Alumni Spotlight: Fallon Marie Barrett, NOMA, Assoc. AIA (B.S. '08 & B.Arch. '13)

April 22, 2026

Name: Fallon Marie Barrett
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Bachelor of Science, Environmental Design | Bachelor of Architecture
Graduation Year: 2008 | 2013
Employer: City of Houston - General Service Department, Design and Construction - Minor Projects
Title: Assistant Project Manager

"If you see this profession in your future, keep pushing forward. Also remember that you don’t have to fit into anyone else’s box. Studying architecture can open doors to a wide range of career paths, so stay flexible and open‑minded."

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
I always loved to design as a young girl, building dollhouses out of cardboard boxes, but I never knew architecture was an option because no one had introduced it to me. I did not encounter the field until I was completing my bachelor’s degree at Texas State University and had taken a couple of interior design courses.

As I approached my final semester and questioned whether I truly wanted to pursue education, knowing my passions were pulling me elsewhere, I learned about the architecture program at the University of Houston. Something in me knew I needed to take a chance and apply.

Being accepted into the program changed the course of my life, and I remain deeply grateful for that moment of courage and possibility.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
I do not have a single favorite memory because I was surrounded by incredibly talented classmates and caring instructors, making every experience feel meaningful. Professors such as Duke Fleshman, Robert Griffin, Patrick Peters, Susan Rogers, and Cord Bowen were especially influential in keeping me deeply engaged in studio and eager to learn more. They each challenged me to push myself further, think more critically, and grow as a designer.

Knowing that some of them are still teaching at the University of Houston gives me confidence that UH will continue to shape and inspire the next generation of great designers.

ABOVE: As secretary for Houston NOMA, Barrett served as a committee chair and helped raise $60,000 towards chapter operations and scholarships for the organization's 20th Anniversary Gala. In 2025, she was named the Member of the Year, and she was one of the first recipients of the John S. Chase ARE Memorial Scholarships.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?
As a Project Manager in the City of Houston’s Design and Construction Division, working on Minor Projects, including interior renovations and furniture procurement, I have learned to be a true problem solver in a world full of “wait a minute.” This role has taught me to be resourceful, adaptable, and intentional in every design decision.

In many ways, our group operates like a small design‑build firm, delivering projects that directly affect City of Houston employees. I like to think that what we do helps build morale and improve overall workplace satisfaction, ultimately supporting the people who serve Houston residents every day.

On average, we design and manage 15–20 projects each year from start to finish, with the occasional one‑off requiring an extremely quick turnaround. In this job, and in everything I do, I live by the quote, “Find a need and fill it.” Much of our work addresses immediate needs, but I also try to anticipate future needs and prepare for them. That mindset keeps me grounded, forward‑thinking, and committed to delivering meaningful, functional spaces for the people we serve.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?
A career accomplishment I am most proud of is never giving up on my goal of becoming a licensed architect. The summer before my fifth year of architecture school, I became pregnant with my oldest son. I knew the spring semester would be challenging, with my due date falling right in the middle of it. I worried about keeping up with the intensity of studio life, including long nights, deadlines, and constant pressure.

What I did not expect was the overwhelming support I received. My professors, past and present, and my classmates rallied around me. Their encouragement reminded me that even when life brings challenges beyond my control, there are people genuinely invested in my success. Those relationships became lifelong connections that carried me through every phase of my journey.

When I returned a few years later to complete my degree and faced new challenges, the same energy and support were still there. Now, married and a mother of four, I’m still persevering and closer than ever to licensure. I owe much of that resilience to the unwavering support of my fellow UH alumni.

ABOVE: Working for the City of Houston, Barrett was able to work on projects to maintain historical buildings, like the Julia Ideson Library; In service for city employees, she also works on projects like renovating a City Council break room

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time at the Hines College and throughout my journey in this profession is that architecture has no single “type.” When I entered the program, our freshman class included students from a wide range of ages, cultures, and backgrounds. There was a woman in her late fifties beginning her architecture education, and several of us were a little older than the students coming straight out of high school—I like to call us the seasoned ones.

Learning alongside such a diverse group opened my eyes to the reality that, despite the lingering perception of architecture as a white male–dominated field, there is space for many voices. There is room for minority groups who also love the built environment, and each of us brings value to the profession.

As a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects and AIA, and as a member of both local boards, I was prepared by those early college experiences to navigate the evolving landscape of our field. They taught me to build meaningful connections, appreciate others’ perspectives, and recognize the importance of creating a profession where everyone’s contributions matter.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?
My advice to current architecture and design students is not to give up easily on what you’ve set out to accomplish. If you see this profession in your future, keep pushing forward. Also remember that you don’t have to fit into anyone else’s box. Studying architecture can open doors to a wide range of career paths, so stay flexible and open‑minded.

When you face life’s challenges, learn to persevere rather than fall short of your goals. Life will happen. What matters most is how you navigate it and keep moving forward. It is NEVER too late to pursue what you want to do or to become the person you aspire to be.