DIMENSION Magazine - Spring 2025

SCENES FROM THE END OF THE SPRING SEMESTER

The weeks leading up to commencement are always marked by a flurry of activity and an outpouring of excellent work from Hines College students. Scan the code to see photos from Jury Week, end-of-year exhibitions, and graduation!

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Dean Patricia Belton Oliver, FAIA

Associate Dean

Dietmar Froehlich, Ph.D., RA

Associate Dean Trang Phan, Ph.D.

Dimension is published by the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Office of Marketing and Communications.

Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and External Relations

Stephen Schad

Director of Alumni Relations

Paula Canada

Director of Digital Media

Nicholas Nguyen

Student Assistants

Sanam Davariar

Noor Loubani

Marcel Omen Pablo Quepons

On the Covers: Renderings from the Eco Retiro del Bravo project by Mallika Sheshadri (M.Arch. '25)

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture & Design 4200 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77204 713-743-2400 arch.uh.edu /UHCoAD @UHCoAD /school/UHCoAD

Dear Friends,

Resilience is more than a concept at the Hines College — it is a call to action. Our students and faculty are rising to meet the challenges created by escalating climate risks and global uncertainty with ingenuity and determination. This issue of DIMENSION celebrates how resilient design is transforming not just the built environment but the very communities we serve.

The Gulf Futures Studio, led by assistant professor Dalia Munenzon and associate professor Matthew Johnson, is equipping students with the tools to reimagine Houston’s vulnerable watersheds. Through field research, community engagement, and visionary proposals, these students are forging solutions to combat flooding, pollution, and the impacts of industrialization.

Dr. Bruce Race’s QuadZero Studio students are redefining urban resilience for a rapidly changing world, envisioning carbon-neutral neighborhoods, and professor Susan Rogers received a grant from the Port of Houston use placebased mapping to realize the Port Communities Partnership Plan. These projects illustrate how innovation and smart, sustainable design can address Houston’s toughest climate and infrastructure challenges.

Resilient design is taking shape in every corner of the Hines College – bridging research, advocacy, and creativity to build a more sustainable future.

Instructional assistant professor Daniel Jacobs’ recent course development prize for Plastic Marsh: Cycles and Cyclones on the Texas Gulf Coast will encourage students to confront the intersection of environmental justice, material waste, and climate risk. By partnering with regional organizations, Jacobs’ studio promotes realworld impact and empowers students to design with ecological responsibility and community resilience at the forefront.

Resilient design is taking shape in every corner of the Hines College — bridging research, advocacy, and creativity to build a more sustainable future. As you read this issue, I hope you are inspired by the resilience that defines our community and the transformative impact we can achieve together.

STORY

An image from the QuadZero Brownfields to Brightfields jury review in spring 2023. Read more about the studio's focus on design resilience on page 46

Patricia Belton Oliver, FAIA, Dean ACSA Distinguished Professor Director, designLAB

FEATURED

Environmental Design Begins New Interdisciplinary Trimester Model

BSED program expands opportunities for students with streamlined, three-year pathway

THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (BSED) IS A PRE-PROFESSIONAL DEGREE plan educating students in the skills of multiscale design through varied coursework with emphasis on interdisciplinary opportunities. Through the degree program, students develop a well-rounded knowledge of design and design tools, while also honing their abilities for practice at all scales of design, from micro to macro. BSED offers a degree with courses and studios currently offered in the Hines College’s architecture, interior architecture, and industrial design programs.

"We are excited to share that the BSED is transitioning to an updated interdisciplinary degree plan and a trimester model designed to enhance flexibility, accelerate degree completion, and offer broader design experiences across scales," said Roya Plauché, interim director of the BSED program.

The curriculum progresses systematically through foundation studios and scale-based projects, beginning with industrial design studios for small-scale, advancing to interior architecture studios for medium-scale, and expanding to architecture studios for largescale. Students ultimately synthesize all scales in a comprehensive extra-large scale project.

BSED students have the opportunity to graduate in three years, which qualifies them for fixed tuition through the University of Houston’s UHin4 program. Afterward, BSED students can more easily pursue two-year graduate studies programs following their undergraduate program or go right into a profession that includes: environmental designer, architect, urban designer, city planner, landscape architect, product designer, commercial real estate associate, drafting technician, engineering manager, interior designer, project manager, or sustainability consultant.

The program kicked off its first course in the trimester model in early May with an industrial design course,

"Materials and Methods," taught by Adam Wells, instructional associate professor. The class allows students to work with different materials and modeling techniques in preparation for a design studio beginning in June. It is a part of the "Scales: Micro (S) > Meso (M) > Macro (L) > Meta (XL)" and "Micro Theme: Material & Human-Centered Objects" programs, described as:

"At the Small Scale, environmental design focuses on the interaction between people, objects, and materials. This stage emphasizes the precision of design at the most immediate and tactile level, where form, function, and fabrication shape user experience and engagement.

"Through a structured sequence of coursework— including two design studios, two design history courses, a materials and methods course, a visual thinking course, and an introduction to UX design—students develop foundational design skills exploring material properties, construction techniques, and the role of objects within their environments.

"This scale challenges students to think critically about the impact of small-scale design decisions, considering factors such as usability, sustainability, and the relationship between individual components and their surroundings. By mastering these principles early in the program, students build a strong framework for integrating design thinking across larger and more complex scales."

The newly restructured BSED program marks a bold step forward in interdisciplinary design education, equipping students with agility, technical skills, and critical thinking. With its trimester format, innovative interdisciplinary curriculum, and emphasis on hands-on, real-world application, the program positions graduates to thrive in graduate studies or professional settings.

THIS SPREAD: Wells, top left, teaching students during the "Materials and Methods" componenet of the BSED's first trimester program; Students started their first week using styrofoam, plaster, and joint compound to craft different forms — each week, they will work with other materials and forms, like wood and recycled fabrics

Post-Beryl Construction and Repairs Completed

Almost a year after Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage to the architecture building, construction repairs were completed at the end of April to repair the roof and interior damage. While the impact of the storm impacted everyday life at the Hines College through the entire academic year, students, faculty, and staff showed incredible resilience and flexibility given the circumstances — consolidating and sharing studio spaces, rescheduling events, and daily navigating through an active construction site. —Stephen Schad

Product Experience Design Lab Gets New Website

The Product Experience Design (PXD) Lab, led by Min Kang, industrial design assistant professor, explores the future of experience-driven product and systems design by integrating emerging technologies such as AI, spatial computing (AR/MR/XR), and sustainable systems thinking into the design process.The lab's mission is to push the boundaries of traditional industrial design by emphasizing systems-level thinking, user-centered innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Visit the lab by scanning the QR code or visiting the Hines College's website's "Special Programs" section.

A Journey Ends in Gold

The DIMENSION Fall 2024 issue, titled "Journey Through Design," has won a Gold Award from the Collegiate Advertising Awards and a Silver Award from the Educational Advertising Awards! The Hines College marketing and communications team also earned a Silver Award for its brochure on the CRAFT Lab, along with a Bronze Award for the College's Annual Report from the Educational Advertising Awards. —Nicholas Nguyen.

Civic Impact Recognized: Graduate Design/Build Studio Wins National Galvanizing Award

Winning project highlights strength of student-led, realworld design experiences

Congratulations to the Hines College Graduate Design/Build Studio and their collaborators for earning an Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award from the American Galvanizer's Association.

The award in the Civic Contribution category was given to their Bird Blind Wildlife Observatory for the Woodlands Township. The award also recognizes Valmont Coatings - United Galvganizing, MSD Building Corp, Colaco Engineers, Tolunay Engineering Group, and The Woodlands Township.

The project resulted in the building of a 450 square-foot bird viewing platform, a permanent installation that also provides shelter and shade for birdwatchers and people enjoying and exercising in nature. It uses tamperresistant and flood-tolerant galvanized steel along with a durable Cumaru wood structure.

Led by professors Patrick Peters and Jason Logan, students in the graduate studio who participated in this project include: Mateo Avelar, Chris Banda, Grenique Brown, Sasha Cea-Loveless, Hozeh Chae, Jamie Devaney, Jon Dominguez, Eric Goldner, Monica Liu, Dana Shnoudi, and Elena Wolf. —N.N.

Hines College Career Fair 2025

Each spring, the Hines College Career Fair serves as a launchpad for students preparing to enter the professional world of architecture and design. This year’s event expanded its impact with a robust lineup of workshops and networking opportunities leading up to the fair, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the College's community.

The spring career fair included a variety of workshops and professional development events hosted by the UH Architecture + Design Alumni Association, College staff, and student organizations, including the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students and Future Women in Architecture. Among many other local companies, THR 3E Design and Project Luong participated in the College’s Meet the Firm events for the first time, allowing students to network with alumni and hiring managers in advance of the annual fair and networking reception.

At the reception the day before the Career Fair, students had the opportunity to practice their skills in making a good first impression, delivering elevator pitches, and networking with alumni and firm representatives.

For the first time, the Career Fair moved to the Student Center South, accommodating more space for firms and students to meet. Hundreds of students met with 57 companies and organizations to learn about career and internship opportunities along with potential paths to licensure. The event reinforced the College’s commitment to equipping future designers with the tools, connections, and confidence needed to launch meaningful and impactful careers. —N.N.

THIS SPREAD: Scenes from the Hines College Career Fair Networking Reception in the Architeccture Building Atrium and from the Career Fair the next day at the Student Center South

A Future Built on Flexibility

Exploring concepts behind adaptable furniture and micro-living solutions

WHEN LENE FOURIE AND MARTA RODRIGUEZ

ENTERED THE MICROHOME COMPETITION, they were not just submitting a design but proposing a new way of living. Now that she has been selected as a top interior design student in the METROPOLIS Future100 list, Fourie’s work in interior architecture is gaining international recognition. The honor places her among the most promising young designers, strengthening her role as an innovator in adaptive and sustainable living solutions.

A student in the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design interior architecture program, Fourie collaborated with associate professor Marta Rodriguez on two groundbreaking projects: Fan House and Habitable Curtains. Each of these projects challenged conventional notions of space, fostering environments that evolve with human needs.

“I was inspired to investigate the concept of flexible living as I recognize the demand for versatile spaces that seamlessly adjust to the needs of their inhabitants,” shared Fourie. “Through my work, I aim to create dynamic, sustainable, and interactive environments that allow individuals to shape their surroundings based on their lifestyles.”

Meanwhile, Habitable Curtains redefines spatial boundaries through soft, adaptable walls serving as room dividers, interactive enclosures, or connective elements within micro-living spaces. Designed to appear and disappear as needed, these curtains make interiors more flexible, responding to the shifting needs of urban dwellers.

Perhaps the most ambitious of her works is Fan House, a mobile, collapsible home inspired by traditional traveling trunks. Designed for compact, off-grid living, the Fan House unfolds like a butterfly, with modular panels serving as sleeping quarters, workspaces, and even a self-contained shower system. The home integrates solar panels and a system of mirrors to enhance both sustainability and aesthetics, reflecting Rodriguez and Fourie’s commitment to ecoconscious design.

“Through my work, I aim to create dynamic, sustainable, and interactive environments that allow individuals to shape their surroundings based on their lifestyles.”

Fourie’s ability to merge functionality with playfulness is what sets her apart. Drawing inspiration from pioneers like Ken Isaacs, she crafts environments that are not just livable but also deeply engaging. Whether through furniture, fabric, or fully realized structures, her work invites inhabitants to take an active role in shaping their surroundings.

OPPOSITE PAGE: A drawing from the Fan House project

ABOVE: A detail of a drawing from the Inside Outside Adaptable Furniture collection

BELOW: Images from the Habitable Curtains project

At the heart of Fourie’s design philosophy is the idea that living spaces should be as dynamic as the people who inhabit them. The Inside Outside Adaptable Furniture collection offers modular, multi-use pieces seamlessly transitioning between private retreats and collaborative workspaces. With elements like the Duodesk, Bookbench, and Seesaw, this series transforms spaces into interactive environments, encouraging both productivity and relaxation.

“The Metropolis Award is a testament to Lene’s ingenuity and the strength of our program in fostering groundbreaking ideas in interior architecture,” said Rodriguez. “Lene’s work is not only innovative but also profoundly human-centered.”

For Fourie, the Metropolis Award is just the beginning. As she continues to push the boundaries of design, her projects stand as blueprints for a future where space is fluid, adaptable, and deeply intertwined with how we live. —Stephen Schad

Form, Function, and Four Wins in a Row

Hines College architecture students bring their best to the AIA Fort Worth Student Design Awards, continuing an established winning streak

AT THE BEGINNING OF MARCH, THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA) FORT WORTH DESIGN AWARDS celebration honored University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design students for their outstanding projects in the 2024 AIAFW Student Design Awards.

This year’s class of winners not only continued a tradition of winning high praise from the AIAFW Student Design Awards for the fourth year in a row, but Hines College students also took home three out of the four top prizes. The competition saw entries from eight accredited architecture schools across Texas, handing out two honor awards, each with a $500 scholarship, along with two merit awards. To judge the entries, AIA Fort Worth assembled a panel of leading architects in the region consisting ofAudrey Maxwell, AIA of Malone Maxwell Dennehy; Marshall Strawn, AIA of Bennett Partners; and Ashleigh Hood, Associate AIA of Quorum Architects.

Interior architecture students Molly Lin and Darnell Zamora earned the Honor Award for their project, Urban Detour, completed in the interior architecture 4500 studio with assistant professor Dijana

Handanovic. Zulema Ayon, Olivia Blas, Olivia Salinas, and James Strang, from professor Donna Kacmar’s studio, developed Third Ward Community and earned a Merit Award for their work. Architecture students from adjunct faculty Shawn Lutz’s class, Aly Noorani and Vittorio Cova, earned the Merit Award for their project, Brickborne

The teams of students displayed their abilities to work collaboratively through design, echoing the themes of community and transformation present in their projects.

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Molly on this project,” Zamora said. Having a partner helped her navigate the complexities of materiality, sustainable practices, and spatial design in Urban Detour. “This project in particular has helped me step outside my comfort zone and embrace creative risks in my design approach."

