Alumni Spotlight: Nicholas Orchard (B.S. '18)
Industrial design alum Nicholas Orchard (B.S. '18) shared advice to students: "No matter what anyone else is doing, think for yourself, interpret things however you see fit, and do what you think is right. Trust yourself. Even failures are achievements if you use them as learning opportunities."
Alumni Spotlight: Tarek Moubayed (M.Arch. '23)
Recent graduate Tarek Moubayed (M.Arch. '23) now works as an architect at AECOM. He said he pursued his studies at the Hines College because: "Design, in and of itself, is a process of bringing people together to solve problems... This is the kind of environment I felt I was exposed to at the College, and it is one I am grateful for."
Alumni Spotlight: Andres A. Pacheco (M.Arch. '03)
Andres A. Pacheco (M.Arch. '03) recently won three AIA Awards for his work as a senior associate at VMDO Architects. "Being able to work on any project at hand is what truly motivates me the most every day. I am so thankful for that opportunity," he shared.
New On Board: PDR Principal Marc Bellamy
This spring, industry leader and alumnus Marc Bellamy (B.Arch. '00) joins the Hines College's Leadership Council as the advisory group continues to advance the College's strategic initiatives.
Alumni Spotlight: Andre Simapranata (B.Arch. '12)
Andre Simapranata (B.Arch. '12) recently completed a project in Bali, a residential villa called Tanatakah. He said, "The Hines College fully prepared me with the skills to take on this kind of project and see it through."
Hines College Alum Honored for Historic Preservation Legacy
Preservation Houston honored alumnus David Bucek, FAIA (’90), with the 2024 President’s Award. The recognition spotlights the Hines College alumnus’ commitment to safeguarding Houston’s historic and influential architectural past.
Alumni Spotlight: Micki Washington (M.Arch. '04)
Micki Washington (M.Arch. '04) is the Workplace Strategy and Change Management Lead for the Americas at BP. Her work includes developing strategies for businesses and gathering research on a variety of topics that include inclusive design practices, workplace trends, real estate statistics, and more.
Celebrating a Legacy of Urban Planning
On February 6, 2024, the City of Houston proclaimed a day in honor of Margaret Wallace Brown's (B.S.' 83) service to the City and her retirement as the Department of Planning and Development director.
10th Annual Cougar 100 Honors Hines College Alumni
On February 27th, the University of Houston and the University of Houston Alumni Association gathered on campus at the Moores Opera House for a milestone year honoring UH's fastest-growing alumni-owned and operated business.
Alumni Spotlight: William Williams ('89)
William Williams' ('89) time at UH helped him learn to collaborate with others. He said, "The Hines College has always been one of the most diverse programs in the country, and I mean that in ways beyond its clear racial diversity."
Alumni Spotlight: Fernando Brave (M.Arch. '88)
An accomplished architect, Fernando Brave (M.Arch '88) reflects on his firm's practices: "I am particularly fond of the fact that we primarily serve community-based projects. We work with clients whose missions are, in different ways, to improve the quality of life in the region."
Alumni Spotlight: Cindy Villarreal ('07)
Cindy Villarreal, AIA, MBA, WELL AP ('07) finds her diverse work rewarding as well as being an example of a minority woman architect. She said, "There were many voices (and statistics) along the way that all said my becoming a registered architect was highly unlikely, but the voice inside me that believed I would be was the loudest. I hope to be that positive voice for someone."
Alumni Spotlight: Sean Fleming (MAAS '20)
Sean Fleming (MAAS '20) studied architecture history before continuing his studies at the Hines College. Now a photographer, he shared, "Many architectural photographers I look up to were once architects themselves or formally studied design, and I believe their education shows in their work."
Alumni Spotlight: Alyse Makarewicz ('97)
Alyse Makarewicz ('97) studied architecture to combine her analytical and creative strengths. Since then, she started her firm 18 years ago to help keep women in architecture. Recently, AMB Architects was selected as AIA Houston's Firm of the Year 2023.
