science
Honorable mention team members include (by hometown):
- CLINTON—Raden Burris, building construction science
- DEMOPOLIS, Alabama—Tyler Pipkins, architecture
- GREENWOOD—Elizabeth Gallagher, building construction science
- HAZLEHURST—Rachel Bozeman, interior design
- JACKSON, Tennessee—Matt Spurgeon, building construction science
- LOUISVILLE—Jake Herrington, architecture
- MADISON—Claire Iupe, interior design
- NAVARRE, Florida—Matthew White, building construction science
- RED BANKS—Aidan Taylor, interior design
- TUSCALOOSA, Alabama—Jack Minges, building construction science
Read more about the 2022 competition.
Fall 2021
For the project this year, MSU teams were tasked with redesigning the existing Hand Chemical Lab auditorium to accommodate 300 seats and propose an addition to house new faculty offices, classrooms and a conference room.
Professors:
MSU faculty overseeing the competition included Associate Professor of Architecture Alexis Gregory, Associate Professor of Building Construction Science Michele Herrmann, Assistant Professor of Architecture Christopher Hunter, Associate Professor of Interior Design Lyndsey Miller, and Associate Professor of Art Suzanne Powney.
FIRST PLACE, Team 7:
- BRANDON—Carter S. Cumberland, building construction science; McKenzi L. Crockett, interior design
- CLINTON—Collins A. Davis, graphic design
- GERMANTOWN, Tennessee—Shawn “Mic” Wilkins, architecture
- KENNER, Louisiana—Alexis V. Bonura, interior design
- ORANGE BEACH, Alabama—Emma C. Salter, interior design
- PINSON, Alabama—Terrance A. Blackmon, architecture
- MERIDIAN—Brandon “Reid” Perry, architecture
- TUSCALOOSA, Alabama—Rashad Hassan, architecture
SECOND PLACE, Team 5:
- BRANDON—Cameron C. Holloway, graphic design
- CEDAR BLUFF—Emerson R. Shinn, building construction science
- DAPHNE, Alabama—Abigail C. Stewart, architecture
- FLORENCE—Cody B. J. Courtney, building construction science
- JACKSON—Evelyn “Grace” Carroll, interior design
- RIENZI—Megan P. Robinson, interior design
- RIPLEY—Joseph “Conner” Griffin, architecture
- TUPELO—Jake W. Lindley, architecture
THIRD PLACE, Team 10
- BESSEMER, Alabama—Isabella V. Jones, interior design
- BYHALIA—Jeffrey “Hunter” Janes, architecture
- ELLISVILLE—Cassie S. Winship, graphic design
- FLORA—Spurgeon A. Sanders, architecture
- PICAYUNE—Savannah E. Wilson, architecture
- RIPLEY— Charlie J. “CJ” Childers, architecture
- SALTILLO—Hannah E. Waters, interior design
- SIMPSONVILLE, South Carolina—Jonathan P. Jajack, building construction science
- TUPELO—Katlin “Katie” J. Reeves, interior design
Read the full story about the 2021 Brasfield & Gorrie Student Design Competition.
Fall 2020
Canceled due to COVID-19.
Fall 2019
For this year’s competition, students were challenged to renovate a structure on Spirit Hill Farm in Holly Springs.
Professors:
MSU faculty overseeing the competition included Lecturer of Art/Graphic Design Eric Abbott, Associate Professor of Architecture Alexis Gregory, Associate Professor of Building Construction Science Michele Herrmann, Associate Professor of Interior Design Lyndsey Miller, Professor of Architecture John Poros, and Assistant Professor of Building Construction Science Alireza Shojaei.
