Alumni Spotlight: Yuliana Hernandez (M.Arch. '16)

Name: Yuliana Hernandez
Hometown: Houston
Major: Master of Architecture
Graduation Year: 2016
Employer: SmithGroup
Title: Project Designer

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University, I wanted to immerse myself in a metropolitan setting where architecture is actively shaping the city. Houston offered that energy, and the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design provided the perfect environment to continue growing as a designer.

Design has always been a way for me to connect creativity with purpose. I am drawn to how architecture influences the way people live, interact, and experience space. During my undergraduate years, I built meaningful relationships that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I wanted to continue building those kinds of connections in the city where I saw myself working long-term.

The University of Houston offered not only access to diverse architecture but also valuable networking and job opportunities. It gave me the chance to get ahead professionally while still having the time and space to refine my design voice. The College’s collaborative culture, combined with its inspiring faculty, perfectly aligned with my aspiration, encouraging me to explore bold ideas while staying rooted in practical, real-world design.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
Graduate school was a constant balancing act as I juggled part-time work at local architecture firms with a full schedule of classes. While the pace was demanding, the lectures at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design were a refreshing and energizing part of my day. They were a true breath of fresh air. On the days I went straight from work to class, I genuinely looked forward to the engaging discussions in Susan Rogers’ course. Her ability to spark meaningful dialogue made every session feel like a space for exploration and growth.

Joseph Colaco’s structures class was another highlight. His storytelling brought technical concepts to life, connecting theory with real-world applications in a way that was both insightful and inspiring. And of course, I cannot forget the incredible studio professors who consistently challenged me to refine my ideas and think critically about every design decision. Their mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my development as a designer.

It is difficult to pinpoint just one favorite memory because it was the combination of inspiring faculty, a collaborative studio culture, and the dynamic balance between academic and professional life that made my time on campus so memorable and transformative.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?
A typical day in my role is dynamic, collaborative, and deeply creative. Much of my time is spent developing client presentations and co-leading key segments of our higher education project workshops. These engagements allow me to connect directly with stakeholders, helping shape environments that support learning, growth, and community.

Design collaboration sessions with our project teams are a cornerstone of my day. These are energetic spaces where we brainstorm, iterate, and align on design direction. I work closely with teammates to keep projects progressing smoothly, ensuring that ideas translate into actionable outcomes. When I am not in meetings, I am sketching, an essential part of my problem-solving process. Sketching helps me think spatially and conceptually, and it is a refreshing way to step away from the screen and engage with ideas more intuitively.

Mentorship is also woven into my daily routine. I am committed to supporting emerging professionals by offering challenges that stretch their abilities and opportunities that foster growth. It is rewarding to see their confidence and creativity evolve through meaningful engagement.

My design philosophy centers on empathetic and attentive listening. I believe that understanding people, their needs, frustrations, and aspirations are the foundation of impactful design. Whether I am collaborating with clients, users, or colleagues, I approach each conversation with curiosity and care. Listening deeply allows me to uncover insights that inform not just the aesthetics of a space, but its purpose and long-term value.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?
One accomplishment I am especially proud of is becoming a licensed architect, a milestone representing years of dedication, growth, and passion for the profession. Equally meaningful are the higher education and community-focused projects I have had the privilege to contribute to. When I reflect on the work I have helped shape across Houston over the past decade, and the diverse communities I have served, the sense of pride is profound. Giving back to the city my family and I have called home for nearly thirty years is not just fulfilling – it is personal.

My college experience laid the foundation for moments like these. It taught me to think critically, communicate visually, and listen with intention. The studio culture instilled a strong work ethic and a spirit of collaboration, while critiques helped me develop the ability to give and receive feedback constructively. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to lead with empathy and creativity, even in high-pressure environments. These lessons continue to guide me as I navigate complex projects and mentor the next generation of designers.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
My Master of Architecture taught me that great ideas rarely come fully formed – they are shaped through iteration, critique, and persistence. I learned to embrace feedback, stay open to new perspectives, and keep pushing even when the solution was not immediately clear.

The studio environment at the Hines College fostered a sense of community and collaboration that helped me grow not just as a designer, but as a teammate and leader. It taught me that architecture is not just about buildings, it is about people.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?
The relationships you build during college are more valuable than you might realize. Nurture them, build on them, and carry them with you into your career. The architecture world is surprisingly small, and opportunities often come through the people you know, whether it is someone opening a door for you or you doing the same for someone else. These connections usually become the foundation for collaboration, mentorship, and long-term growth.

Equally important are the relationships you build after graduation with coworkers, clients, and contractors. You would be surprised how often paths cross again. The longer I grow in my career, the more I believe that strong relationships are the cornerstone of every great team and every successful project.

At the end of the day, we are all just human, and leading with empathy helps us see and support one another more fully. In a profession that often demands precision, deadlines, and high expectations, empathy reminds us to slow down and connect. It allows us to build trust, foster collaboration, and create environments where people feel valued and heard.