Lin felt the same way about her work with Zamora, adding, “Together, we developed our design seamlessly and pushed the other's creative boundaries. This project encouraged me to incorporate new mediums when producing drawings."

From the Third Ward Community group, Strang expressed, “Our team discovered how to cohesively represent each individual's ideas and the existing cultural characteristics of Houston's most diverse ward.”

The project was driven from their vision to turn the iconic Houston area into a more walkable community. “This project was greatly influential to our team's academic and professional career trajectory, furthering our drive to utilize conscious design to make a positive impact on the communities we serve as future architects,” Strang continued.

With their impressive designs, these students demonstrate not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the impact architecture can have on changing communities. Their success is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit fostered within the Hines College. Each award-winning project reflects the students' ability to merge form with function, all while considering the broader cultural and social contexts in which they design. Read more about the award-winning projects on the next three pages. —Nicholas Nguyen

ABOVE: Hines College architecture students Zulema Ayon, Olivia Blas, Olivia Salinas, and James Strang at the AIA Fort Worth Design Awards where their project was honored

Urban Detour

The Siege of Sarajevo caused significant turmoil and disruption for Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to a deep ethnic division. Today, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to search for a collective identity.

Urban Detour is an urban intervention designed to bridge the presentday Bosnian population, regardless of religion or status, by creating a space for reflection and connection.

Nestled in the alleys of Sarajevo, Urban Detour is constructed using locally sourced wooden scaffolding secured with high-tension lashing knots. The installation merges the comforting interior elements of traditional Bosnian homes with the gritty, rough exterior elements of alleyways, resulting in an urban living room. It transforms Sarajevo's alleys into vibrant communal spaces that foster friendships, encourage meaningful dialogue, and promote unity, ultimately creating a collective identity in a region marked by division. Through its design, Urban Detour bridges cultural and social boundaries, nurturing a resilient and interconnected community.

JUROR’S COMMENTS:

“The Urban Detour project skillfully merges structure and skin to transform alleyways into dynamic interstitial spaces that are not only engaging, but functional in enhancing the urban connectivity.” —Ashleigh Hood, Assoc. AIA

“The scale, materiality, and spatial configuration of this project create an interactive architecture that activates the narrow alley space in a very playful way. The simple assemblies at the scale of the alley gives the project personality and a community-centric feel.” —Marshall Strawn, AIA

Third Ward Community

The Third Ward Community is an affordable housing project responding to the negative effects of systemic racism, gentrification, and unequal access to opportunity. The project establishes a fifteen-minute city utilizing the adjacent bus rapid transport stop and Columbia Tap Rail Trail, with access to agriculture, waste collection, and composting. These amenities create local jobs and community exchange along the Columbia Tap.

Dwelling units double as small-business storefronts, allowing domestic laborers to utilize additional products and services to earn income (Ex. Laundry, cooking, baking, child-care, cleaning, etc.). Sustainable design strategies were used, including solar water heating, rainwater collection, cross-ventilation, geothermal cooling, and composting. As residents age, couple, family, and student housing allows residents to contribute to and benefit from their community throughout their lifetime.

JUROR’S COMMENTS:

“The Third Ward Community project very thoughtfully weaves garden spaces throughout a suburban neighborhood and seamlessly blends nature with urban living while fostering meaningful connections between residents through the use of communal courtyards.” —Ashleigh Hood, Assoc. AIA

“This project is a great example of how a small-scale urban intervention could have a large-scale community impact. The outdoor rooms for gardening and community framed by the dwellings, in my opinion, are the most significant spaces.” —Marshall Strawn, AIA

Brickborne

Bellaire is a notable neighborhood that is simultaneously enclosed within Houston and separated by a highway. Brickborne ’s site is an abandoned grocery store dating from the 1950 s, right in the middle of an important intersection at two of the metropolitan region’s sprawling arteries: Bissonnet St and Bellaire Blvd.

The former store’s outer brick wall remains as a ‘ruin’, a ‘wrapper’ for a proposed museum and sanctuary garden. Tessellated copper panels cloak the pink concrete building. The museum rotates over the ‘ruins’, and as a final gesture, clips itself off onto Bissonnet St.

The sanctuary garden serves as a point where the visitor can contemplate, relax or mingle. Two promenades interweave the city’s bustling streets, bringing their nodes together, opening the cardominated blocks to pedestrians.

JUROR’S COMMENTS:

“The design study of the exterior screen was an achievement in its own right. The building massing and interiors were also well-considered, the sculptural design a clever way to create interesting spaces and bring in natural light.” —Audrey Maxwell, AIA

“This project applies adaptive reuse through the use of ruin, and creates a journey for visitors to move through the history of this historic site. The sectional experience of the gallery space through the use of large light wells creates a dramatic and effective experience.” —Marshall Strawn, AIA

Stitching Together Third Ward’s Soul

Hines College student to participate in a Project Row House summer residency, weaving architecture and art together with culture and stories

THIS SUMMER, GERALD D. HINES COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN STUDENT MARSHALL

BRADLEY will participate in the Project Row Houses’ (PRH) Floyd Newsum Summer Studios Mentorship + Residency Program. Participants receive a stipend to fund their work, free studio space at PRH, and mentorship with notable Houston artists; Bradley will work with Preston Gaines, a former adjunct faculty member at Hines College. The residency concludes with a public exhibition on August 2, 2025

To apply for the six-week residency, which includes masterclasses and workshops, Bradley submitted a portfolio of his academic work from the interior architecture program, as well as personal artwork.

Hines College associate professor and director of interior architecture Sheryl Tucker de Vazquez said, "It is profoundly gratifying to witness the full circle of my efforts in developing Project Row Houses with Rick Lowe years ago, now creating enriching opportunities for my students. This circular relationship not only highlights the enduring impact of our work but also inspires the next generation of artists to continue this legacy of community and creativity."

Bradley’s project with a fellow student, The Loop, captured the attention of the PRH committee because of its concept. The project proposed a collaborative installation rooted in Houston’s Third Ward culture, exploring memory and tactile experiences through crochet and painting. It also aimed to help people with dementia, “designed as an immersive experience” to spark memory recall by using textures and colors that have deep meaning in the community.

“I deeply value human connection, which is a major reason I applied to the Project Row Houses residency. I want to inspire other creatives to see that art isn't confined to canvas and paint — it’s a powerful medium for storytelling, healing, and teaching,” said Bradley.

It was not just Bradley’s design skills that got him the residency — as an artist, his personal work celebrates Black identity. He plans to explore Black culture through an approach he calls “Black 360.” His research will focus on capturing the essence of Third Ward’s history and soul and how those qualities have impacted Houston’s cultural landscape. He will continue to experiment with textiles and fabric as a means of literally and metaphorically weaving together the stories, memories, and identities he uncovers.

“I plan to push boundaries by creating work that is both fun and interactive, merging art and architecture to bring the spirit of Third Ward to life,” Bradley added. “What inspires me to create is the emotional response art can evoke. Whether I am reading, watching a show, or studying the work of those who came before me, anything creatively charged sparks my imagination. At the end of the day, I want my work to connect, uplift, and reflect the beauty and complexity of Black life and culture.”

“I plan to push boundaries by creating work that is both fun and interactive, merging art and architecture to bring the spirit of Third Ward to life.”

As Bradley embarks on this summer residency, his work intertwining memory, identity, and space will demonstrate how design can move beyond aesthetics to foster cultural connection. Through the experience, Bradley will not only refine his craft but will also amplify the stories that matter most to him, offering a powerful vision of art as a tool for transformation and healing. —N.N.

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Marshall Bradley will incorporate Third Ward history and culture into his summer residency; illustrations of The Loop project

THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Additional architectural drawings of The Loop project; paintings from Bradley's portfolio

Revealing a Hidden Legacy: The Story of the Taylor Estate

University of Houston students bring the rich history of the Taylor Estate to life through art and collaboration

THIS SEMESTER, STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HAD THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE ON AN EXHIBIT THAT brings the history of the Taylor Estate to life. Senior graphic design students from the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts' School of Art and fourth and fifthyear architecture students from the College of Architecture and Design worked together to create installations that highlight the land’s rich legacy, exploring themes of love, struggle, land, and oil. Their collective effort offers a fresh, engaging perspective on a story that has spanned over seven generations.

THIS SPREAD: photos from the exhibition's opening night; the exhibition ran from March 20–April 25 at the Community Design Resource Center at the Hines College

Beverly Stevenson, Ph.D., a renowned leader in both the business and community sectors, uncovered a hidden and longsuppressed story from the Civil War era. It centered on the forbidden relationship between Edward Ruthven Taylor, the white son of a well-known Texas slave trader, and Ann George, a Black woman enslaved by his family.

This poignant tale came to light through the great-grandson of the couple, Major William Stevenson Sr., whom Dr. Stevenson was dating at the time and would later marry.

When Dr. Beverly Stevenson first learned the story of Edward Ruthven Taylor and Ann George, she was captivated. The interracial couple lived their lives largely in obscurity, but their 640 -acre homestead turned out to be rich in oil and minerals. Over 152 years, their business has sustained seven generations. Edward and Ann, who had six children of mixed race, were among the first African Americans in Texas to attend college and earn degrees in the 1890s.

The couple's story sparked deep reflection in Stevenson, challenging her views on race, class, identity, and social hierarchy. Driven by a need to understand, she dedicated 25 years alongside her husband to carefully studying letters, receipts, ledgers, wills, and countless other documents passed down over the generations. Their journey became

an urgent pursuit for her—one that not only uncovered layers of American history but also shed light on the enduring legacy of slavery and the complexities of race relations in today’s world.

In the early 2000s, a significant connection was forged between Beverly Stevenson and the University of Houston when architecture professor Susan Rogers, along with a group of students in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), visited the Taylor Estate.

Rogers was immediately captivated by the site, feeling a profound inspiration that would deepen and evolve over the years.

Last summer, that initial spark of inspiration was reignited when Stevenson reached out to Rogers once again. Eager to revisit the conversations they’d had years earlier, Stevenson invited Rogers to meet and discuss the next steps. During their meeting, Rogers shared that she and her colleague, Cheryl Beckett, associate professor of graphic design, had recently completed an exterior installation project for the Friends of Columbia Tap on the Columbia Tap Trail. Stevenson, excited by the idea of telling the Taylor Estate’s story through installation art and student involvement, saw an opportunity to celebrate the estate's history in a new way.

The project truly took shape when Rogers, Beckett, and 38 students gathered at Stevenson’s home. There, Stevenson shared the stories passed down over the years, breathing new life into the land’s rich legacy for the students. With deep ties to the University of Houston, where she had worked for years and where her late husband had also studied,

Stevenson held a profound respect for the institution. It was clear that this partnership, years in the making, had come full circle. To bring this exhibit to life, Cheryl Beckett received the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts Innovation Grant.

Telling someone else’s story, especially through art or design, is never an easy task. As Cheryl Beckett explains, one of the challenges was finding a way to tell the story accurately while selecting the right approach. "The first step was deciding how we would tell this story,” she says. "Last year, when Susan and I worked together on the Friends of Columbia Tap project, we were outdoors at the actual site. But for this project, that would have been an incredibly difficult, if not impossible, challenge." Instead, they decided that an interior exhibition would be a more effective way to share the story with a wider audience, providing a more focused and accessible way to convey the history they aimed to honor.

"Cheryl and I established the conceptual framework for the project, using the 'over/under' theme," said Rogers. "We wanted to explore what was above the land—things like the family, the oil, the generations—and what lay beneath, such as the salt dome and the Pierce Junction oil field where gas is now stored." This framework allowed the teams to delve into the layered history of the land, balancing its surface-level stories with deeper, often hidden narratives.

The graphic design students encountered a range of challenges while collaborating on the exhibit, particularly when transitioning from flat design to a three-dimensional space. Violetta Terekhina remarked, "We primarily work with flat, print

In the early 2000s, a significant connection was forged between Beverly Stevenson and the University of Houston when architecture professor Susan Rogers, along with a group of students in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), visited the Taylor Estate.

design, so seeing it in a 3 D space and figuring out how to make that work was challenging, but also exciting."

Vanessa Bravo found working alongside an architect student to be a unique experience, given their differing approaches. "We think very differently. Our architect was focused on function, while I was more concerned with expressing the idea through form," she explained.

Madison Galvez described the difficulty of transforming abstract

concepts into tangible results. "Initially, we tend to think abstractly, but with the help of the team, we created something that felt both real and feasible."

The students unanimously agreed that the most rewarding aspect was witnessing their work come to life. Terekhina said, "It was exciting to see everything come together, especially after making last-minute adjustments." Galvez echoed this sentiment, stating, "The installation was incredibly rewarding. It felt

great seeing it align with our original vision."

As the exhibit's opening approached, the students were eager to see how visitors would react. Galvez looked forward to seeing how people would engage with the installation, while Bravo was excited about the family's response. "I think they're going to be blown away," she said.

The process of telling someone else’s story artistically was no small feat, but the students rose to the challenge. As Beckett observed, "It’s really impressive how quickly everything came together. These students worked incredibly hard, and I think they did a great job balancing artistic expression with the need to accurately convey the history." —Stephanie Berry

Quiet Inspiration, Bold Design

Industrial design student ranks among top Bienenstock furniture competition winners

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

STUDENT

RUARAIDH FERRIER CLAIMED SECOND PLACE in the prestigious 2025 Bienenstock Furniture Competition, marking another success for the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design in one of the nation’s most competitive student furniture design contests.

Sponsored by the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library, the annual Bienenstock Furniture Competition challenges students across the country to design innovative furnishings blending originality with manufacturability and user-centered thinking. Students are challenged with developing a chair design that is not only visually striking but also feasible for mass production, financially viable, and rooted in their personal design language. Ferrier’s entry, a flowing and minimalist piece inspired by the Scottish landscape, stood out among submissions from top-tier design programs.

Ferrier’s chair design, Arthur’s Seat, draws inspiration from an extinct volcano in Edinburgh, Scotland, known for its sweeping views and undulating slopes. The final design channels a sense of quiet movement and balance, seamlessly integrating comfort with visual serenity.

“The long, organic, gentle slopes of the hill were key aspects of my inspiration,” shared Ferrier. “I intended for this chair to be visually appealing and comfortable. I hope that it will be a functional and visual asset to the space in which it is used.”

