From Concept to Construction: Junior Ambassadors Explore the World of Architecture & Engineering

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s Junior Ambassadors recently stepped into the fast-paced world of architecture, engineering, and community development during a hands-on career exploration day that connected classroom concepts to real-world impact right here in Baldwin County.

The day began with an energetic and eye-opening presentation from Chad Watkins, Principal of WAS Design, who challenged students to think beyond the idea that landscape architecture is simply “drawing trees.” Instead, students discovered how landscape architects help shape entire communities by strategically planning where industries, housing, roads, retail, and green spaces belong.

Using the example of the new Novelis aluminum plant development — a multi-billion-dollar project transforming Baldwin County — Watkins walked students through the many moving pieces involved in large-scale development. From reading topography maps and identifying wetlands to understanding zoning, infrastructure, and environmental regulations, students learned how professionals balance economic growth with responsible land planning.

One of Chad’s most memorable lessons centered around two simple but powerful questions:

1. What do you want?

2. How do you get it?

He explained that nearly every project in architecture and development comes down to solving those two problems while navigating constraints, budgets, regulations, and community needs.

Students also gained insight into the business side of the profession, learning that successful projects require not only creativity and technical skill, but also communication, efficiency, teamwork, and profitability to sustain jobs and continue meaningful work.

The second half of the day brought students from the classroom to the field as they visited an active drainage improvement project alongside representatives from Thompson Engineering and the City of Foley.

Lead engineers Charles Weber and Eric Jackson, landscape architect Laken Doherty, and City of Foley Environmental Manager Lesli Gahagan gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how infrastructure projects move from an idea on paper to a finished community improvement project.

Students viewed project renderings, discussed drainage challenges facing growing communities, and learned about the many phases involved in engineering projects — from conceptual planning and design to permitting, funding, construction, and long-term community impact. They also learned how municipalities partner with engineering firms and secure grants to help fund critical infrastructure improvements that protect residents and support future growth.

By combining classroom-style learning with an immersive site visit, the Junior Ambassadors gained a firsthand understanding of how architecture, engineering, environmental science, government, and business all work together to shape the communities where we live, work, and grow.

Most importantly, students walked away with a deeper appreciation for the problem-solvers behind the scenes — the professionals designing the roads we drive on, the drainage systems that protect neighborhoods, and the thoughtful planning that helps communities thrive for generations to come.