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.
Hines College Alum Wins Early Career Professional Achievement Award
Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Slattery '12
“My time at UH taught me the value of being wrong and how to embrace those opportunities to learn. Design is iterative. Just like your ordinary ideas are the ones closest to your fingertips, so are your bad ideas or misconceptions. Collaborative design is a conversation.” Ryan Slattery (M.Arch. ’12) is using what he learned at the Hines College to develop a resilient Houston.
2022 Alumni Awards Winners
Congratulations to the 2022 Alumni Awards recipients in the categories of Distinguished Alumni, Leadership Alumni, Successful Entrepreneur and Outstanding Young Alumni.
Alumni Spotlight: Vy Mai '15
"My academic experiences at UH opened up opportunities for me I could have never imagined, and I'm grateful to have had such dedicated professors along the way," says Vy Mai. Continue reading to learn about how her experiences at the Hine College set her on her current career path.
Dianca Chase joined the Hines College of Architecture + Design as Director, Alumni Relations in May 2022. In this capacity, she acts as liaison between the College’s Alumni Association and the College to promote alumni engagement among current and future alumni.