Ferrier began the design process with loose conceptual sketches before progressing into digital modeling using Solidworks and rendering in Keyshot. The iterative process allowed him to explore the proportions and ergonomics of the piece, ensuring that his final design would be both practical and aesthetically resonant.

Learn more about the Bienenstock Furniture Competition and past winners from the Hines College.

“This project turns students’ personal inspirations into a chair,” said Jeff Feng, associate professor and co-director of industrial design. “Ruaraidh drew from Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Edinburgh’s hills, and nailed its vibe with a bold chair design, chill seating angle, and spot-on materials and finishes.”

The Hines College continues to produce top-performing entries reflecting its strong emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation, and real-world application. Ferrier’s award

from building a prototype of the chair

OPPOSITE PAGE: A rendering of the award-winning chair in a living space

marks another moment of pride for the industrial design program, which has consistently placed among the top national finalists over the past several years.

“I am honored to receive this award,” shared Ferrier. “It is highly motivating to see something I have worked very hard on be acknowledged at a national level.” —S.S.

THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: A final digital model of Arthur's Seat; Sketches from Ferrier's design process; Photos

Just Getting Started

Hines College secondyear architecture student Sanam Davariar wins UH Student Employee Award

FROM APRIL 14 TO 18, THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CAREER SERVICES partnered with the National Student Employment Association to celebrate student workers across campus during Student Employment Week. This occasion honors all student workers who help shape the divisions and departments in which they work while applying and developing their professional skills. The week concluded with a luncheon to recognize annual award nominees for student workers in four categories: UH Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year, UH Graduate Student Employee of the Year, Outstanding Leadership Award, and Innovation and Technology Award.

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design secondyear architecture student Sanam Davariar took home the prize for Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year for her role as a digital media work-study student on the College’s marketing and communications team. In addition to her duties and studies, Davariar also serves as president of the UH National Organization of Minority Architecture Students. Her interest in architecture, photography, design, and community led her to apply for the job—those passions also made her an outstanding candidate for the role.

SANAM’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Here’s how Davariar rises to the occasion and meets challenges head-on:

1. BE KIND TO YOURSELF. Talk to yourself the same way you encourage your peers!

2. REMEMBER THE WHY. When things get tough, reconnect with the passion that brought you where you are in the first place.

3. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Though we cannot plan for silly mistakes, it is good to have a general guide.

4. FOCUS ON PRODUCTIVE WORK. You might be working all the time, but if you are not actually being productive, you are not getting anything done.

5. ENJOY IT ALL. Balancing school, work, and life means finding joy in every part of the journey — even the messy parts.

As an architecture student, juggling academic pressures, long hours in the studio, extracurricular activities, and life in general can be daunting. Davariar’s personal challenges included internal fears of failure and procrastination; however, she worked through these obstacles with genuine enthusiasm for the work and a go-getter attitude. Her secret weapon? Just get started.

While Davariar strengthened her skills in photography and design by documenting College and alumni events throughout the year and creating collateral and event signage, she learned new skills through the work-study opportunity. This included using professional camera equipment, setting up microphones, and utilizing new software.

“I have always had a knack for learning new software and programs throughout high school and college, but this experience really allowed me to strengthen my skills in the Adobe Suite in ways I’m so proud of,” she said. “I have been able to learn Premiere Pro from scratch, and now I use it to edit personal vlogs and [videos from] trips! It has been amazing to see how skills I learned through work have carried over into my own life.”

Her existing and newly developed skills had a significant impact on

UH NOMAS Scrap Project

After Jury Week, the UH National Organization of Minority Architecture Students hosted the NOMAS Scrap Project with community and sustainability in mind. The student organization collected printouts and materials during the weeks leading up to final reviews to use the waste as medium for a collaborative art project.

"In an environment where studio life can sometimes feel isolating, we wanted to create a space for connection, creativity, and celebration," said Sanam Davariar, president of UH NOMAS. "We spent the night letting our creativity and imaginations run wild, reconnecting with our love for architecture and strengthening our bonds with one another in the process." —N.N.

the College’s social media, where she focused on creating content centered around students and college culture. Davariar leveraged her connections as a student leader to collaborate with her peers on producing video reels to promote lectures, exhibitions, and mental health resources during finals season. Her efforts resulted in doubled video views on the College’s social media and garnered higher engagement from fellow students, fostering connection.

“Capturing the life, the spirit, and the community of this place has truly been a highlight of the job. Seeing people interact with each other, with ideas, with projects — and being trusted to capture those moments — pushed me to see and celebrate the beauty that is the Hines College culture. It is something I will always carry with me,” she added.

By combining her humble nature, strong work ethic, and talents with a fearless drive to grow, Davariar has transformed a student job into a foundation for future success. Her journey at Hines College illustrates how meaningful campus opportunities can shape a student’s growth and future. As she builds on her experience, Davariar will continue to lead with intention, creativity, and dedication. —N.N.

Getting Picture Perfect

Every few years, students in the UH Freedom by Design (FBD) group renovate the photo room for students to have an organized and clean space to document their models and projects. Many thanks to UH FBD and their team of student volunteers!

Please keep these guidelines in mind when utilizing the space:

• Be respectful of the setup. Keep the space clean and organized for all users.

• Use tables appropriately. The custom tables are designed to support models only. Please do not stand or place excessive weight on the tables.

• Keep equipment in the photo room. Lights, softbox diffusers, and other materials must not be removed from the space.

UH FBD Director Paige Holmes added, "A huge thank you to our volunteers for their hard work in making CoAD a better experience for everyone. If you are interested in future volunteer opportunities, stay tuned for upcoming events with Habitat for Humanity and other FBD initiatives!" —N.N.

Award-Winning Design Within Environmental Contexts

Hines College assistant professor’s practice wins high honors in international competitions

AT THE INTERSECTION OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY, CLOVISBARONIAN PROVES INNOVATIVE DESIGN CAN reshape the way we think about design for housing and climate change. Led by Sam Clovis, assistant instructional professor at the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, and Georgina Baronian, assistant professor at the Rice School of Architecture, the firm recently earned international recognition in two separate competitions.

Their design Ambience won an Excellence Prize in the NOT A HOTEL competition, and their project A Stone at the Water’s Edge secured a finalist spot in the Concéntrico Urban Island Climate competition.

The NOT A HOTEL competition sought entries from architects under 40 years old to design a vacation home in Kitakaruizawa, Japan. Ambiance stood out from 620 entries representing 23 countries and secured a finalist position. Last December, the team traveled to the National Art Center in Tokyo to present their work and accept one of three Excellence Prizes.

“The residence is designed as a series of simple pavilions along a forested path, stitching together the existing stone outcroppings of the site to create a central outdoor room. The proposal stems from previous work of our practice reconsidering traditional planning and conditioning strategies of domestic space,” said clovisbaronian.

In January, clovisbaronian placed in the top four of the ConcéntricoUrban Island Climate competition, which sought proposals for dealing with heat waves in Logroño, Spain. It called for architects and designers to create a structure located around the lake of Felipe IV Park. The global contest received 252 designs from 49 nations.

The jury noted, “It [A Stone at the Water’s Edge] brings a very bold proposal based on the concept of the open space effect. A contemporary cave in which the roughness of the finishes contrasts with a strict geometry.”

These accolades not only validate clovisbaronian’s cutting-edge approach but also elevate the role of architecture in tackling pressing environmental challenges. As their work gains traction on the global stage, it reinforces the idea innovative design is not just aesthetic — it is essential for the future. —Nicholas Nguyen

Ambience

To live within the beauty of Karuizawa is to experience its natural conditions. The existing vegetation and unique geology of the region serve as the primary influence on the project’s materiality. Existing rocks of the site are proposed as the foundational material, sheltering the new residence within the existing spaces between stone outcroppings. Additional stone from the region is used to construct the outer envelope of the residence, blending the home into the landscape.

Given the isolated location of the site, the ease and economy of construction were of foremost consideration in the design of this proposal. The project’s flitch beam structure reduces the weight of individual structural members, allowing for manual installation with on-site labor and reducing the need for cumbersome machinery.

The residence is designed to foster a closer relationship to nature, utilizing the earth of the site as the primary medium for producing comfort and modifying climate. A geothermal radiant system is proposed throughout the residence, providing a soft, subtle conditioning to the interior spaces of the home through the ambient temperature of the subterranean soil. The thermal mass of existing rocks and stone walls provides a natural buffer from the extreme temperatures of the coldest and warmest months. Each building is also designed to provide natural ventilation, allowing air to pass between the interior courtyard and rear gardens.

A Stone at the Water's Edge

Designed as a thermal battery, this proposal leverages the inherent material properties of its construction — in lieu of reliance on any mechanical systems — to cool its surrounding environment. To increase the cooling potential of this climate island pavilion, a ventilated cavity is inserted between two layers of site-cast concrete. This void serves two purposes - reducing the required amount of concrete and embodied carbon, while also providing a space to passively cool the thermal mass.

This cavity is closed off during the day to eliminate the entry of warm air and maintain a cool lower surface and is opened at night through operable vents to exhaust heat accumulated during the day. This void also significantly reduces the transfer of direct heat gain from the roof’s top surface, maintaining a cold under-surface from which a visitor can experience radiant cooling.

Recycled aggregate concrete is utilized as the main environmentally and structurally performing material, limiting any necessary maintenance and ensuring long-term durability. To reduce material waste, the earth of the site is utilized as the formwork of the roof. After curing and removal of the structure, this excavated region remains as a sunken grotto along the waterfront. This site-cast method also produces a varied and textured underbelly of the roof surface.

THIS PAGE: A detail of the model for A Stone at the Water's Edge

OPPOSITE PAGE: A drawing from the project

UH BRAIN, TIRR Memorial Hermann Develop First Wearable Pediatric Soft Exoskeleton Made of Smart Materials

Team ushers in a new era of mobility for children with cerebral palsy

JUST ONE LOOK AT THE NEXTGENERATION LIGHTWEIGHT, SOFT EXOSKELETON for children with cerebral palsy reveals the powerful role technology can play in solving global challenges and improving lives.

Built to help children walk, the MyoStep addresses motor impairments that severely restrict children’s participation in physical activities, self-care and academic pursuits, leading to developmental delays, social isolation and reduced self-esteem. It is lightweight, discreet, made of smart materials and wearable technology, and tailored to fit seamlessly into the lives of children and their families.

The MyoStep soft exoskeleton is being introduced in Electron Devices Magazine by a team from the NSF UH Building Reliable Advances and Innovation in Neurotechnology (BRAIN) Center, an Industry–University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) and TIRR Memorial Hermann.

“The MyoStep project represents a significant advancement in the field of pediatric mobility aids, particularly for children with cerebral palsy,” said Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, director of the NSF BRAIN Center and Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

“By integrating cutting edge technologies such as artificial muscles, smart fabrics, and a comprehensive sensor network, MyoStep offers a promising solution to the challenges faced by existing exoskeletons,” he said.

HELPING CHILDREN TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Cerebral palsy is a common neurological disorder in children that

affects motor skills, including the ability to walk, and it occurs in 1 to 4 out of every 1,000 births worldwide.

“Although exoskeletons offer some degree of assistance and stability, they often prove impractical for regular daily use,” said Contreras-Vidal. “These devices typically fail to accommodate a child’s growth and remain too heavy. By integrating cutting edge technologies such as artificial muscles, smart fabrics, and a comprehensive sensor network, MyoStep offers a promising solution to the challenges faced by existing exoskeletons.”

The need for exoskeletons that promote healthy musculoskeletal development and can adjust as

children grow prompted ContrerasVidal to convene a cross-disciplinary team with clinical partner Gerard Francisco, MD, professor and The Wulfe Family Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UTHealth Houston and medical officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

The team includes experts in biomechanics and orthopedic surgery (Christopher J. Arellano, University of Arizona), medical officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann and from the IUCRC BRAIN at the University of Houston: costume design and technology (Paige A. Willson), industrial design (Elham Morshedzadeh and Jeff Feng), mechanical engineering (Francisco C.

“What makes the MyoStep project so compelling is that it’s not just about the technology: it’s about restoring confidence, function, and hope."

OPPOSITE PAGE: Hines College assistant professor Elham Morshedzadeh's son, Arman, tests the brace in front of the Architecture Building

BELOW: Morshedzadeh checks a sensor inside the pediatric “SoftExo” device

ABOVE: Morshedzadeh and ContrerasVidal guide a demonstration of a pediatric “SoftExo” device in front of the Cullen College of Engineering

Robles Hernandez and Zheng Chen) electrical engineering students (Shantanu Sarkar, Aime J. AguilarHerrera and Lara Altaweel) and industrial design graduate student (Hannah Ritchie).

“This research represents a groundbreaking step forward in how we think about mobility and independence for children with cerebral palsy,” said Francisco.

INNOVATIONS IN MOBILITY

The team tailored the MyoStep to be lightweight, discreet and tailored to fit seamlessly into the lives of

children and their families. The wireless sensor network, embedded inside the smart and flexible fabrics, is the backbone of the suit, collecting and sending real-time data about the user’s movements so the device knows when to assist their arms or legs.

It also includes safety features such as temperature monitoring and emergency shut-off mechanisms.

All electronics and actuators are fully isolated from the user’s skin to prevent direct contact and reduce the risk of irritation or discomfort.

Integrated temperature sensors continuously monitor the device’s surface temperature, automatically deactivating the system if it exceeds safe limits to protect against overheating or burns.

The various sensors in the network communicate with each other using Bluetooth technology.

“What makes the MyoStep project so compelling is that it’s not just about the technology: it’s about restoring confidence, function, and hope. This kind of innovation has the potential to dramatically improve quality of life, helping children move through the world with greater ease and dignity,” said Francisco.

NEXT STEPS

Coordination across the ankle, knee and hip was vital in producing the prototype. Continually improving how the ankle moves could make walking more efficient, allowing children to use less energy to walk.

“The team is currently focused on enhancing ankle movement control using artificial muscles made from advanced smart materials, such as shape memory alloys, which contract with temperature changes and dielectric elastomers which respond to voltage,” said Contreras-Vidal.

