Sinclair College is hosting Built Environment Week from April 13–17, offering students a closer look at careers in construction, design and sustainability through hands-on experiences and industry connections.
The event highlights Sinclair’s Built Environment Department, which includes five programs centered on designing and constructing the spaces people rely on every day—from homes and office buildings to roads and infrastructure.
“The built environment department includes five different programs…things like houses, office buildings, roads, bridges and all the stuff that goes inside of those,” said Charlie Setterfield, a professor in the department.
Students in these programs often pursue careers in architecture, construction management, civil engineering, HVAC and sustainability—fields that continue to grow as demand increases.
One of the week’s standout events is a bus trip to Columbus, Indiana, a city known for its concentration of buildings designed by world-renowned architects. The trip offers students an affordable opportunity to explore unique architecture firsthand and gain inspiration outside the classroom, and it costs only $20 to attend, even if you are not planning to major in or do something in the field. Students can still attend.
Throughout the week, students can attend panel discussions, participate in hands-on activities and connect directly with industry professionals. According to Setterfield, these experiences are especially important in visual and design-based fields. “Getting to see how people design things and experience things is a critical part of that…[it] helps them see the world in new ways,” he said.
The department also prioritizes building strong relationships with local organizations and employers. Faculty invest significant time developing partnerships that support internships, job placement and networking opportunities for students.
As the industry evolves, Setterfield said the need for skilled workers is only increasing, especially as communities face housing and sustainability challenges. “There aren’t going to be enough people to fill the need,” he said.
For students considering the field, Setterfield encourages exploration before committing.
“Do some job shadowing. Talk to people who are in the field already…come to our job fair,” he said. “If it is the job for you, it’s a great way to help influence how the built environment gets constructed.”
He also emphasized the lasting impact of the work. “A lot of the buildings that we construct are going to be here for 80, 90 or 100 years,” he said. “It’s best to get it right the first time.”
Jacie Moore, reporter
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