VBA Design of Panama City, Florida in partnership with ZHA, American Institute of Architects of Northwest Florida and the Society of American Military Engineers is holding a Gingerbread house contest to help students at Breakfast Point Academy engage in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) event. The event allows students to learn about architecture, design, building codes, construction permitting, zoning and more.

“Our hope is that the Gingerbread House contest will provide hands on experience to students and give them an understanding of a diverse range of career choices at an early age.” stated Victoria Williams, VBA Design president.

In November 5th grade students from Breakfast Point Academy were introduced to the contest and provided an application of interest to participate, that looked like a building permit. In addition, students were provided the judging criteria, also known as zoning regulations. The criteria explained how their project will be judged including the purpose, permitted uses, subdivision conformance, lot size, height parameters, minimum required setbacks, exceptions, miscellaneous provisions and allowable building materials, much like building a house in real life. The contest is in its 2nd year at Breakfast Pointe Academy with the hopes of expanding in the future.

About VBA Design
VBA Design, Inc. is an Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) formed in 2012 and located in Panama City, Florida and Fairhope, Alabama. The goal of VBA Design, Inc. is “Designing a Better Experience” for their clients. With over 20 years of experience, the team possesses a wealth of knowledge and creative genius to offer visionary solutions to complicated design and planning issues with superior client services.