“These actuators work in conjunction with a multimodal sensor network, including EMG sensors to monitor muscle activations, and inertial measurement units to detect gait phases and joint angles.”

Muscles have been investigated for decades, but their actual behavior has not been successfully replicated with lightweight systems.

“To make this possible, there is a need for interdisciplinary systems and disciplines to fully execute the physics of muscle gesticulations,” said Contreras-Vidal.

This work has been supported in part by the IEEE Electron Device Society’s Humanitarian Fund. —Laurie Frickman

PHOTO BY JOSEPH BUI/UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

Faculty-Led Firms Win Texas Society of Architects 2025 Design Awards

Hines College adjunct professor Jesse Hager and his firm CONTENT Architecture won a Texas Society of Architects' 2025 Design Award for their Elemental Home project.

"It's always an honor to be recognized by such an esteemed jury and humbling to be in the company of talented colleagues around the state," Hager shared. The project has also previously won an AIA Houston Design Award in fall 2024.

Adjunct professor Kristin Schuster, founder of Inflection Architecture, won for The Learning Pavilion. The pavilion is a 1600-square-foot outdoor space for learning and playing at a public Houston elementary school.

Reflecting on the award, Shuster said, "We are so excited and honored to have our work recognized alongside such wonderful projects and by such admired jurors." —N.N.

Charting Mumbai's Shifting Shores

Assistant professor Deepa Ramaswamy recently contributed a chapter to the new book, Instituting Worlds: Architecture and Islands edited by Catharina Gabrielsson and Marko Jobst. The chapter, "Of Land and Sea: Reclamation Infrastructures in Mumbai" investigates the regions' history, shaped by misrepresentations between land and sea. —N.N.

Architecture as Relief: Designing for Heat Resilience

In fall 2024, Hines College assistant professor Dalia Munenzon collaborated with UC Berkeley Professor Liz Gálvez who led the Collective Comfort: Airing on Possibilities exhibition at the Center for Architecture + Design in San Francisco. The exhibition, supported by the SOM Foundation and the AIA Upjohn Research Initiative, continues the pair's work on climate research and reimagining cooling centers for regions facing extreme heat.

To close the exhibition, Munenzon also participated in the panel discussion, "Airing on the Side of Possibilities: Climate Research and Pedagogy" at the end of January in San Francisco. —N.N.

ABOVE: Images from the Collective Comfort exhibition at the Center for Architecture + Design in San Francisco

TOP TO BOTTOM: Elemental Home by CONTENT Architecture; The Learning Pavilion by Inflection Architecture

Uncracking the Code

At the intersection of design and computation, architects rethink the act of drawing

KICKING OFF THE SPRING SEMESTER, THE DRAWING CODES: Experimental Protocols of Architectural Representation exhibition opened at the Hines College with a lecture by the exhibition's curators, Hines College Kendall Professor of Design Technologies Andrew Kudless and Tulane Associate Professor Adam Marcus.

The exhibition has traveled around the country since 2017, growing with additional work; at the Hines College, the work culminated in a third volume. In 2024, Kudless and Marcus also published a book, which the exhibition is named after, containing all of the drawings and six new essays.

The exhibition examined the effects of computational model-based paradigms on the architectural discipline and explored how architects have critically integrated procedural thinking into their drawing processes.

It presented 96 commissioned drawings by a diverse range of architects investigating how rules and constraints inform the ways in which architects document, analyze, represent, and design the built environment.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture also recognized Drawing Codes with a 2025 Architectural Education Award in Creative Achievement. —N.N.

PHOTOS BY SANAM DAVARIAR

THIS SPREAD: Images from the opening night of the Drawing Codes exhibition; Kudless and Marcus (top left), authors of the book and curators of the exhibition

Research Profiles: UH Faculty Grants

Hines College faculty acquire University of Houston research grants, each totaling $10,000, to further architecture and design research in climate change in media, sustainable energy, and design ethos in global and historical contexts

DANIEL JACOBS

ARCHITECTURE AS ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA:

RENDERING THE PLANETARY

Small Grants Program Award

MIN KANG

EMPOWERING CIRCULAR ECONOMIES THROUGH SYSTEMS DESIGN: A SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS DESIGN APPROACH CONVERTING

OPHÉLIA MANTZ

PLANETARY ETHOS: FROM THE SELF TO GAÏA IN ARCHITECTURE

New Faculty Research Award

Architecture Professor

Wins UH Faculty Award

Congratulations to Hines College professor Patrick Peters on winning a UH Faculty Excellence Award in the Community Engagement category!

“I am delighted and humbled by this recognition of our sustained community engagement work in the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, especially since it foregrounds the work’s impact not only on our communities but also on the lives of our students and former students as they become leaders in their profession,” said Peters.

“Their successes in practice and in life are validation of our shared success in the College.”

This proposal for a research and writing project explores the agency of environmental media in architectural production. As architecture and design disciplines confront the changing landscapes of climate change, visual media depicting socio-environmental relations plays an increasingly critical role in communicating new narratives for the future of the planet. The project is divided into two phases.

First, building on research conducted through a series of seminars from 2021-2023, this grant will support the ongoing production of a multidisciplinary edited volume currently under contract with Routledge Architecture with a publication date in Fall 2025. Bringing together a variety of contributors from disciplines in and outside of architecture, the project makes visible the influential role architectural media has in shaping discourse on climate and the environment.

The second phase will be to curate a public symposium and workshop series featuring the contributors to the volume, which will be held at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design at the University of Houston. These events will accompany the book's publication and seek to showcase new narratives of visualizing climate change through architectural media. This grant seeks subvention support for the publication and the subsequent symposium and workshop series.

SPENT COFFEE GROUNDS INTO RENEWABLE ENERGY IN TEXAS

Small Grants Program Award

This project proposes a comprehensive systems design approach to establishing a circular economy by converting spent coffee grounds (SCG) into renewable energy. It builds on the preliminary sustainable design project focusing on harnessing the untapped energy potential of organic waste in Texas by integrating systems thinking and user experience (UX) design principles.

This project addresses sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. The solution combines UX design with systems thinking for an efficient waste-toenergy model. This systems design approach can optimize three key components: waste collection logistics, biofuel production processes, and community participation. Diverting organic waste from landfills reduces environmental impact and creates a valuable energy resource for Texas's power grid.

Beyond environmental benefits, the project aims to establish a replicable model for circular economies. The integration of technology, community engagement, and sustainable practices demonstrates how thoughtful system design can transform waste management challenges into renewable energy opportunities, potentially extending beyond the coffee industry to other sectors.

Architecture schools have increasingly integrated environmental humanities into their curricula in recent years, focusing on a trans-scalar approach to address global challenges. This method examines the connections between history, philosophy, sociology, and architectural design, aiming to empower individuals and designers to navigate local contexts while impacting broader, more abstract issues.

The Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture promotes interdisciplinary courses that tackle contemporary social and environmental problems. However, understanding and implementing paradigm shifts in design for new ecological practices remain complex.

The book Planetary Ethos: From the Self to Gaïa in Architecture explores the relationship between small design units and larger systems, proposing shifts in design discipline to foster a renewed ecological ethos. It draws on French historical contexts to better understand these entanglements. The grant will fund the production of graphic support, travel to French archives, independent edition reviews, and image copyright fees for the publication.

RESILIENCE

Hines College research confronts environmental challenges, empowering vulnerable communities

by Stephen Schad

FIRST:

TOF

AND DESIGN CONTINUES TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE GULF COAST THROUGH ITS INVESTIGATIVE GULF FUTURES STUDIOS , supported by a major grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). Awarded to advance community resilience and adaptation strategies along the Gulf Coast, the grant has catalyzed groundbreaking work by faculty and students, focusing on climate-responsive design, environmental justice, and sustainable infrastructure.

This spring semester, the grant’s principal investigators, assistant professor Dalia Munenzon and associate professor Matthew Johnson, led two design studios carrying forward the momentum of the Gulf Futures initiative and building on the progress of their foundational research and collaborative partnerships.

Johnson’s undergraduate studio, Liquid Land, challenged students to reimagine the Galveston Bay watershed, a region increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes, sea-level rise, and industrial impacts. Over the semester, students mapped the region’s complex environmental and social dynamics, producing an expansive atlas capturing the intricate interplay of natural systems, human settlements, and industrial infrastructure.

the San Jacinto River watershed, addressing climate resilience, flood mitigation, and public health challenges in historically underserved communities. Through advanced GIS mapping, scenario planning, and community engagement, students developed visionary proposals integrating wetland restoration, nature-based infrastructure, and social equity. Their work was deepened by a research trip to Louisiana, where students studied resilience strategies at key institutions, including the LSU Center for River Studies, and engaged with on-theground projects in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood.

PREVIOUS SPREAD: An image of the ECO-BAQ project by Nathalia Lewis

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Students in Johnson's studio present their work; Students in Munenzon's studio visiting different institutions to learn about the Gulf Coast

In the final phase of the course, students proposed imaginative architectural interventions addressing the future of the Gulf Coast. Designs included speculative “ecological machines” such as living bridges, storm surge barriers with public programs, watercooled data centers, and oyster reef infrastructures. Through detailed models, atmospheric sections, and large-scale renderings, students explored how architecture can serve as a catalyst for resilience and adaptation in a changing climate.

The studio’s research extended beyond the classroom, with some students incorporating their findings into master’s thesis work, reinforcing the relevance and impact of the Gulf Futures mission.

Meanwhile, Munenzon’s graduate studio, Adaptive Ecofutures: The Bayou Chronicles, took a deep dive into

The semester culminated in projects ranging from phased ecological interventions transforming vacant lands into green spaces to comprehensive frameworks connecting flood resilience, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. The studio’s research extended beyond the classroom, with some students incorporating their findings into master’s thesis work, reinforcing the relevance and impact of the Gulf Futures mission.

Together, the two studios exemplify the Hines College’s leadership in climateresponsive design education, uniting rigorous research, visionary thinking, and community partnership. As the Gulf Futures initiative moves into its next phase, including a focus on environmental remediation and public health, the College continues to position itself at the forefront of Gulf Coast resilience and innovation. ❑

HE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON GERALD D. HINES COLLEGE

ARCHITECTURE

MARCO CHAPA

Emerging from the Adaptive Ecofutures studio, Marco Chapa’s student project, The Pocket in Northsthore, focused on the greater East Side of Houston, with particular attention to the communities of Galena Park and Channelview – areas facing acute challenges from flooding, industrial pollution, and restricted mobility. Through detailed mapping of water systems, climate impacts, and environmental hazards, the

project highlighted both the vulnerabilities and remarkable resilience of these neighborhoods.

Focusing on Galena Park, a community isolated by industrial rail lines and adjacent to a fivemile stretch of heavy industry, the student proposed a system of distributed infrastructures – including local grocery stores, community centers, and healthcare facilities – to strengthen

resilience at the neighborhood scale. Long-term strategies envisioned reconnecting fragmented areas through new pedestrian and automobile bridges, weaving together a more cohesive urban fabric. The project underscored a central lesson of the studio: resilient communities not only need recognition, but also meaningful, targeted support to help them thrive in the face of adversity.

URBAN DESIGN TOOLKIT MAP

ERIC GOLDNER

Master of Architecture student Eric Goldner master’s thesis project, Equi-Village, emerged directly from the research and visioning of the Adaptive Ecofutures studio. Drawing on lessons in watershed history, ecological analysis, and landscape management, the project explored how to balance equitable, affordable housing with the urgent need for watershed revitalization in Houston. The resulting proposal envisions a

“Green Corridor” transforming lands adjacent to local watersheds into preserved ecological zones, allowing natural processes to be restored while channeling urban development to areas farther from these sensitive ecosystems.

The project focused on the LyondellBasell site, a 1,700 -acre former chemical plant north of Channelview, Texas, proposing its

transformation into a mixed-use neighborhood that integrates green and blue infrastructure with adaptive reuse of existing industrial structures. Equi-Village imagines a walkable “ 15-minute city” where diverse housing, public transit, and ecological stewardship converge, offering a visionary model for future community development aligning with environmental and social resilience.

NATHALIA LEWIS

Nathalia Lewis’ standout project, ECO-BAQ, was directly shaped by the lessons of the Adaptive Ecofutures studio. Inspired by the studio’s focus on resilient design and nature-based solutions, the project proposes the regeneration of mangrove ecosystems along an ecological boardwalk in Bocas de Ceniza, Barranquilla, Colombia. Drawing on the protective and

adaptive capacities of mangroves, ECO-BAQ aims to restore marine biodiversity while strengthening the local fishing economy and advancing climate resilience.

The design centers on the creation of an ecological boardwalk that doubles as a protective barrier and educational

platform, culminating in a community pavilion constructed from Guadua, a native, sustainable bamboo. By combining ecological restoration with community empowerment, ECO-BAQ offers a powerful vision for how architecture can foster environmental stewardship and resilient livelihoods in vulnerable coastal regions.

Going Beyond the Gulf Futures Studios

AT GRADUATION THIS SPRING, TWO GRADUATE STUDENTS FROM DALIA MUNENZON'S ADAPTIVE ECOFUTURES: THE BAYOU CHRONICLES STUDIO took their research in new directions and won the Hines College's Graduate Architecture Design Awards. Mallika Sheshadri (M.Arch. '25) and Sogol Javanmardi (M.Arch. '25) collaborated on the Eco Morph project in fall 2024, which later informed their Eco-Retiro del Bravo and Eco_Health thesis projects, respectively.

"Eco Morph’s focus on climate-responsive, low-impact design helped me integrate passive strategies such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal mass into Eco-Retiro del Bravo," Sheshadri explained. "The project's emphasis on regional materials and contextual relevance guided my choice to use local resources like stabilized earth blocks and reclaimed wood, creating spaces that are both environmentally responsible and culturally grounded."

Sheshadri also used concepts from the group project, like holistic approaches to landscape as architecture, utilizing native vegetation, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling as tools in her thesis. The experience in the Gulf Futures studio shaped her technical and aesthetic skills, which she says became her thesis's core ethos: "Architecture as a tool for regeneration, well-being, and connection to place."