First Place:
- ABERDEEN—Megan M. Henry, interior design
- BIRMINGHAM, Alabama—Emily A. Purner, interior design
- BELZONI—Caleb Q. Shaw, architecture
- FLORA—Gregory R. “Chip” Goza, building construction science
- HERNANDO—Brianna M. Brown, architecture
- IUKA—Malik D. Henley, art/graphic design
- OCEAN SPRINGS—Ryeley K. Jacobs, building construction science
- PICAYUNE—Danielle M. Leclercq, architecture
- SPRING HILL, Tennessee—Victoria A. “Tori” Thompson, building construction science
- STEENS—Madison C. Holbrook, architecture
- VAIDEN—Ashtyn R. Carpenter, interior design
Second Place (Tie):
- FLORA—Cassidy H. Jones, interior design
- GIBSON—Kerry E. McElroy, architecture
- GRENADA—Melissa L. Sones, interior design
- HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—Shelby C. Jaco, architecture
- KILN—Owen H. McCallum, building construction science
- MADISON—Ashley E. Casteel, architecture
- MADISON—Joshua T. Jacobs, building construction science
- MADISON—Case L. Woodward, building construction science
- OLIVE BRANCH—Demarques T. Nevels, art/graphic design
- SOUTHAVEN—Mariah J. Green, architecture
- STARKVILLE—Savannah L. Crew, interior design
Second Place (Tie):
- BILOXI—Tyler E. Roch, building construction science
- FLORENCE—Lilah S. Smith, art/graphic design
- HATTIESBURG—William H. McMahon, interior design
- HOOVER, Alabama—Jackson S. Warren, building construction science
- JACKSON—Olivia A. Baker, architecture
- MADISON—Casey L. Pennebaker, building construction science
- MERIDIAN—Isaac L. Johnson, architecture
- RIDGELAND—Pablo Vargas, architecture
- STARKVILLE—Felipe M. Olvera, architecture
- VICKSBURG—Olivia T. Frazier, interior design
- WEST POINT—Steven C. Dragoo, building construction science
See the full story about the 2019 Brasfield & Gorrie competition.
Check out the 2019 first place project.
Fall 2018
For this year’s competition, students were challenged to redesign project for Mississippi State’s Lois Dowdle Cobb Museum of Archaeology in the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures.
Faculty
MSU faculty overseeing the competition included Assistant Professor of Architecture Fred Esenwein, Associate Professor of Architecture Alexis Gregory, Assistant Professor of Building Construction Science Michele Herrmann, Associate Professor of Interior Design Lyndsey Miller, Associate Professor of Art/Graphic Design Suzanne Powney, and Assistant Professor of Building Construction Science Alireza Shojaei.
First Place
- BRANDON—Sydney A. White, interior design
- GRENADA—John Douglas “J.D.” Staten, building construction science
- GULFPORT—Heather L. Gillich, architecture
- HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—Shelby C. Jaco, architecture
- HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—Tyler R. Letson, building construction science
- JACKSON—Jordan X. Smith, architecture
- LAUREL—Gaybrail “Gabby” Jones, interior design
- MADISON—Clayton “Clay” Crossman, building construction science
- PONCHATOULA, Louisiana—Olivia B. Duhe, interior design
- RIDGELAND—Mary E. Moore, art/graphic design
Second Place
- BALDWYN—Reagan B. Richey, building construction science
- BIRMINGHAM, Alabama—Grant R, Hyche, building construction science
- HOLLY SPRINGS—Kirkland C. Webber, architecture
- HOUSTON—McCarley K. Hood, interior design
- JACKSON—Charles M. Bowman, building construction science
- JACKSON, Tennessee—Samantha K. Sullivan, interior design
- MCCOMB—Margaret C. “Maggie” Clark, senior interior design
- STARKVILLE—Daniel H. Ruff, architecture
- TERRY—Jasmine J. Dennis, architecture
- TUPELO—Katherine Huang, art/graphic design
- TUSCALOOSA, Alabama—Meredith A. Hutto, architecture
Third Place
- BLUE MOUNTAIN—Abigail “Abby” Jackson, architecture
- BLUE SPRINGS—Blake Farrar, architecture
- BRANDON—Bailey E. Cummins, interior design
- CANTONMENT, Florida—Luke A. Nunley, building construction science
- CLARKSDALE—Taylor E. Knight, art/graphic design
- HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—Nicholas R. James, building construction science
- MABEN—Kaitlin W. Huguley, interior design
- NORTHPORT, Alabama—Isaiah Brooking, building construction science
- STARKVILLE—Jon M. Russell, building construction science
- STARKVILLE—JRobert A. Scott, architecture
- WEST POINT—Carlie R. Teffeteller, interior design
See the full story about the 2018 Brasfield & Gorrie competition.
