The University of Houston and University of Houston Alumni Association honored outstanding UH alumni owned and operated businesses in a virtual event February 3rd for the 7th annual Cougar 100 Awards. Every year, companies are ranked by the percentage of compound annual growth in sales or revenue across a three-year period with gross revenues above $250,000, and in business for five years or more.
The Cougar 100 awards seek to recognize growing and successful Cougar-run businesses, and connect alumni with fellow business owners supporting that “Cougars should be doing business with Cougars.” The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design has become a staple of the Cougar 100 Awards, spotlighting its alumni’s success in the industry.
The virtual event also announced the University’s new CoogsConnect platform, making its debut next month. The online platform engages alumni and students to expand professional networks, promote mentorship, and integrate into the greater University of Houston community.
For a complete listing of this year’s Cougar 100 recipients, visit the University of Houston Alumni Association. Hines College alumni recipients are highlighted below.
7th Annual Cougar 100
UH Hines College Alumni Recipients
#3 Aria Signs
Shaya Attaei (’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.
#9 Method Architecture
Jake Donaldson (M.ARCH ’06)
Method Architecture is an ego-free architecture and interior design firm focused on industrial, retail, office, public, and brewery/distillery projects. Method Architecture is a certified HUB and MBE with offices in Houston, August, and Dallas.
#45 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.
#73 J. Tyler
Gary Longbotham (’73)
J. Tyler represents the best office furniture manufacturers in the world. Combining these world class products with their focus on client profitability is what makes J. Tyler Services the award-winning company it is today. Gary Longbotham is an “adopted” alumnus of the Hines College. He currently serves on the dean’s Leadership Council, a group of industry leaders in Houston specializing in architecture, interior architecture, real estate, and construction.
#80 Element Architects, LLC
Michael Graham (’99)
Element Architects bring their clients visions to reality from concept to completion. The firm specializes in education, multi-family, senior living, and commercial retail/office mixed-use developments.
#83 PhiloWilke Partnership
Steven Schultz (’80)
PhiloWilke is an architectural firm specializing in creating healing environments that promote advancements in health through purposeful design. Dedicated to healthcare and health science, their designs are responsive to client’s needs and are adaptable to their future vision.
#89 Albarran Architects, LLC
Franco Albarran (’99)
Albarran Architects is a full-service Architectural firm offering services from schematic design to construction administration. Franco Albarran currently serves as the Treasurer of the College’s Architecture and Design Alumni Association.