Like her partner, Javanmardi's participation in the studio enriched her thesis project. Eco Morph inspired her to translate urban-scale strategies and translate how architecture can respond to largescale environmental and social challenges by integrating ecological restoration, public health, and systems thinking.

"The studio helped me think critically about place-based solutions and ultimately guided me in designing a thesis project where architecture acts not only as shelter, but as an active agent of healing," she added.

Their research in the Gulf Futures studios laid the foundation for keeping resiliency and sustainability at the forefront of their designs.

—Nicholas Nguyen

MALLIKA SHESHADRI

Eco Retiro del Bravo is an eco-retreat that blends nature, wellness, and community living together. Designed to foster environmental awareness and personal well-being, the project integrates locally sourced materials, passive design strategies, and green infrastructure to minimize ecological impact while enhancing guest experience. Inspired by the cultural and ecological richness of the region, the retreat features wellness zones, educational spaces, and community engagement areas, creating a holistic environment where visitors can reconnect with nature, learn sustainable practices, and support local livelihoods.

SOGOL JAVANMARDI

ECO_Health is a holistic healing and wellness center designed for Shiraz, Iran. The project integrates passive systems, natural light, and layered circular pathways to create a calming environment supporting mental health. With rainwater collection and biophilic design, the center serves as a healing space and a sustainable model for future care facilities.

ABOVE: An image from the Eco Morph project that shows possible zones from the design toolkit to enhance their chosen site in northeast Houston

RESILIENT BY DESIGN: A New Blueprint for Urban Futures

The Hines

College’s QuadZero Studio is training the next generation of climate-conscious architects and designers

by Nicholas Nguyen

EACH YEAR, CITIES EXPERIENCE THE DEVASTING EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, WHETHER THROUGH RISING SEA LEVELS, searing heat, or destructive storms. As a result, architects and designers find themselves not only reshaping skylines but also rewriting the rules of resilience. Few places embody these challenges and the opportunity to reimagine the built environment, like Houston.

In architecture, resiliency refers to how buildings, neighborhoods, and infrastructure withstand environmental, social, and economic stressors. This includes preparing for threats like floods, extreme heat, storms, and power outages. Resilient design goes beyond durability, adaptability, and recovery. It also integrates sustainable strategies that reduce energy use, conserve water, minimize waste, and promote equity.

At the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, the QuadZero Studio is preparing students to do just that. Founded in 2016 by Hines College architecture professor Dr. Bruce Race, FAIA, FAICP, the studio has become a crucible for exploring what it truly means to design resilient cities. The name reflects the studio’s core mission: zero greenhouse gas emissions, zero energy waste, zero water waste, and zero landfill waste. But this is more than just a sustainability slogan; they are values rooted in lived experience.

AT LEFT: Students present their work in spring 2023's QuadZero Brownfields to Brightfields jury that included community members and leaders

“Our students are entering a profession that must be at the middle of the table to design projects mitigating their climate impact and adapting to risks from severe weather events,” Dr. Race explained. “They have lived through floods, freezes, and blackouts. These are not abstract problems. They are personal.”

Indeed, Houston’s extremes make it a natural testbed. According to Dr. Race’s research as the director of the Hines College’s Center for Sustainability and Research (CeSAR), the city suffers from heat island effects that are twice the national average, and median-income

families here pay double the national energy bills. These realities, he says, create patterns of energy poverty and exacerbate other systemic inequities in food access, childcare, and healthcare. In this context, architecture is not just about buildings — it is about the far-reaching consequences of climate change.

A STUDIO BORN FROM CLIMATE CRISIS

QuadZero was launched in response to climate science and the urgent needs of Houston communities. From the start, the studio emphasized design grounded in research, data, and real-world collaboration.

“Houston is where our students want to live and work. The city needs them, and they need to be ready,” Dr. Race said.

And ready they are. Over nearly a decade, the QuadZero studio has tackled some of Houston’s most complex challenges, from postdisaster recovery to urban growth designed to face the future. In 2018, the studios responded to Hurricane Harvey’s devastation by focusing on the Brays Bayou Watershed, which led to funding from the Jewish Federation for community planning in the watershed and collaboration with community stakeholders to find solutions for flooding in Keegans Bayou. The closed Ruffino Hills Landfill became the focus for that solution. That plan earned an American Planning Association (APA) Gold Resilience Award from Houston and Texas APA chapters.

REIMAGINING THE URBAN FABRIC FOR THE FUTURE

“Houston is where our students want to live and work. The city needs them, and they need to be ready.”

Recently, students have turned their attention to Houston’s rapid expansion — an expected 2 million additional residents by 2050. Between 2022 and

2023 , a three-semester arc called “Housing the Next 2 Million” asked students to look at the hidden potential of urban infra-structure already in place instead of undeveloped land.

During fall 2022 , the studio explored how 30 METRO Park and Ride sites could become mixed-use Transit Oriented Developments (TODs) serving as resilience hubs. METRO sponsored the studio, linking it with a National Science Foundation grant on smart transit.

Then, the spring 2023 semester brought a shift in lens with “Brownfields to Brightfields.” Students inventoried 63 closed landfill sites and reimagined four of them as infill development anchored by clean energy. A collaboration with the City of Houston and UH Energy, the project’s findings were later included in an EPA grant proposal.

In fall 2023, the focus shifted to the hollowing out of retail centers. “Dead Mall Fall” invited students to redesign ten abandoned shopping malls as future community anchors. One group focused on the Northwest Mall, now eyed as the site of a high-speed

ABOVE: A presentation board from the Brownfields to Brightfields: Equitable Net Zero Sunnyside project showing data about infrastructure, populations, green spaces, and more by Ivy Farhadi, Esmer Leija, Minh Nguyen, and team

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: A graphic from the QuadZero Aviation City studio that shows energy use baseline by neighborhood and land use by My-Lien Dang, Alberto Delgado, Diego Iniguez, Jessica Sandoval Ospina, and Cynthia Ulloa; A graphic from the Regional System Of Resilience Hub TODs: METRO Park and Ride Sites by the students in the fall 2022 QuadZero studio

“Students learn how to analyze urban and natural systems and communicate their findings. They use data to demonstrate how to reduce environmental impacts and support new and existing communities with renewable energy and recycled water and waste.”

rail terminal, envisioning a town center for 64,000 new residents. These adaptive reuse strategies underscore the studio’s central tenet: climate resiliency must go together with smart urbanism.

In spring 2024, students partnered with the Houston Land Bank and North Central Houston Management District to propose site-specific solutions for the former Yellow Cab Company site. Their ideas included net-zero housing, energy production, and the reuse of old industrial infrastructure.

Students in the QuadZero studio combined their talents under the moniker “Team Jellyfish” and won the inaugural “Power the Community” International

College Design Competition, earning a $7,000 prize for “Distinguished Design – Urban Planning” from the Energy Mentors organization. Team Jellyfish developed concepts for a net-zero neighborhood fueled by emerging biofuel technology in Houston’s Near Northside Community. They began in two stages, first focusing on renewable energy, transportation, and net-zero practices on an urban scale. Then, they designed individual projects to further their energy narrative.

“QUAD Zero students participate in a two-part semester split between urban-scale analysis and developing a building design inside their net zero master plan,” Dr. Race explained. “Students learn how to analyze urban and natural systems and communicate their

THIS SPREAD: A rendering from the Northwest Mall project in the QuadZero studio's "Dead Mall Fall" theme in fall 2023 by Jesus Gonzalez, Robert Perla, Jaquelyn Ramos-Caceres, Daniel Russel, Vincent Taylor, and team

AT RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Team

Jellyfish's award-winning project — by Yen Co, Yulisa Tran, Lucia Poggioli, Jailyn Benavides, Leslie Alamirra, and Lauren Smith — proposed energy solutions for Houston's Near Northside neighborhood; A rendering from Carlos Sierra's project, Global Gateway Transformation for Hobby Airport, from spring 2025's "Aviation City" studio

findings. They use data to demonstrate how to reduce environmental impacts and support new and existing communities with renewable energy and recycled water and waste.”

The impact of QuadZero’s projects is amplified through partnerships with organizations like METRO, the City of Houston, Harris County Flood Control District, Habitat for Humanity, and community development corporations. Collaborators often sponsor semesters, attend juries and reviews, and fund publication of student work, ensuring a reciprocal relationship between the studio and the people it aims to serve.

INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION AND GREEN SPACES AS A RESILIENCE STRATEGY

Recent projects have also focused on the role of transportation in reshaping cities. In fall 2024, students designed TODs along Lockwood Street in Houston’s East End, exploring how nodes like Harrisburg and Navigation Boulevard could transform into sustainable mixed-use corridors.

This spring, the focus turned skyward. The “Aviation City” studio worked with the Houston Airport Authority to plan a vision for 2050 for areas surrounding Hobby Airport. Students envisioned a regional intermodal hub that connects light rail, buses, shuttles, rideshare, and even vertical taxis.

“These students are defining how we rethink movement in a city built for cars,” Race says. “They are showing how multimodal transit can support walkable, inclusive development.”

In fall 2025, the studio will once again expand its definition of infrastructure by looking at parks. The question: How can green spaces be leveraged for energy, hydrology, real estate, and recreation? Students will design net-zero infill developments with parks as their anchors, highlighting how open space can do more than beautify; open space can stabilize neighborhoods, absorb stormwater, and even generate energy.

A LEGACY OF IMPACT

For Dr. Race, the long-term goal is not just to teach sustainable design, but to institutionalize it. He envisions former students eventually taking the reins.

With 19 studios behind them and a growing network of alumni, the QuadZero model offers a compelling blueprint for resiliency in design. “They have a lot of work to do — saving the planet requires a career-long commitment. By 2050, they will be 25 years younger than I am now,” he added.

Ultimately, QuadZero is not just teaching design; the studio teaches environmental responsibility. Dr. Race and his students are demonstrating that the future of architecture must be grounded in equity, resilience, and climate action. And in Houston, where disasters are frequent and growth is relentless, that future cannot come soon enough. ❑

Daniel Jacobs wins ACSA and Buell Center course development prize

by Stephen Schad

THIS SPRING, THE ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGIATE SCHOOLS OF ARCHITECTURE (ACSA), IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S TEMPLE HOYNE BUELL CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE, named University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design instructional assistant professor Daniel Jacobs as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Course Development Prize in Architecture, Climate Change, and Society. The annual prize recognizes exemplary studio proposals integrating climate action into architectural pedagogy and research.

Jacobs’ winning course proposal, Plastic Marsh: Cycles and Cyclones on the Texas Gulf Coast, challenges students to confront the complex intersections of material waste, climate risk, and environmental justice in the Gulf Coast region. Through intensive research and design work, students will investigate the relationship between Houston’s petrochemical infrastructure, its coastal wetlands, and the mounting pressures of climate change, particularly the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes and flooding events.

“At a time when the built environment must urgently respond to environmental crises, Plastic Marsh encourages students to rethink architecture’s material practices and environmental responsibilities,” Jacobs shared in his course abstract.

The studio aims to cultivate innovative strategies for recycling, reassembly, and design-for-disassembly, offering new pathways for architecture to engage with the cyclical nature of materials and the evolving needs of vulnerable landscapes.

Students have the opportunity to develop speculative designs for a wetland restoration facility, integrating research labs, community spaces, material storage, and storm relief infrastructure. The studio also emphasizes fieldwork and collaboration with regional organizations such as Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, the Galveston Bay Foundation, and the Houston Climate Justice Museum, deepening students’ understanding of climate justice and resilience planning.

“The studio asks students to speculate about the future of architectural material cycles, industrial waste processes, and ecological care under a changing climate,” said Jacobs. “Understanding the impacts of architecture on the environment and projecting new ideas for adaptation and resiliency is the critical challenge of our time, one that students will bring into practice beyond the academy.”

Jacobs’ studio will culminate in a collective student publication and a public exhibition, fostering critical dialogue between the University, local communities, and environmental advocacy groups. ❑

Architecture,

Economy, and the

Future of Housing

by Stephen Schad

IN EARLY MARCH, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON GERALD D. HINES

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN PROFESSOR AND director OF GRADUATE STUDIES GAIL PETER BORDEN, FAIA , along with Michael Bell (Columbia University) and Eunjeong Seong (Pratt Institute), opened Is Housing Still Housing? Houston’s Single-Family House, an exhibition critically examining the evolving role of single-family housing in contemporary society, at the Hines College’s Mashburn Gallery. As economic, environmental, and technological shifts redefine how and where people live, the exhibition challenges the conventional understanding of housing and proposes new frameworks for addressing shelter at scale.

affordability, density, financialization, and sustainability. Participants examined how economic models, from mortgage debt to speculative investment, have shaped the housing market and whether alternative structures could better serve communities in an era of automation and climate-driven migration.

PREVIOUS SPREAD: A model in the Is Housing Still Housing? exhibition

ABOVE: Gail Peter Borden (centered) on the exhibition's opening night

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Hines College community, exhibition contributors, and guests view models on opening night

NEXT SPREAD: A model in the exhibition

The exhibition brought together architects, urbanists, and scholars to explore the intersection of housing, automation, climate change, and economic transformation. With more than 80 million single-family homes in the United States, the exhibition questioned whether the prevailing housing model remain viable amid shifting labor markets, affordability crises, and emerging settlement patterns. Contributors to the exhibition considered whether housing, as it has traditionally been defined, is still a productive concept — or if entirely new models and terminologies are required.

“As a second chapter to the important exhibition 16 Houses, which happened at DiverseWorks in 1998, this exhibition revisits

similar questions 25 years later,” shared Borden. “Inviting twelve distinguished practices with deep connections to Houston, each team designed an original proposition for the contemporary house.”

Houston serves as an ideal setting for this discussion. As a city deeply tied to energy production and rapid urban expansion, Houston has historically exemplified the proliferation of single-family housing. However, the region's shifting economic landscape and vulnerability to climate change make it a microcosm of the challenges facing housing across the nation.

With a focus on both speculative and real-world possibilities, Is Housing Still Housing? explored questions of

By convening thought leaders in design, research, and policy, the exhibition aimed to catalyze new discussions about the future of settlement. As housing markets continue to evolve, this exhibition invited audiences to rethink shelter, not only as a physical structure but as a complex and interconnected system shaped by global forces.

