CURRENT SPONSORS

INDUSTRY Partners

Habitat for Humanity

ISD is partnering with Habitat for Humanity for the second consecutive Build Challenge. With our missions aligning to provide affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity finds a family to call our built houses a home. 

ARUP

With the support of ISD alumnus, George Yonke (MechSE ‘17), ISD Build and Design Team are partners with ARUP for design mentorship in the following disciplines: Mechanical/ HVAC, Electrical/PV, Plumbing, Structural, and Civil/Landscape. Each team has had full design reviews as well as individual meetings with their respective disciplines to get industry support. In addition to design mentorship, the ARUP team hosted a guest lecture to present to ISD students about Who ARUP is and what the firm does for students interested in full time or internship positions. 



 

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

MWE’s Chicago office provided their services pro bono for the creation of the nonprofit, Build Solar, Inc. Having a nonprofit run by a Board of Directors on the Executive Board allows the team to work with external partners and sponsors for the Solar Decathlon Build Challenge. Without this nonprofit, the opportunity to donate the Build Challenge’s homes would not be possible. 

Whiting Turner contracting

WT assists with construction planning and professional advice regarding build submissions during weekly meetings. Specifically, the construction team is working closely with WT to create a Primavera P6 schedule.

 

Rainwater Management Solutions

Rainwater Management Solutions (RMS) is consulting with the ISD Build Team to assist in the design of a complete rainwater harvesting system. This system will contain their proprietary WISY Vortex Pre-Filter to keep debris out of the tank, and it will also include the necessary pumps and filters that will be needed in order to distribute the reclaimed water throughout the yard and home. RMS specializes in low-maintenance systems which made consulting with them an easy choice.

Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture 

With the support of ISD alumnus, Michael Hines (M.Arch ‘11), Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture has provided design support to the Architecture Build Team providing feedback on the conceptual design and feasibility. 

Hazardous Materials Training Program in the School of Labor and Employment Relations

With the support of Chris Hanson, Director of the Hazardous Materials Training Program in the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, ISD has received complimentary training sessions for 10-hour construction safety certification. These training certifications increase awareness for ISD members of various safety standards during the build project construction phase and later on in our members’ careers.

Chamberlain

As smart home technology becomes a staple in modern living, the need for secure and convenient access solutions grows. Homeowners are prioritizing security and ease of use when managing entry to their homes and garages, making reliable, connected systems more essential than ever.

Chamberlain is a leader in smart access solutions, offering innovative garage door openers designed to enhance security and simplify access. Our systems integrate seamlessly with smart home platforms, providing homeowners with control at their fingertips.

We believe that smart technology should make life safer and more convenient. With Chamberlain, you can manage access to your home from anywhere, ensuring peace of mind whether you're at home or on the go.

For decades, we have remained committed to delivering cutting-edge, dependable access solutions. Chamberlain continues to lead the industry, setting the standard for quality and innovation in smart home technology.

Visit our site or follow us on LinkedIn to learn more about our products.

GE Appliances

At GE Appliances, we design and build innovative kitchen solutions to make everyday living more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. From refrigerators to ovens and dishwashers, our products combine advanced technology with modern style to enhance the heart of every home—the kitchen.

Our mission is to create a world that works through technology and innovation, helping homeowners save time, reduce energy use, and elevate their living spaces. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our customers by offering appliances that are as dependable as they are stylish.

We understand that every kitchen is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of energy-efficient appliances with features designed to meet the specific needs of our customers. From smart connectivity to customizable options, our products provide the ultimate flexibility and functionality.

With over a century of experience in home appliances, GE is a trusted partner for builders and homeowners alike, ensuring every kitchen is equipped with reliable, cutting-edge solutions.

Build Equinox

As the building industry moves toward the goal of creating net-zero homes, we face the challenges of managing indoor air quality in tightly sealed environments. These homes often trap pollutants and reduce the flow of fresh air, making air quality management a critical concern.

BuildEquinox is at the forefront of indoor air quality solutions with our CERV2 system, a smart ventilation solution designed to monitor and improve air quality in modern homes. By optimizing fresh air intake and energy recovery, the CERV2 ensures homes are healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient.

We believe that healthy homes are essential for healthy living. Our systems are designed to adapt to your home’s unique needs, providing fresh, clean air while minimizing energy costs.

With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, BuildEquinox is helping homeowners and builders create healthier, greener living spaces for the future.

MORIN Corp

Morin Corp specializes in providing high-quality architectural metal wall and roof systems that combine beauty, durability, and sustainability. Our siding solutions offer unmatched versatility in style and performance, making them ideal for all types of buildings.

Our mission is to inspire creativity in architectural design while delivering products that are engineered to withstand the test of time. We are dedicated to crafting sustainable materials that enhance the aesthetic and functional value of any project.

We recognize that no two projects are alike. With a diverse range of finishes, colors, and panel profiles, we ensure there’s a solution for every architectural vision and budget. Our siding is designed to be environmentally friendly, low-maintenance, and long-lasting, providing exceptional value to builders and homeowners alike.

With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, Morin Corp has earned the trust of architects and builders worldwide. We partner with professionals to bring creative designs to life while prioritizing quality and sustainability.

Vulcan Materials

As the world focuses on sustainable development and resilient infrastructure, the demand for high-quality building materials has never been greater. Builders and developers are seeking reliable materials that ensure durability, sustainability, and long-term performance.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates—primarily crushed stone, sand, and gravel—and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. Our products form the foundation of modern infrastructure, from highways to homes, and play a critical role in shaping the built environment.

We believe that strong communities are built with strong materials. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality construction materials while prioritizing environmental stewardship, safety, and innovation.

With more than 70 years of experience, Vulcan Materials Company is committed to partnering with builders, contractors, and developers to create lasting projects that support sustainable growth and improve quality of life.