On 5 November 2025 the School of Surveying & Construction Innovation at TU Dublin welcomed a global gathering of more than 200 attendees for the ASC Region 8 International Student Competition. The event showcased the university’s commitment to practice‑based learning and provided a platform for students from across Europe, the United States, and the UK to tackle real‑world construction challenges.
Event Overview
The competition, organised by the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), was held at Dublin’s Iveagh Garden Hotel and ran for three days. A record 22 teams from 15 universities—including TU Dublin, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin City University, the University of Limerick, and international partners such as Cal Poly, Auburn University and the University of Oklahoma—competed across four newly‑launched tracks.
Each team received a live‑site brief that required the development of a strategic proposal covering areas such as construction programming, site logistics, quality management and cost estimation. After drafting their solutions, teams presented to an industry‑representative judging panel and answered in‑depth questions, simulating a professional consultancy scenario.
Competition Tracks
1. Sustainable Valuation & Development
Participants assessed the environmental and economic implications of a hypothetical redevelopment project. Teams investigated life‑cycle cost analysis, green certification pathways and stakeholder engagement, culminating in a recommendation for sustainable asset performance.
2. Construction Management & Quantity Surveying
This track focused on the operational side of construction projects, testing candidates’ skills in managing resources, monitoring budgets and ensuring compliance with procurement standards.
3. Project Management
Teams addressed overarching programme management, including risk mitigation, schedule optimisation and stakeholder communication strategies.
4. Design & Build
Designed to mimic a real‑world design‑build contract, this track required participants to produce an integrated solution that balanced architectural intent, engineering feasibility and cost‑control.
Winning Teams and Results
In a competitive field, TU Dublin teams consistently excelled, securing first place in three of the four tracks. Below is a detailed rundown of top performers:
| Track | First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | TU Dublin / Auburn University | Auburn University / Liverpool John Moores University | Czech Technological University / University of Oklahoma |
| Project Management | Liverpool John Moores University / California State University, Chico | TU Dublin / Auburn University | University of Limerick / Clemson University |
| Construction Management | TU Dublin / Boise State University | Liverpool John Moores University / Auburn University | Auburn University |
| Sustainable Valuation & Development | TU Dublin | Liverpool John Moores University / University of Denver | Czech Technological University / Clemson University |
Industry Partnerships and Sponsors
The success of the ASC Region 8 competition would not have been possible without the backing of leading construction and technology firms. Procore, Flynn Management & Contractors, Walls Construction Limited, ABM Contractors, Hooke MacDonald, Clancy Construction, Mitchell McDermott, KPMG and IrelandExclusive each contributed expertise, equipment or prize funding. These collaborations strengthen the link between TU Dublin’s curriculum and the actual demands of the profession.
How TU Dublin Prepares Its Students
At TU Dublin, education is designed around the principle that learning happens “on the job.” The School of Surveying & Construction Innovation offers a curriculum that blends theoretical modules with project‑based labs, case studies and industrial placements. Students routinely engage in multidisciplinary teamwork, mirroring the collaborative culture of modern construction projects.
Faculty members bring active industry experience to the classroom, ensuring that lessons incorporate the latest standards, regulations and digital tools. The university’s state‑of‑the‑art software labs provide hands‑on exposure to Building Information Modelling (BIM), cost‑planning suites and real‑time data analytics platforms.
Student Development Outcomes
- Applied problem‑solving: tackling real industry scenarios through structured challenges.
- Cross‑functional teamwork: working alongside architects, engineers, contractors and stakeholders.
- Professional communication: preparing technical reports, oral pitches and stakeholder presentations.
- Data‑driven decision making: leveraging BIM, cost‑analysis tools and sustainability metrics.
Future Opportunities for International Collaboration
For universities, contractors, and consulting firms, the ASC Region 8 competition provides a well‑founded pathway to identify emerging talent on an international level. Institutions interested in participating in the 2026 iteration are encouraged to get in touch with the organising committee. Early involvement ensures that curricula remain aligned with the evolving expectations of the construction sector.
Students wishing to participate in future competitions can build a solid foundation by engaging with TU Dublin’s extracurricular clubs, industry projects and placement programmes. The university regularly hosts workshops and alumni talks featuring senior construction executives and award‑winning project managers.
How to Get Involved
Whether you are a prospective student, an industry partner or an academic colleague, TU Dublin offers multiple pathways to engage with the vibrant construction community:
- Explore construction courses: Review our full list of courses in surveying, construction management and built‑environment engineering.
- Attend the Open Day: Join us on Saturday, 6 December 2025 at the Grangegorman campus to meet faculty, tour facilities and discover career opportunities.
- Apply for internships: Many top construction firms partner with TU Dublin to offer paid placement programmes during term and summer breaks.
- Connect with our industry partners: Learn more about the companies that support our competitions and projects at our contact page.
- Follow us on social media for updates on events, competitions and new programme launches.
Take the Next Step
Want to build a career where you can influence how tomorrow’s infrastructure is designed and delivered? Begin with a TU Dublin construction degree and join a community that values real‑world impact:
- Submit your application today through the TU Dublin admissions portal and discover how our programmes align with your career aspirations.
- Schedule a free consultation with the admissions team to learn how to tailor your study plan to your interests.
- Have questions? Email our team or visit the campus for a personalised tour.
- Share your own experience with construction education in the comments below or on our student forum.
- Explore related articles such as Breaking Barriers in Sustainable Construction and Technology Trends Shaping the Built Environment on our blog.
The ASC Region 8 2025 competition reinforced TU Dublin’s reputation as a leader in applied construction education and highlighted the international calibre of its students. By combining rigorous academics with practice‑based challenges, the university is preparing the next generation of constructors, surveyors and engineers to meet the evolving demands of the global market.