“Examining contemporary influences and future opportunities for this ubiquitous building type presents an important conversation about an essential building block of our urban landscape,” said Borden.

Is Housing Still Housing? was open at the Hines College through April 11 The exhibition broke open the future of housing with symposiums on March 26 and April 9 ❑

FUELED BY DETERMINATION: CLASS OF

Hines graduates overcome the odds in resilient pursuit of education

By Stephen Schad

OF 2025

OCOLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN CELEBRATED

THE CLASS OF 2025 – 195 graduates whose academic experience is defined by resilience and adaptability. Many of these students started their academic journeys under unexpected circumstances at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging stronger and more prepared to tackle the demands of their future professional careers. As they close this transformative chapter, several graduates reflect on their unique experiences, offering insight and inspiration to those who follow in their footsteps.

IMRAN AHMED BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Initially, on a path to study engineering, Imran Ahmed began his college journey at the University of Texas at Austin, where a transformative architecture course sparked a deep appreciation for design’s emotional and spatial impact. He soon shifted course, transferring to the Hines College, where he immersed himself in studio culture, mastering tools like Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, and Revit. A pivotal study abroad experience in Japan expanded his worldview, teaching him that architecture is not bound by tradition but guided by context, culture, and community. His design for a mosque in Tokyo’s Edogawa Park exemplified his thoughtful and inclusive approach to design. Now preparing to pursue licensure in Texas, he reflects with gratitude on a journey fueled by curiosity, resilience, and unwavering support from faculty who believed in his potential.

ISABEL ALBUQUERQUE BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Born and raised in London with Portuguese roots, Isabel Albuquerque never imagined becoming an architect — in fact, she once thought the profession was reserved for elite creatives in black turtlenecks and fancy glasses. After her twin sister received a full ride to Rice University, she took a leap of faith and applied to the University of Houston, where the diverse, hands-on architecture program felt like the right fit. As a first-generation international student navigating college applications during the pandemic, the road was anything but easy, yet she found her footing through community, curiosity, and resilience. A life-changing study abroad trip to Japan deepened Isabel’s understanding of architecture as a tool for cultural connection, and the support of her loved ones helped her push through the most difficult moments. Today, she knows that architects aren’t meant to fit a mold — and in embracing her own path, she’s found power in being exactly who she is.

NATALIE ARROYO MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

Natalie Arroyo grew up with a creative spirit and a mother who always thought Natalie would pursue a future in architecture. After becoming the first in their family to leave home for college and earning an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, she returned to Houston for graduate school at the University of Houston. As a first-generation student, the journey was not without challenges, but family remained the driving force behind every milestone. At the Hines College, the diversity of the student body and the support of faculty helped reignite her passion for design and deepen her commitment to human-centered architecture. Six years after entering her first studio, Natalie graduates with the same sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead.

LENÉ FOURIE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Originally from South Africa, Lené Fourie is proud to be the first in her family to graduate from university — a milestone marking both personal achievement and family legacy. Her global travels sparked an early appreciation for how design shapes human experience, eventually leading her to pursue her passion for interior architecture. After relocating to Houston in 2020, she found her academic home at the Hines College. Though the journey included cultural transitions and academic challenges, Lené embraced each obstacle with resilience, finding her creative voice along the way. She graduates not only with a degree, but with a renewed purpose to design spaces that impact lives and tell meaningful stories.

LITZY GARCIA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and raised in Conroe, Texas, Litzy Garcia discovered a passion for architecture early on — as a way to express imagination, reshape space, and give voice to communities often left out of the blueprint. As a first-generation college student, immigrant, and DACA recipient, the path to a degree was far from easy, filled with long commutes, multiple jobs, and the weight of generational sacrifice. At the University of Houston, she found not only a diverse community that expanded her perspective but also faculty who pushed her to grow as both a designer and a person. Now, as Litzy prepares to graduate, she does so with immense pride and purpose, heading to Harvard Graduate School of Design to pursue a master’s degree in advanced placement of landscape architecture. Her journey stands as both a tribute to her family and a promise to use design as a tool for service, healing, and equity.

ERIBERTO LUNA ROJO BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Eriberto Luna Rojo discovered his passion for architecture while assisting his father with masonry work, captivated by the drawings that guided their work. Pursuing this calling at the University of Houston felt like a natural step, offering a strong curriculum and the chance to grow professionally in the city he calls home. Starting college amid the pandemic, Eriberto navigated the challenges of remote learning and forged lasting friendships despite the constraints of a then virtual world. He expanded his perspective through the Latinos in Architecture mentorship program, firm tours, and international travel, while also giving back by encouraging future designers. As a proud first-generation graduate, Eriberto reflects with gratitude on a journey defined by resilience, community, and an unwavering belief in the power of persistence — ¡Sí se puede!

ANGELA ALTAMIRANO SANCHEZ BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, by two civil engineer parents, Angela Altamirano Sanchez grew up immersed in construction but was drawn instead to the creative world of art and design. Choosing architecture over engineering was a leap of faith that led to unexpected growth, even as her college journey began during the isolating early days of the pandemic. While navigating personal hardships — including serious family illnesses and the loss of her grandmother — she found strength in studio culture, supportive professors, and close friendships. Balancing school, work, and life on her own pushed her to her limits, but she persisted through every challenge. As she graduates, Angela reflects with pride on her resilience and the person she has become.

DAVID SCHUMAN MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

For Dave Schuman (above, second from right), pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Houston marks the fulfillment of a long-delayed dream. Though he originally set out to study architecture as an undergraduate, life’s practical demands led him to a career in engineering — a path that never quieted his creative longing. Years later, inspired by President Kennedy’s words about choosing goals "not because they are easy, but because they are hard," Dave returned to his original passion with renewed purpose. His journey has been enriched by sharing it with his son Alex (above, second from left), a fellow Hines College graduate, and by the profound sense of belonging he found at the College — where each morning’s commute felt like coming home. As he moves forward into this next chapter, Dave carries with him not only a new career path, but also the gratitude, wisdom, and spirit to stay, as Bob Dylan sings, “forever young.”

Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Dana Shnoudi was inspired by the city’s blend of ancient heritage and contemporary design. Her passion for art and spacemaking began in childhood and deepened through interior design work, where close collaboration with architects sparked her desire to shape environments at a larger scale. Drawn to the University of Houston for its NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program and diverse, supportive community, she embraced the challenge of moving across the world to pursue her dream. While adjusting to a new culture and navigating life far from family was difficult, she found strength through her design work — especially in a design-build studio where she saw her ideas come to life through hands-on construction. The journey was far from easy, but with resilience, community, and a drive to create meaningful spaces, she now proudly celebrates the milestone of graduation.

DAVID ANDRES VARGAS BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Originally from Colombia, David Vargas (below, at right) began his architectural studies at San Antonio Community College, where he was introduced to the foundational principles of the field through intensive hand drafting. When he transferred to the University of Houston, an initial misplacement nearly set him back to the first year despite having completed four studios and two technology courses. Determined to prove his readiness, David presented his work, earned his rightful place in the third year, and quickly adapted from hand drafting to digital tools — with many late nights and the help of his peers. Though a transfer credit error in his final year forced him to take on an unexpected 24-hour course load, David remained committed to his goal and proudly joins the Class of 2025 ❑

DANA SHNOUDI MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

2025 Graduation Awards

Students earned honors during commencement for excellence in academics, design, and leadership

AMERICAN INSITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Natalie Arroyo • Master of Architecture

Isabel Albuquerque • Bachelor of Architecture

OUSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Di Nguyen • Undergraduate Industrial Design

Lené Fourie • Undergraduate Interior Architecture

Katia Garcia-Romanos • Undergraduate Environmental Design

GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

Gabriel Castañeda • Best Master Project of the Year

Sogole Javanmardi • Graduate Design Award

Jonathan Dominquez • Graduate Design Award

Mallika Sheshadri • Graduate Design Award

Cole McDowell • Graduate Design Award

UNDERGRADUATE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

Evelyn Huerta Muñoz • Undergraduate Design Award - FirstPlace

Ian Simon • Undergraduate Design Award - Second Place

Raymond Fernandez, Lucia Poggioli Pardo, Peyton Thomas • Undergraduate Design Award - Second Place

Aly Noorani • Undergraduate Design Award - Honorable Mention

Nicholas Santiago • Undergraduate Design Award - Honorable Mention

GJ Hartsfield • Undergraduate Design Award - Honorable Mention

HONORS THESIS AWARDS

Cyrus Sadegi • Outstanding Senior Honors Thesis Award

Ian Simon • Outstanding Senior Honors Thesis Award

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AWARDS

Adron Blount • IDSA Houston Chapter Undergraduate Merit Award

Rachel Feine• IDSA Houston Chapter Graduate Design Award

Adron Blount • Industrial Design Capstone Project Award - First Place

Di Nguyen • Industrial Design Capstone Project Award - Second Place

Giselle Ramirez • Industrial Design Capstone Project Award - Third Place

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD

Lidieth Gonzalez • Outstanding Interior Architecture Senior Project Award

Nancy Tran • Interior Architecture Senior Project Award - Runner-Up

STUDENT LEADERSHIP & EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Kai Wen Chua • Nia Becnel Leadership Award

James Patrick Devaney • Myron C. Anderson Leadership Award

Litzy Garcia • Alpha Rho Chi Award Leadership Award

Natalie Arroyo • Architectural Research Centers Consortium Award

Ian Simon • BTES Edward Allen Student Award

Class of 2025 Photos + Memories

AIMEE KARGER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

"This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my academic journey to professional practice. What excites me most about graduation is seeing my peers embark on their own career paths and witnessing our growth and success." —Ashley Espinoza

ALEJANDRA RODRIGUEZ BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

ALEXIS ANDREA ROBINSON BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

ASHLEY ESPINOZA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

CELESTE BEISTEGUI BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

LAMISA REHENUMA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

"From the first late night at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design to the last, my time here has been paved with memories over the last five years. I will never forget my years spent at the Hines College." —Janae Sappington

JANAE SAPPINGTON BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

JUAN EMANUEL MOTA VELAZQUEZ BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

KYLIE CHEN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

LUCIA POGGIOLI BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

"These last five years have gone by in a blink of an eye. From GroupMe chat memes to cap and gowns and meeting people in my scholastic journey. [These are] countless joyful memories that I will cherish forever." —Mauricio Medina

Mario Guzman

MARIO GUZMAN BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

MASHAL ZAIDI BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

MAURICIO MEDINA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

SHASHA MISAAL MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

STACEY ECHARTEA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

"This moment means everything to me because I know my 15 -year-old self, who arrived here without knowing a word of English and carried so many doubts, would be proud beyond words. I’m walking across that stage for her, for every moment she felt small, and for every dream she held onto, even when it felt out of reach."

—Andrea Moscoso Garces

ISABELLA NGUYEN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

JONATHAN DOMINGUEZ MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

TAYLOR LANGMEAD BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

ANDREA MOSCOSO GARCES BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

MARIA OLIVIA RAMOS BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

"What excites me most about graduation is the opportunity to apply my skills in real-world projects that positively impact communities and reflect my passion for meaningful design."

—Luis Fernando Montenegro

LUIS FERNANDO MONTENEGRO BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

WENDY PANTOJA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

ZACHARY GLENN JOHNSON BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

GUADALUPE MENDEZ MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

SARINA BUTLER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

"I remember when I first applied for my degree, knowing it was going to take five years to finish. I said 'Those five years are going to pass no matter what! Might as well have a degree in Architecture when it happens.' …And here I am five years later!"

—Arlet Hernandez

JEFFERY SOSA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

ZOYA ALVI BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

CHRIS ODOLSKI BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

ARLET HERNANDEZ BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

"The best part? Living campus life to the fullest and sharing it with my two best friends — my greatest support. Having my parents fly in from India to celebrate with me makes it all the more special. Thank you, University of Houston, for shaping who I am today." —Vatsala Rani

MALLIKA SHESHADRI MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

JUSTIN HIGGINBOTHAM BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

EVELYN HUERTA MUÑOZ BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

GJ HARTSFIELD BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

VALERIA GONZALEZ BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

VATSALA RANI MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

"I’ll truly miss studio — not just for the work, but for the amazing people who helped me grow and get to where I am today!" —Jennalin Santos

NICHOLAS SANTIAGO BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

SOGOL JAVANMARDI MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

ETHAN WORK BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

STEPHANIE VELASQUEZ BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

JENNALIN SANTOS BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

11th Annual Cougar 100 Honors Hines College Alumni

Seven Hines College alumni-led companies join ranks of esteemed UH-owned businesses

On February 25, the University of Houston and the University of Houston Alumni Association hosted the 11th Annual Cougar 100 Awards, spotlighting the fastestgrowing companies founded or led by UH graduates, strengthening the network of Cougar entrepreneurs, and emphasizing the importance of alumni collaboration in the business world.

This year, Hines College alumni represented ten percent of the companies included in the top 100 companies, including first-time winners Cate Black Architecture Studio, G. Lyon Photography, Hybrid Fab, Lo Architecture, Martinez Architects, Moment Architects , and THR 3 E Design.

The rankings are determined by evaluating businesses based on their compound annual growth over a threeyear span. To be eligible, companies must have operated for at least five years and generated a minimum of $250,000 in gross revenue. Those demonstrating outstanding success and expansion earn a place among the prestigious top 100

This year, alumni from the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design once again secured welldeserved places on the list. For the complete list of honorees, visit the University of Houston Alumni Association. —Stephen Schad

2025 COUGAR 100 HINES COLLEGE ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

#16 LO Architecture

Vanessa Ortega (M.Arch. ’08)

LO Architecture offers commercial architectural services with a focus on interior architecture, renovations, adaptive reuse, and interior design. The company is passionate about working with clients to create functional and engaging spaces. Their clientele includes end users, small business owners, real estate professionals, developers, and contractors. They take pride in being a referral-based company.

#18 Aria Signs & Design, LLC

Shaya Attaei (B.Arch. ’13, M.Arch. ’15)

Aria Signs is one of the fastest-growing signage companies in the city of Houston. The company designs, fabricates, and installs interior and exterior signage for major leading companies such as retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, shopping centers, and stadiums.