Alumni Spotlight: Ami Shah (M.Arch. '03)
The lessons Ami Shah (M.Arch. '03) learned at the Hines College helped propel her to success. "It provided a solid foundation, allowing me to expand my horizons and explore different design ideas and theoretical approaches in a way I had not before."
Ivy League Bound: Hines Students Take the Next Step
This fall, two Hines College alumni commenced the next step in their academic careers, beginning graduate studies at two Ivy League universities – Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) and Princeton University School of Architecture.
Alumni Spotlight: Jason Logan ('00)
Recently named the Director of the Keeland Lab, Hines College associate professor Jason Logan reflected on his time as a student. "It is difficult to pick one favorite memory, but they all come from the late nights at the Hines College, with the lifelong friends I made as a student."
Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Higgins ('07)
Jennifer started her Hines College journey during a high school summer program. Now a principal at THR3E Design, she says to students, " Never stop learning because architecture and design are ever-evolving fields."
Alumni Spotlight: Lauri Goodman Lampson '88
Lauri says she learned the importance of strategic thinking at UH. To future designers, she advises, "Be curious and seek diverse perspectives. Ask why of your professors and yourself."
Melvalean McLemore Bestowed Ben Brewer Young Architect Award
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Houston chapter awarded University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design alumna Melvalean McLemore, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP (B.Arch. '09) its 2023 Ben Brewer Young Architect Award at the organization’s annual gala on May 20.
Alumni Spotlight: Terence Gelo '13
For alumnus Terence Gelo '13, design is all about continuous learning. "While studying at the Hines College, I learned that design is an interwoven and complicated discipline. There is no all-encompassing list of things you need to know because that list changes daily."
Alumni Spotlight: Vanessa Ortega '08
On her experience with faculty members, Vanessa Ortega '08 says, "Many professors in the College were also working professionals. Their stories and industry experience helped paint a picture of what to expect from the industry."
Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Mendler '08
Advice alumna Amanda Mendler '08 has for students: "Architecture school is the time to let your imagination lead the way ... Do not lose the art of architecture."
Alumni Spotlight: Kelly Robichau '06
What lesson did Kelly Robichau '06 learn during her time at the CoAD? She said, "The Hines College fostered a culture where doors were open, professors were accessible, and classmates almost always worked alongside you ... The ability to communicate is a skill that begins way before you step into an architecture firm."
K67 Exhibition at UH Features Restored Kiosk from Former Yugoslavia
What started as a passion project for Dijana Handanović to restore K67 kiosks from the Balkan peninsula has evolved into a unique exhibition at the University of Houston.
Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Rusnak '90, '92
Owner of the Art Farm in Maui, Hines College alum Thomas Rusnak shared, "My advice would be to cherish the opportunity to design all things, no matter how small the project might be. Give each project the same attention, be it a table, a tiny house, or 10,000 square foot building."
Alumni Spotlight: Ar Khushairi Muhammad '91
Ar Khushairi Muhammad '91 believes that the Hines College taught him to believe in himself. He said, "The university life at the Hines College prepared me to apply architecture broadly while emphasizing design projects. One career accomplishment I am particularly proud of is the opportunity to be part of the technical team in constructing the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, from 1993 to 1998."
Alumni Spotlight: Irma Sifontes '15
"I am proud of being an international professional in the architecture field, where I can easily manage projects in different languages and countries, beginning from the schematic design phase up until the construction administration. The Hines College reinforced and broadened my knowledge in architecture, design, and drafting software." Irma Sifontes '15 shares how her time at the Hines College impacted her career.
Alumni Spotlight: Nonfiction
“What will people say about you when you are gone? Will they tell a story of generosity, empathy, raising others up, and giving back, or will they tell a different story? You only have one chance on this planet. Make your impact positive.” Mardis and Phnam Bagley '06 dive into their experience at the University of Houston and what makes their firm Nonfiction one of a kind.
