Pali High Students Win Inaugural Thomas James Homes Blueprint Challenge
Both the Palisadian-Post and Palisades News covered the finals of TJH’s inaugural Blueprint Challenge at Palisades Charter High School on June 1, 2026. Eighteen students competed in four teams, presenting miniature homes they designed and built alongside TJH mentors over the course of the program. Run through Pali High’s Career Technical Education department and Matthew Golad’s makerspace classes, the challenge walked students through the full homebuilding process — from architecture and construction methods to utility planning, interior design, and documentation.
Key Takeaways:
- Teams 1 and 4 shared top honors — members of both winning teams will receive behind-the-scenes tours of an active TJH construction site this summer
- Students were evaluated by a panel of six TJH leaders on layout, craftsmanship, innovation, teamwork, and overall execution
- TJH donated design and construction materials and provided mentorship throughout the program
- TJH is currently working with more than 30 Palisades families rebuilding after the January 2025 fire
Our Perspective:
The Blueprint Challenge reflects the kind of community investment that matters most — giving Palisades students real, hands-on experience with the homebuilding process, on their own campus, alongside professionals who have been building in this neighborhood for years. Jeffrey Sandorf, TJH’s VP of Division Sales and a fourth-generation Palisadian, noted that the reopening of Pali High made this partnership even more meaningful. We’re proud to have launched this program here and look forward to building on it.
