PJC Drafting students create plans for Habitat for Humanity

Published or Revised April 05, 2017

Students in the Paris Junior College Computer Aided Design, Drafting & 3D Printing program recently presented six complete sets of house plans to several board members from the Paris/Lamar County Habitat for Humanity's Board of Directors and their Executive Director Judy Martin. Martin explained that she and Paris Junior College Drafting Instructor Chris Malone met about a possible collaboration with students, and she was thrilled. "We use plans from Habitat for Humanity International and many do not fit our lot sizes and other specifications," said Martin. "We found it a constant struggle. These six students have helped our organization in ways too numerous to mention. We now have six new plans from which to draw - ones that we know meet our specifications and size, according to Habitat guidelines." The designs were incorporated into the students' final semester prior to graduation this May, allowing them to use skills gained in the classroom. Students worked from residential construction guidelines provided by Habitat for Humanity International and could choose to design two-, three-, or four-bedroom houses within those guidelines. Each set included a floor plan and plans for electrical, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and waste, roofing, foundation, as well as 3D and interior and exterior elevation views. Participating in the project were Shakeyta Garnes of Paris, Kolton Leatherwood of Cooper, Josiah Newman of Roxton, Hunter Powers of Sulphur Bluff, Christy Roberts of Sumner, and Carlos Vera of Paris. "It was an eye opening experience to see all the work that goes into a house," said Powers. "I have a great group of students," said Malone. "When I told them about the project earlier this spring, they were very excited to get involved in the design process as well as the construction portion of Habitat's current project. I am very proud of the work they have done and can not wait to see what they become after they leave Paris Junior College for industry." Martin praised the students and said she could tell when they presented their plans how proud they were of what they accomplished. She said several had come to the current build site to assist Habitat and were able to see how valuable their plans were to the organization. "There can be nothing but praise for these students," said Martin, "and especially for their teacher, Chris Malone, who not only donates his time and experience to help us, he is setting an example of what a teacher should be. Nothing but win, win, win!" More information on these projects may be found by calling the Habitat office at 903-783-0599. To find out more about the Paris Junior College Computer Aided Design, Drafting & 3D Printing program, call 903-782-0391 or email cmalone@parisjc.edu.