View the 2018 winning project.
Fall 2017
For this year’s competition, students presented proposals addressing innovative ways to redesign classrooms and other spaces for Armstrong Middle School and the Starkville Oktibbeha School District Partnership.
Read more about the 2017 project at msstate.edu.
Fall 2016
For this year’s competition, students were challenged to design and create a renovation and construction plan for two existing buildings, as well as a means of connecting the buildings, for the tenancy of the pop-up retail space. Located on University Drive at the edge of the MSU campus, the existing buildings were constructed during the 1930s as part of the Public Works Administration and originally served as faculty housing.
First Place (tie):
Team Bazaar:
Annah Pennebaker, interior design
Nick Vezinaw, architecture
Omkar Prabhu, architecture
Lara Lynn Waddell, architecture
Tanner Wallace, building construction science
Sarah Prater, graphic design
Team Expo:
Catherine Conner, interior design
Katie Hughes, interior design
Cory Moxley, architecture
Claire Sims, architecture
Matt Bowen, building construction science
Morgan Donour, graphic design
See photos and read more about the fall 2016 competition.
Fall 2015
Professors:
Jacob Gines (architecture)
Alexis Gregory (architecture)
Michele Herrmann (building construction science)
Beth Miller (interior design)
Suzanne Powney (art - graphic design)
Students
Architecture - 28
Building Construction Science - 13
Graphic Design - 14
Interior Design - 12
Project
The design challenge for this hypothetical project was to develop proposals for the exterior and interior renovation of an existing building for the tenancy of the microbrewery SweetGum Brewing. The building the students used for the project is located in the Old Main District in downtown Starkville; it is an empty industrial building on the corner of Jackson and Lampkin Streets, one block south of, and perpendicular to Main Street.
Each interdisciplinary team of students determined how the required brewing equipment would be organized in compliance with the space allowance and circulation requirements. In addition to the brewing equipment, the student teams incorporated a central office, ADA restroom, storage area and tasting room. Each team also designed a standard for which individual brew name signage could be incorporated in the tasting room based on the types of beers being showcased at a particular time. The microbrewery will be a production-only brewery and will not be selling beer directly to consumers. Only through participation in a brewery tour will the public be able to sample the beer in the tasting room.
The student teams took this information and produced proposals that included branding, signage, interior design, architectural design and a construction schedule and budget. The students presented their final proposals to the design competition sponsor - Brasfield & Gorrie, SweetGum Brewing co-founder Ed Dechert, and visiting architects and graphic designers.
Purchase the 2015 book on blurb.
Fall 2014
Professors:
Jacob Gines (architecture)
Alexis Gregory (architecture)
Michele Herrmann (building construction science)
Lyndsey Miller (interior design)
Suzanne Powney (art - graphic design)
Students:
25 architecture
19 building construction science
15 art - graphic design
19 interior design
Project:
For two weeks, teams of students from the entire college – including fourth-year architecture, building construction science, graphic design and interior design students – were led through a series of research and design projects to emphasize collaborative design methods and help enhance the understanding and importance of teamwork, having clear goals and making conscientious design and developmental decisions from the very beginning of a project. Seventy-eight students began the design competition and worked together in ten teams.