#22 Moment Architects

Matthew Giardina (B.Arch. ’11, M.B.A. ’17)

Moe Moe Giardina (B.Arch. ’11, B.S. ’11)

Moment Architects is a full-service architecture firm serving the Greater Houston and Austin areas. They offer comprehensive solutions for commercial, residential, and multifamily projects, with a client-focused approach that emphasizes thoughtful design and seamless execution. Their portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, including custom homes, remodels and additions, multifamily residential developments and commercial spaces. They are passionate about designing spaces that enrich the lives of their inhabitants, ensuring that each project aligns with their clients' visions and needs.

#29 SMC Landscaping Services

Sonia Chavez ('02)

Lupe Gonzalez (B.Arch. and B.S. '00)

SMC Landscape Services serves the greater Houston area. They provide full-service landscape maintenance for commercial and residential properties. Their personalized services include maintenance, as well as enhancement of your property. They focus on being good environmental stewards and helping their customers conserve their natural resources. They understand the importance of water conservation and keep this in mind when selecting plants and trees that thrive in our native landscape.

#31 THR 3E Design

Jennifer Higgins (B.Arch. ’07)

Barry Leong (B.Arch. ’00, B.S. ’00)

THR 3 E Design is a full-service architecture and interior design firm specializing in health care, higher education, and industrial projects. Our principal-led approach provides expert guidance at every stage, from programming and design development to construction administration, ensuring thoughtful, functional, and highquality design solutions.

#36 G. Lyon Photography

Geoffrey Lyon (B.Arch. '97)

Jennifer Murray (M.A. '22)

Collectively Canadian and Houstonian at their core, G. Lyon Photography, Inc. embodies a friendly, hospitable, and unpretentious spirit while meticulously ensuring technical precision in the artistic realm. Staying true to their roots, they leverage their architectural, business, and photographic expertise on bringing out the best in their clients' work, both in Houston and in the everexpanding regions where they operate.

#37 Element Architects, LLC

Michael Graham (B.Arch. ’99)

Element Architects is a growing Texas-based firm specializing in architecture and interiors. Their talented team has extensive experience in the education, multifamily, active adult, healthcare, mixed-use, and

retail industries. EA strives to provide exceptional design services with a lasting positive impact.

# 42 Hybrid Fab

Frank Martin (B.S. '12)

Hybrid Fab is a Houston-based design team specializing in custom turnkey architectural metal design, engineering, and fabrication. Our name tells our story, referring to the blend of exemplary creative craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology brought to each individual project. The term "Fab" for fabrication describes the precisely cut and tailored finishing they provide for every piece. The company is committed to creating a unique experience in every space, guiding the transformation from an architect's meticulously designed vision to a powerful reality.

#51 Martinez Architects, LP

Ricardo Martinez (B.Arch '01)

Martinez Architects believe that their first responders deserve to live, work, and train in first-class facilities designed by architects dedicated to improving emergency response times and quality. They prioritize the health, safety, and wellness of the brave men and women who protect and preserve our communities. Each day, Martinez Architects strives to be those dedicated architects.

# 66 P&W Architects, LLP

Steven Schultz (B.Arch. ’80)

In 1985, Roger Philo and Dana Wilke created PhiloWilke Partnership, a firm with the specific expertise to react efficiently to the complex research and medical design needs of institutional, system, and academic clientele. Dedicated exclusively to you and your communities, the firm specializes in responsive design for technologically complex, interconnected healthcare and health science environments. Their design philosophy drives a process valuing collaboration, practical design, and strategic consensus-building to help their clients achieve their goals.

# 67 H4 Architects and Engineers, LLC

Allan Hensley (’03, M.Arch. ’04)

Sherie Hensley (’98)

H4 Architects and Engineers provides full-service architecture and MEP engineering. They strive to exceed client expectations and develop long-lasting relationships.

#82 Cate Black Architecture Studio

Cate Black (M.Arch. ’10)

Cate Black Architecture Studio is a full-service architecture practice located on Galveston Island. We are dedicated to thoughtful and creative designs.

Thursday, September 18, 2025 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Architecture Center Houston 902 Commerce St. Houston, TX 77002

Join us along with Hines College students, faculty, and staff to kick-off the fall semester and celebrate the Alumni Awards 2025 winners!

UH Architecture + Design Alumni Association Happy Hour at 8th Wonder Brewery

The UH Architecture + Design Alumni Association hosted a happy hour for Hines College alumni and friends at 8 th Wonder Brewery in April. The evening included food and drink along with prizes for alumni who RSVP'd and arrived first. As an opportunity for alumni engagement, these forever Coogs got to meet and network with members of the association, faculty, and recent grads. —Nicholas Nguyen

Alumni Association Launches New Student Engagement Initiative

The UH Architecture + Design Alumni Association hosted its first "Ask Alumni: Pizza and Professionals" event this spring, inviting students to come by for a casual conversation about what they can expect as they begin working in the profession. —N.N.

Alumni Spotlight: Vishwesh Panchal (M.Arch. ' 16)

"Pursuing a Master of Architecture degree at the Hines College opened doors to new perspectives and opportunities. Working alongside experienced professors and talented peers has taught me that collaboration and open dialogue are essential to the success of architectural design."

Name: Vishwesh Panchal

Hometown: Austin, TX

Major: Master of Architecture

Graduation Year: 2016

Employer: Arcadis

Title: Architect

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design? I grew up in a household where art and construction intertwined seamlessly. My mother, an artist deeply connected to aesthetics, introduced me to creativity from a young age, fostering my love for design. Meanwhile, my father, a skilled builder, taught me the values of precision and functionality. Joining him at construction sites, I witnessed design concepts transform into physical structures, an experience that left a lasting impression.

This blend of art and construction naturally guided me toward architecture — a profession bridging these two disciplines. It perfectly balances creativity and technicality, aligning with my passion for design and structure.

When I moved to the United States, I sought an NCARB-accredited program in Texas, and the Hines College program stood out. Its strong focus on design and its location in Houston—a diverse, dynamic metropolitan city—were compelling factors. The opportunities provided by such an environment, both during college and after graduation, resonated deeply with my goals.

As an international student, I also valued diversity within the student body. Hines College's inclusive and innovative culture perfectly aligns with my aspirations, making it my top choice for pursuing architecture.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?

The UH campus offers a beautiful environment with abundant resources and inviting study spaces. During my time at the Hines College, I spent most of my days at my studio desk in the inspiring Hines College building. After classes and studio work, I often sought relaxation and

exercise at the recreation center, which became a refreshing retreat. Living on campus for two years of graduate school was a cherished experience, providing opportunities to form lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories.

One of the most influential professors during my education was Marta Rodriguez. Her multicultural background and wealth of experience introduced me to innovative thought processes. She emphasized the importance of form, function, and storytelling in architectural projects, shaping my approach to studio work and guiding me in professional practice. As she taught, storytelling is integral to how users experience a building throughout its lifetime. This understanding has allowed me to approach architecture with a deeper appreciation for creating meaningful and purposeful spaces. Her guidance enriched my education and left a lasting impact on my career in architecture.I didn't have an answer for that; I just had drawings. How about all the hard work?, I thought.

ABOVE: In Fall 2024, Panchal received an Award of Excellence in the Observational Drawing category of American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI) Architecture in Perspective 38 competition for a pen and watercolor piece

I remember being so frustrated and angry walking back to Cougar Place that night. It hit me; I realized what Professor Web was trying to do, and I knew he was on to something. I said to myself, "What's there to lose?" I would either embrace the reality and potential of beauty in meaning and stories in architecture, or I would be content and happy with beautiful compositions and technical achievements.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?

As an architect, I review the progress of assigned projects to ensure they advance according to schedule and meet quality expectations. This includes reviewing timelines, budgets, and deliverables and addressing any challenges that may arise. For projects in the construction administration phase, I monitor on-site progress to verify that the work aligns with the design intent and resolve any field conditions or discrepancies. Client meetings are another key component, where I present updates, gather feedback, and refine design elements to meet their vision and requirements.

Internally, I work closely with my team, brainstorming solutions and ensuring every aspect of the project is aligned with the desired outcomes. Each day blends technical expertise, creativity, and effective communication to bring a project from concept to completion.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?

Reflecting on my career so far, several standout moments have brought immense pride and fulfillment. The opportunity to contribute to iconic and impactful designs, witness the successful completion of these

projects, and observe occupants enjoying the beautiful and functional spaces have been deeply gratifying. Each project has brought its unique challenges and triumphs, but the sense of accomplishment when seeing the positive impact of architecture on people's lives stands out. Knowing that my work has played a role in creating environments that inspire and enhance the human experience is a source of great pride and joy, whether it's a landmark building or a community space.

The Hines College significantly enhanced my expertise in architecture, design, and design software, equipping me with a strong foundation in the field's technical and creative aspects. It also gave me the skills necessary to successfully collaborate on projects at esteemed architecture firms such as Lord Aeck Sargent, Perkins & Will, and Arcadis.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?

My journey to the United States for my architectural education was a transformative chapter that shaped my professional and personal growth.

Pursuing a Master of Architecture degree at the Hines College opened doors to new perspectives and opportunities. Working alongside experienced professors and talented peers has taught me that collaboration and open dialogue are essential to the success of architectural design. These interactions foster creativity, encourage diverse perspectives, and enhance problem-solving, which are crucial in shaping thoughtful and innovative architectural solutions with continuous refinement and feedback guiding the transformation of abstract ideas into tangible architectural forms. The creative journey involves a constant interplay of exploration,

experimentation, and adaptation, with each design decision contributing to the project's unfolding narrative. Ultimately, the transition from imagination to reality is a dynamic journey, and my role as an architect is to navigate this path, embracing the challenges and celebrating the moments when creativity transforms into tangible, built environments.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?

To the students venturing into the field of architecture, I would offer the sage advice of drawing inspiration from their surroundings and environment. Let your hobbies, whether they involve music, singing, painting, or other creative pursuits, serve as sources of inspiration that can guide you in finding innovative design solutions for architectural projects. Building a connection between your personal interests and your work can lead to more unique and thoughtful designs.

Another crucial piece of advice is to maintain relationships with people. Collaboration is inherent in architecture, and the ability to communicate and work effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders is paramount. Cultivating strong professional relationships enhances the creative process and contributes to successful project outcomes.

Finding a mentor is an invaluable step in career development. A mentor can provide guidance, share insights from their own experiences, and offer valuable perspectives that contribute to personal and professional growth. Learning from someone who has navigated the field's challenges can be instrumental in achieving success in architecture.

RRISD McNeil High School project In Austin, TX; A photo and floorplan drawing of the San Felipe De Austin Museum In San Felipe, TX Firm from Panchal's time working at Lord Aeck Sargent.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: At ARCADIS, Panchal worked on Project CPC Kingsway Residential Towers in Burnaby, B.C.; at Perkins&Will, panchal worked on the

Alumni Spotlight: Justin Taplet (B.S. '21)

Name: Justin Taplet

Hometown: Pearland

Major: Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design

Graduation Year: 2008

Employer: Smith & Company

Architects Title: Senior Project Manager

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?

My mother was in the army, so I grew up moving around a lot – about every two years. As a kid traveling and living in different places, I would always notice how buildings and cities would look or feel. Driving through new towns I would be glued to the car window, taking in all the surroundings.

"Your story is your own. Embrace who you are and where you have been. Your career is not a race."

In 1998, my mom was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. I was born in El Paso, Texas, but we moved to Los Angeles before I was even one year old, so moving to Killeen in 1998 was essentially my first time living in Texas. I was in Killeen for three years, which was the longest time I had lived in a single place. Being there was also significant

because that was my eighth through eleventh grade years. My “growing up,” teenage years in Killeen were different compared to the other places I had lived. I felt more connected to the place and to the friends I had made. Any time before that, I barely even remembered classmates or friends because I was so used to just moving on and meeting new friends.

We then moved again at the end of my junior year to Germany. I finished my high school years in Germany and sorting out which college I was going to attend was rather simple because I only had a few priorities: study architecture, be in a big city, and move back to Texas. This led me to the University of Houston.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?

A favorite memory is tough for me, there were so many meaningful moments that shaped me into the person that I am today. The most enjoyable was the thrill and enjoyment I felt on graduation day. The sense of accomplishment I felt made it into the top three moments of my life.

Each of my studio professors had an impact, but if I had to pick, I would say Bill Neuhaus stands out. He took an interest in me and was very encouraging and interested

in the design I was doing in his studio. I kept up with him the most for years after graduating. He was always available for a talk or lunch when I was trying to navigate through my career.

My fifth-year studio professor, Jeffrey Brown, also had a significant impact on my career in a few ways. I specifically took his studio because he had a reputation for being a straight shooter and highly rigorous. I was interested in learning from him because he was leading a large award-winning firm, and I wanted to see what it took to be in that position. I landed my first professional job right after graduation due to his recommendation. Someone he had worked with in the past was in business for themselves and was looking to hire a recent graduate and Jeffery recommended me. I worked there for about one and a half years until the recession caught up to us at the end of 2009.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?

I love my current role because of the variety it offers. I wear multiple hats and have a direct impact on business and projects. Being in a leadership position within in a mid-sized firm allows me to work on all aspects related to delivering projects and obtaining new work. I may draft responses for RFQ questions, get

out some trace paper to sketch some ideas for a specific design problem, redline CDs, or set up a new project or drawing details in Revit all in the same day.

In addition to the variety of duties that change within a given day, our firm also has a variety of project types. We are a generalist firm, so we have multiple practice areas: K-12 , higher education, multifamily, aviation, office, healthcare, etc. Everything about my role requires me to be very nimble and always open and ready to learn at a fast pace.

This also ensures we stay true to the design process – tackling each project to create architecture, responding specifically to the given client and program. No “copytexture” – each project has its own voice and its own expression.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?

Hands down, becoming licensed. Completing all the requirements to become licensed is such a challenge because it requires “bringing it altogether”. The “it” is so vast, but I believe that is what I learned during my time at the college. It was about being exposed to new information, figuring out how to maximize your time, dedication to precision and accuracy, and synthesizing

everything into a final deliverable. Those are the same things required to pass the exams and to create a successful career.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?

