STORIES

Hines College Professors Launch Shaping the Gulf Coast of Tomorrow Studio Tackling Regional Climate Challenges

Professors Dalia Munenzon and Matthew Johnson are launching a studio developed in partnership and funded with a $748,848 research grant from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Illuminating Safety

Motorcyclists face heightened risks, especially at night, due to their reduced visibility to other drivers. Project Legacy, an innovation in motorcycle safety developed by Hines College industrial design alum Khanh Vu (B.S. '24), addresses this issue with advanced lighting and smart detection systems designed to make riders more visible and reduce accident risks.

The University of Houston and Hines College have expanded their efforts to better support their community and provide the resources needed to improve mental health and well-being. Read about how our community creates meaningful spaces and programs to advance mental health at the College.

Alumni Spotlight: Kadmiel Konan (B.S. '23)

Growing up on the Ivory Coast, Kadmiel Konan (B.S. '23) always had an interest in technology and design. His interests in design has helped him hone a variety of skills that go beyond the role of a traditional industrial designer, having worked on projects for clients like Snap-on, Tabasco, NOV, and KOCH.

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Valdez (B.Arch. '14)

Jessica Valdez's (B.Arch. '14) design journey went from being a fan of home makeover shows while growing up to finding her passion and career as a healthcare planner at Page. One important lesson she learned at the Hines College is that "every design decision should have a purpose."

Planting a Seed of Community and Sustainability

Brenda Castillo's (B.Arch. '24) project Village of the Levy: Switchgrass blends the power of design and storytelling. Her efforts have garnered local and national honors, including a Hines College Undergraduate Architecture Design Award and a 2024 Student Design Award from AIA Dallas.

Drafting Dreams: Laying a Foundation for Career Success

In architecture, learning never stops. The leap from theory to practice is essential for every architecture student, and internships are the key to making that transition. Eight Hines College students took these opportunities over the summer to immerse themselves in the industry, tackle real projects, form a professional network, and build up their skillset.

Unboxing Gentrification

Hines College alum Paul Molina (B.S. ’19) received a Fulbright award to explore displacement in Mexico City caused by gentrification, using the Chicano aesthetic of rasquachismo. His project involves creating scenic installations to represent the cultural memories of displaced families.

"Six"-cessful Designs with Impact

Hines College alumni, faculty, and students secured six honors at the AIA Houston Design Awards, with projects ranging from built projects to conceptual work. These recognitions include innovative solutions, design for community, attention to sustainability, and contributions to the architectural landscape.

Alumni Spotlight: Mariel Piña (B.S. '11)

Mariel Pîna (B.S. '11) always wanted to pursue a career that merged her passions for creativity and helping people. Of her time at the Hines College, she said, "I learned from lectures, experimentation, and, sometimes, failure. Working in a creative environment with high standards prepared me for the professional world of design."

Transformative Travels Abroad

This past summer, Hines College architecture students took journeys that advanced their pursuit of academic excellence and deepened their knowledge in new ways. As they navigated new environments in Italy and Japan, they forged relationships across borders, adapted to diverse perspectives, and expanded their horizons.

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."

Imagining a Plan to Power Up Houston’s Near Northside Community

Over the summer, Hines College architecture students Yen Co, Yulisa Tran, Lucia Poggioli, Jailyn Benavides, Leslie Alamirra, and Lauren Smith won the inaugural “Power the Community” International College Design Competition, earning a $7,000 prize for “Distinguished Design – Urban Planning.”

New On Board: New Leadership Council Members Advance Key Goals

The Leadership Council recently welcomed several new members with extensive experience supporting the Council’s current goals to strengthen industry connections with students and complete fundraising for the Construction Robotics and Fabrication Technology (C.R.A.F.T.) Lab.

New Faculty Shaping College Curriculum

The Hines College welcomes two new faculty members and elevates three members to new positions this year. All five members bring decades of architecture and design experience in professional and academic fields. Read on to learn about these faculty members' diverse backgrounds and perspectives.