The project presented was a retail incubator space in downtown Starkville. The two weeks were devoted to working together across disciplines to research, design, estimate, brand and position the incubator for a variety of possible tenants. The competition allowed the students to come together and experience their strengths in a collaborative environment that outlined responsibilities to all participants. Students from the architecture, interior design and building construction majors were teamed up for the first time with graphic design students.
The students were paired off into ten teams made up of one to two interior design seniors, two to three building construction seniors, two to three fourth-year architecture students, and one to two graphic design seniors. They worked together over the next two weeks working on final solution for a presentation to judges from Brasfield & Gorrie.
Purchase the 2014 book on Blurb.
Fall 2014 First Place Group, "Niche"
Fall 2014 Second Place Group, "Vend"
Fall 2014 Third Place Group, "The Foundry"
Fall 2013
Professors:
Tim Frank (architecture)
David C. Lewis (building construction science)
Rachel McCann (architecture)
Lyndsey Miller (interior design)
Students:
36 architecture
13 building construction science
19 interior design
Project:
For the fall 2013 competition, students had to transform the 1,800 square foot area beneath the concrete bleachers on the west side of Mississippi State University’s McCarthy Gym from an interior exit into an interior (conditioned) main entrance. Each team was required to accommodate an occupancy of 308 people; design hard landscaping; provide clear and safe access to the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building at all times both during and after construction; and ensure that all construction and fees total no more than $360,000 ($200/sf), including landscaping, 15% profit, and a 7% design fee.
View the 2013 book on ISSUU.
Purchase the 2013 book on Blurb.
Fall 2012
Professors:
Jane Greenwood (architecture)
Alexis Gregory (architecture)
Michele Herrmann (building construction science)
Beth Miller (interior design)
Justin Taylor (architecture)
Students:
23 architecture
21 building construction science
11 interior design
Project:
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is defined by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as “a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all project participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication and construction.” Having recognized the value collaborative efforts play in IPB, Brasfield & Gorrie partnered with the College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University to implement the Brasfield & Gorrie Annual Student Design Competition.
The 2012 project was located on the site of the now-closed Aiken Village Graduate Family Housing. The site is located on the northwestern part of campus near the Humphrey Coliseum. It is separated from the main campus by Highway 12. The students were tasked not only with the renovation and conversion of Aiken Village to an eco-village, but also to reconnect the site with the main campus.
View the 2012 book on ISSUU.
Purchase the 2012 book on Blurb.
Fall 2011
Professors:
John Poros (architecture)
Frances Hsu (architecture)
Michele Herrmann (building construction science)
Beth Miller (interior design)
Students:
27 architecture
22 building construction science
22 interior design
Project:
Brasfield & Gorrie’s involvement with Mississippi State University in the fall of 2011 was an unprecedented event for the College of Architecture, Art and Design as well as one of its two research centers, Carl Small Town Center. For two weeks, teams of fourth-year students from architecture, building construction science and interior design were led through a series of lectures and collaborative design methods to help enhance the understanding and importance of teamwork, having clear goals and making contentious design and developmental decisions from the very beginning of a project.
The project presented was a civic complex for the town of Smithville, Mississippi. Included in this complex would be a city hall, a police station, a volunteer based fire station, as well as a public library. Prior to this project, the architecture students had been working with the town and residents proposing various master plans. These proposals focused on new ways of approaching the idea of rural downtown centers. There were four total master plans. Each group had to work within one of these plans. Zoning, infrastructure and commercial business were considered when locating the Civic Complex within the master plans. There was nervous and excited energy in the Giles Hall Robert and Freda Harrison Auditorium on the first day of the Brasfield and Gorrie competition, from students and faculty alike. Students from the architecture, interior design and building construction majors were about to meet and be teamed up for the first time in their college careers. Not sure of how to approach a project of this scale and collaboration, the students sat and waited eagerly for guidance. Once the students were paired off into ten different teams made up of two to three interior design seniors, two to three building construction seniors, and two to three fourth-year architecture students, they split off to find their workspaces for the next two weeks.