Everything requires iteration. It was amazing to see the results from having such dedication to a project, working on it and making it better day by day. This is important because it goes beyond creating architecture; it applies to everything in life. We can create or make anything better if we are intentional and dedicated to the process. I learned “your first idea is your worst idea.” Everything can get better and it is our job to make it happen, step by step.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?

Your story is your own. Embrace who you are and where you have been. Your career is not a race. Follow your own passions and interests even if they may not align with a traditional approach. Prioritize learning and you will never go wrong.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Parkway Plaza, New Construction in association with Identity Architects; Creekbend Medical Office Building, New Construction in association with Identity Architects; Ancorian Medical Office Building, New Construction in association with Gensler.

Alumni Spotlight:

Mariana Marquez Keymolen (B.S. '21)

Name: Mariana Marquez Keymolen Hometown: Houston

Major: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design Graduation Year: 2021

Employer: Plexus Worldwide

Title: UX Designer

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?

I chose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design because of the wonderful experience I had during their summer course for prospective College students. Through the program, I gained valuable insights into the program’s environment, the professors’ teaching approaches, and the overall culture. I was particularly impressed by the professors’ dedication and encouragement. What truly captivated me were the walls filled with design work, ranging from intricate architectural models to detailed sketches of kettles.

It was at that moment I realized industrial design was my true calling. At the time, the University of Houston was the only school in Texas offering an industrial design program. While I was accepted to other universities, the University of Houston stood out as the perfect

choice. It combined a rigorous academic program with the vibrant and beautifully diverse city of Houston, a place I deeply admired.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?

One of my favorite memories from my time on campus was the “Awards Ceremony” hosted by Professor George Chow at the end of his CAD classes. Throughout the course, everyone worked diligently on their 3 D models, and in the end, we were recognized with “Best In” awards (certificates) and “Perfect Attendance” awards. At first, it might sound a bit trivial, but given how demanding his 3 D modeling classes were, it felt incredibly rewarding to come full circle with his statement from day one: “You see all this great modeling that previous students have done? Believe it or not, by the end of this course, you too will be able to create models like this—or even better.”

Imagine super sleek models with stunning, highly impressive animations. That class was truly a gift, elevating our CAD skills to rank among the best in quality compared to other Industrial Design schools.

"One valuable lesson I learned during my time at the Hines College is to be open to change all the time. Through challenging projects and college situations, I slowly learned to be more okay with sudden change."

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?

A typical day in my job starts with checking emails to see if there are any project updates. I like to work on UI/UX challenges and come back to them with a clear mind the next day, so my usual task is to review the work from the previous day. I strongly believe that as a designer, you must fine-tune to know when to step away and return later. Maybe it is a nap; maybe it is closing that work for the next day; maybe you visit a museum in between — I guarantee you can see things differently when you return.

As for business philosophy, knowing the root of the problem you are

trying to solve is essential for a business to survive. At Plexus, I collaborate with two other designers and I am very grateful to bounce ideas from them or quickly sketch something in the office. We are grateful to be acknowledged as the experts in UX because it gives us total freedom to suggest and create the best outcomes.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?

I am particularly proud that my “Better Block” mural project won the Grassroots Initiative Silver Award from APA Houston. I have always had a passion for the arts. Within architecture, pavilions and interactive exhibitions especially caught my attention. The idea of incorporating creativity into buildings while possibly educating the public simultaneously was genuinely inspiring to me.

Although I studied industrial design, I sought out opportunities to engage in these types of projects whenever I could. Through a scholarship, I met Anibeth Turcios, the deputy director of the Greater Northside Management District. She recognized my passion and took me under her wing, teaching me about the opportunities in public art and the initiatives that can secure grants for projects.

One day, she recruited me for a project involving an abandoned Church’s Chicken in Northside Houston. The site had been broken into, vandalized, and covered in trash, exuding negative energy in a community known for its beautiful murals. The Better Block concept and Broken Window Theory suggest that the condition of a space significantly impacts what happens around it. I sketched out concepts, refined them, and incorporated feedback from the Northside community.

We organized a community gathering, and with the help of my fellow SIDSA peers, we had enough hands to make it happen.

The building was boarded up, given a makeover, and surrounded by fun activities. It was a wonderful event demonstrating the power of a community coming together. Fast forward three years, and seeing the project recognized with an award is incredibly rewarding. I was already thrilled with the opportunity and the positive outcome, but the award reassures me that people are noticing, and good work does not go unnoticed. No matter where I live, I make sure to stay engaged with the public art sector.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?

One valuable lesson I learned during my time at the Hines College is to be open to change all the time. Coming into College, I was only comfortable when I had control over every aspect of my life. Through challenging projects and college situations, I slowly learned to be more okay with sudden change. I now focus on solutions and try to see changes or problems as a slight setback that can potentially make situations turn out for the best.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?

Dear current students, it is okay to feel without control. The market may not be in your favor when you graduate, and for that reason, you must be true to yourself. I say that because if you are true to yourself, you will dive into topics you like.

You will share your favorite things with others. You may start a club. You will write about it on Linkedin. Explore and be authentic. Be active in your community as you see fit. If you create a community that enjoys spending time with you and has your back, any hardship in the real world will feel less horrible. You will realize you built a network you can pull from and ask – “Hey, do you know if your company is hiring soon or looking for an intern?”

All of my roles, except for one, have been through my network. Please “get out there” in whatever form is comfortable for you.

ABOVE: Keymolen worked with community members for the "Better Block" mural project

Alumni Spotlight: Russell G. Clark

(M.Arch. '91)

Name: Russell G. Clark

Hometown: Laurel, Mississippi

Major: Master of Architecture

Graduation Year: 1991

Employer: ERES Companies; AIX Interests, Inc.

Title: Sr. Project Manager; Co-owner

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?

Near the end of my undergraduate studies, a professor casually mentioned tips for pursuing an advanced degree in architecture. This sparked a childhood memory of wanting to be an architect. I immediately signed up for the GRE, and the search was on for a program within a reasonable distance of my hometown. I had been to Houston as a child and had been intrigued by a documentary I had seen on the Houston skyline. Less than five months after the mention of graduate school, I had completed all requirements and moved to Houston to start classes at UH.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?

Bob Timme and Bob Lindsey had a significant impact. They were good at getting students to

push themselves and think way outside the box. I was fortunate to participate in UH’s program in Saintes, France. Natalye Appel was a visiting lecturer, and I have many fond and vivid memories of my semester there. I would be remiss if I did not mention Margie Franklin, the graduate school administrator at the time, who, through a chance encounter with her in 1988, led to me choosing UH. I will be forever thankful for her help.

"A good deal of my career has been outside the 'typical' architect role … My philosophy is to listen, learn, act, and execute."

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?

A good deal of my career has been outside the “typical” architect role. After a brief stint working for architecture firms, I spent most of my time working as an owner’s representative and all the many things that can entail. I spent five years at the City of Houston overseeing design and construction

in the theater district and about ten years working for Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. in their real estate development group. The last big projects I completed for them were Willie G’s and Mastro’s at The Post Oak development. I am currently in the third year of helping manage the design and construction of a 15-story single-tenant office building in Frisco, Texas. My philosophy is to listen, learn, act, and execute.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?

I volunteered my services to a local non-profit, Boys and Girls Country of Houston, out in Hockley. Over the years, I designed several projects for them at their campus, including a multi-use building, a large working barn, and a small chapel, among other things. It was an honor to be a small part of helping improve the lives of kids whose families were experiencing distress. UH taught me a lot about the value of equitable design and making humble spaces for all facets of society.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?

Keep asking questions!

ABOVE: Clark oversaw design and construction of Willie G's at The Post Oak for Landry's Development.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?

Speaking from my own experience, I would say to think outside the box. When it comes to charting your career, you might use the skills you have learned in many ways. Try to stay engaged with your college classmates, and be intentional in growing your professional network in whatever way is comfortable for you. Ask lots of questions, and be open to the journey.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Clark was the Owner's Representative for the Underground Garage at Discovery Green in Houston; Currently finishing up TIAA's new corporate center in Frisco, Texas; He Served as the Owner's Representative for TxDOT Austin Consolidated Campus; and Clark Oversaw design and construction of Willie G's at The Post Oak for Landry's Development

Alumni Spotlight: Claudia Joskowicz (B.Arch. '91)

Name: Claudia Joskowicz

Hometown: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Major: Bachelor of Architecture

Graduation Year: 1991

Employer: Wellesley College

Title: Associate Professor of Art

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?

The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design stood out to me for its blend of rigorous academic training and practical, real-world application. The space architecture program, which was active with NASA at the time, was also unique and compelling. Growing up in South America, where modernism shaped the region's major cities, the influence of visionary architects like Oscar Niemeyer and Luis Barragán became deeply ingrained in my design sensibility. This early exposure cultivated a deep appreciation for the impact of design on the built environment and its ability to shape human experience. I was particularly drawn to the College’s emphasis on contextual design and its focus on addressing real-world challenges, which aligned with the socially conscious design I aspired to create.

"My time at the Hines College imparted several valuable lessons. Most importantly, it instilled discipline and shaped my approach to art and design."

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?

There are countless memories from studios, juries, galas, friendships, and intense 48+ hour charrettes.

However, a seemingly mundane moment from the first few days of my second-year studio remains particularly vivid. Professor Peters pinned up a diverse collection of art and music images—a sort of mood board—while playing a song by The Smiths. He then remarked something like, "To create function and beauty, you must surround yourself with function and beauty."

This moment stands out because it perfectly encapsulates the casual yet rigorous atmosphere within the studios, where profound insights could emerge from the ordinary. The dynamic between Professor Zemanek's theory and history classes and the studio environment fostered critical thinking in all of us.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?

As a visual artist working with film

and video, focusing on landscapes and the urban fabric, there is no "typical" day. I often find myself working on location in various parts of South America. This work is inherently challenging and unpredictable, but that is precisely what makes it so exciting. A typical day changes based on the project phase. During pre-production, I spend time researching, scouting locations, and creating storyboards. I also handle practical tasks like budgeting, scheduling, and grant

writing. Production involves travel and on-location filming or photography. Post-production is time-intensive, with months spent editing video and photos. When exhibiting work, I coordinate with galleries and museums, which often requires travel to oversee installations. Essentially, my work involves a mix of planning, fieldwork, and technical post-production, all

ABOVE: Installation and video still of Some Dead Don’t Make a Sound 2015 at Die Ecke Arte Contemporáneo, Chile

driven by the specific demands of each project.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?

My career has been marked by several significant milestones. The publication of an artist's monograph by Turner Editorial in Madrid signifies a recognition of my twenty years of artistic work. The Guggenheim Museum's acquisition of two of my video installations within the last decade is another highlight, marking me as the first Bolivian video artist in an American museum collection. Additionally, in 2024, Cornell University held a symposium centered on my work, further acknowledging its critical and academic relevance. The College was instrumental in preparing me for these achievements, instilling in me the conviction and persistence necessary to pursue what some may view as an unpredictable artistic career.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?

My time at the Hines College imparted several valuable lessons. Most importantly, it instilled discipline and shaped my approach to art and design. The College taught me how to perceive and understand the city—how it functions, how it is constructed, how it evolves over time, and how people interact within it. This understanding forms a crucial

part of my creative process. I honed my ability to analyze how space influences the human experience, a recurring theme in my work, and to understand how built environments shape social interactions and power dynamics. The College provided a foundation for the critical examination of historical and political contexts, which is central to my work. My work frequently delves into the historical and political contexts of place, and it was at the College that I learned to dissect the history of buildings, spaces, and cities.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?

Today's architecture and design students face unprecedented challenges. My advice is to embrace a critical and narrative-driven approach. Don't just design buildings; understand the power dynamics at play and how your work might inadvertently reinforce or dismantle existing social and political structures. Think of your designs as stories: consider the narratives they create and how they shape people's experiences and memories of a place. And always be aware of the context. The social, political, economic, and environmental factors surrounding your projects are not just background noise; they are fundamental to how your work will be used and perceived. In a world grappling with constant change, your ability to design with critical awareness and narrative depth is crucial.

ABOVE: Installation of Parallels 2022 at Nube Gallery, Bolivia

ABOVE: Installation and video still of La niña de sus ojos 2022 at Nube Gallery, Bolivia

Inside OpenHOUse

Students build full-scale prototypes for the interior of a thermodynamic housing concept

THIS SEMESTER, A VERTICAL STUDIO CONSISTING OF architecture and interior architecture students worked together to begin bringing interior concepts for OpenHOUse to life.

ABOVE: The studio held an exhibition in the CRAFT Lab space at the end of the spring semester

OPPOSITE PAGE: The exhibition included full-scale prototypes for doors, space dividers, furniture, along with progress models and joinery concepts from fall 2024

"It was extremely rewarding to work with Assistant Professor Dijana Handanovic and the interdisciplinary group of interior architecture and architecture students this semester," shared Associate Professor Jason Logan, co-principal investigator of OpenHOUse. "The studio provided an opportunity for our students to see how much design happens after the scope of a typical design studio."

The work culminated in an exhibition in the CRAFT Lab at the end of the semester, showing fullscale prototypes of doors, furniture, and curtains along with process models, renderings, and early prototypes for the housing concept. They worked with Aria Signs & Design, owned by Hines College alum Shaya Attaei (B.S. ' 13 and M.Arch. ' 15), to design and fabricate metal components for their designs.

"The students experienced first-hand the importance of what we called 'full-scale thinking' and the precision required of a designer while detailing, specifying hardware, and developing

fabrication drawings," explained Logan. "They were able to see how necessary these aspects are to the realization of a successfully built project."

What's next for OpenHOUse? The project has become a part of the Hines College's BUILD+, a newly formed 501(c)3 organization that will be able to expand on the College's Graduate Design/Build Studio. The project will continue its work by searching for a site in Houston and building industry partnerships to bring its vision to life and benefit a local community with its thermodynamic housing concept.

—Nicholas

Nguyen

PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS NGUYEN

OPPOSITE

THIS PAGE: Details of the sliding door; Close-ups of some of the furnishings students designed and fabricated with help from Aria Signs & Design; The full-scale, hand-beaded curtain

PAGE: A close-up from underneath the beaded curtain