One day I looked out the window and saw a vacant courtyard and I said to myself, "Let's build something". After pitching an idea to my students and getting approval from administration, "Design to build" was launched at Emmaus High School. Students meet with a client, discuss ideas, and then go to work on their computer creating ideas for the project in a 3D modeling software called SketchUp. After weeks of designing, students take on the role of an Architect as they present their concept to the class and the client. Students and faculty vote and a design is chosen! The design process does not stop there though. Using the chosen design, the class collaborates to perfect the projected structure, create plans, obtain the proper permits, and then the building process begins!

In 2010, the Family and Consumer Science department at EHS accepted a proposal for building a playhouse for the Child Development classes. Student Chase Pearsall's concept received the most votes. The class was then run much like that of a real architecture firm; everyone had specific responsibilities that contributed to the overall project.

Design-to-Build wouldn't be possible without the support of community members. The following businesses volunteered time and donated materials to support the playhouse project: Dries Do it Center, Home Depot, Vera Construction, Buss Paints, Lutron Electronics, Alside Supply Co., Smithwell Construction, LVECU, EHS Class of 1961, Sharp Signs & Graphics, Patrick Haney Painting, Prestige Tile & Stone, and Crown Trophy.