Alumni Spotlight: Claudia Morles (B.Arch. '19)
June 17, 2025
above: A Concept drawing for the Red Egg and ginger movie set
Name: Claudia Morles
Hometown: Houston, Texas / Maracaibo, Venezuela
Major: Bachelor of Architecture
Graduation Year: 2019
Employer: Corgan
Title: Architectural Project Specialist
"My background in architecture gave me a solid understanding of space and how people move through it, how it affects emotion, and how different elements relate to one another physically and visually."
Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
I chose the five-year Bachelor of Architecture program because it would allow me to qualify for licensure without needing a master's degree in architecture. That was important to me, since I knew I would possibly want to do a master's in another area — like film, studio art, or dive deeper into research. I wanted to keep the door open to other creative paths while still building a strong foundation in architecture.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
I remember Marta Muñoz's studio as one of the most memorable and challenging parts of my fourth year. She had a way of pushing our design boundaries that really encouraged us to think differently and take creative risks. That semester marked a real turning point for me — l started to let go of overly rigid ideas and allowed myself to have more fun with the design process. The methods and mindset she encouraged still play a big role in how I approach projects today. In my final semester, I worked with professor Susan Rogers, who was incredibly open to some of the more unconventional ideas that came out of my post-Muñoz design mindset. Her thoughtful guidance, vast knowledge, and encouragement helped me refine those ideas into something cohesive, and the combination of both professors' influence made my final project one of the most fulfilling l've worked on.
above: Photos of Morle's work on Red Egg and Ginger, An NFTS Grad Film, as the restaurant interior comes to life; Architectural drawings for the film's set design
What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?
I'm really happy to have recently graduated from the National Film and Television School (NFTS), where I studied production design. While there, I worked with many talented filmmakers and artists on some very special projects. I'm especially proud to have been part of the films Red Egg and Ginger and Death's Peak, as well as a video game called Tulou. Red Egg and Ginger had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in New York City on June 8.
These experiences taught me a great deal and helped me build on the skills I developed at both Hines College and NFTS. My background in architecture gave me a solid understanding of space and how people move through it, how it affects emotion, and how different elements relate to one another physically and visually. That foundation really helped as I shifted into designing for story-driven, cinematic environments.
What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong!
Connect with Claudia
www.claudiamorles.com
@claudmorles
@morlesclaudia
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