Alumni Spotlight: Jackie Barry (BFA '89 & M.Arch. '92)

Name: Jackie Barry
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts | Master of Architecture
Graduation Year: 1989 | 1992
Employer: Houston City College
Title: Interior Design Program Coordinator & Professor, Architectural Design & Construction COE

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
As cliché as it may sound, I was drawn to design from a very early age. I was the kid who constantly rearranged rooms, built things, and paid attention to how spaces felt. By the time I was in high school, I already knew I wanted to pursue something creative. Winning a Finger Furniture design contest in 11th grade only reinforced the feeling I found something that excited me and made sense.

After graduating, I enrolled in the University of Houston’s Fine Arts Interior Design program. It was during my undergraduate studies that a design professor first introduced me to architecture. That moment changed everything. I realized I wanted to be involved in more than just selecting finishes or designing objects; I wanted to help shape the spaces themselves and consider how people move through and experience the built environment.

With the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design right next door, it felt like an obvious place to continue that exploration. The studio culture, the interdisciplinary approach, and the college's energy made it an inspiring environment to learn and grow as a designer.

What ultimately stayed with me was the idea of impact – how design influences how people live, work, heal, and connect. That same idea of impact is what eventually drew me to teaching.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
Some of my favorite memories are simply the countless hours spent in studio with my classmates. In those days, studio culture meant spending nearly every waking minute together; designing, collaborating, debating ideas, laughing, and learning from one another. It was intense, but it also created a strong sense of community. Those long nights in studio shaped not only how I thought about design, but also the friendships and professional relationships that have lasted throughout my career.

Choosing just one professor who influenced me is difficult because several have played important roles in shaping how I think as a designer. Two professors who immediately come to mind are Bob Timme and Patrick Peters. Both pushed us beyond simply focusing on what we were designing and challenged us to think deeply about why we were designing it. The emphasis on intention and critical thinking fundamentally shaped the way I approach design to this day.

And then there was John Zemanek, who left a lasting impression on many of us, perhaps for slightly different reasons! His presence and perspective (on the spectacle of life) were certainly memorable and part of the rich mix of personalities that made the College such an interesting place to learn.

Looking back, it was that combination of rigorous studio culture, inspiring professors, and supportive classmates that made my time at the Hines College so meaningful.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?
After spending 14 years in corporate design and later owning a landscape design firm, I eventually found my way to teaching full-time. I was fortunate to begin as an adjunct instructor in the University of Houston’s Fine Arts program, teaching alongside some of my former professors, which was truly an honor. From there, I taught at several Houston-area design schools before landing at Houston City College, formerly Houston Community College, where I now serve as a full-time interior design professor.

In addition to teaching, I still maintain a small design practice. Over the past several years, I have worked closely with one family on a series of residential projects, allowing me to stay actively engaged in the design process from site planning and landscape design to architecture and interiors.

Because of this varied background, I do not have “typical” days, and that is exactly what I love about it. My days may involve teaching studio courses, mentoring students, developing curriculum, or working through design challenges with clients.

What remains consistent across everything I do is my commitment to the design process. I am especially passionate about teaching design concept development, helping students understand that great design is not just about aesthetics, but about ideas, intention, and purpose. Whether I am working with students or clients, I always come back to the same core questions: What are we designing? Why does it matter? And how will we bring it to life?

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?
Without question, the accomplishment I am most proud of is becoming a design educator. After many years working in professional practice, the opportunity to give back to the profession that shaped my career has been incredibly meaningful.

There is truly no greater moment for me than seeing a former student succeed, whether that means landing their first job, advancing in the profession, or discovering confidence in their abilities as a designer.

Teaching has also opened the door to new forms of design exploration and innovation. In 2024, I was honored to be selected as an HCC Innovation Fellow, where my project focused on developing a digital twin of our Interior Design Department, an immersive virtual environment allowing prospective students and visitors to experience the program in an entirely new way.

Alongside that work, I also co-developed a course titled “Designing in the Metaverse,” which explores how interior design principles translate into immersive digital environments and challenges students to think about how designers may shape virtual environments in the future.

The Hines College prepared me for this in ways that go far beyond technical skills. The studio culture taught me how to think critically, question assumptions, and develop a strong design process. That foundation continues to guide my work today as I help prepare the next generation of designers here in Houston.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned at the Hines College is that great design begins with a clear process and a strong concept. While that may sound simple, understanding why you are designing something (before jumping into what it looks like) was a lesson that shaped my entire career.

The studio environment constantly challenged us to think critically, test ideas, and refine our thinking. It was not enough to present something visually appealing; we had to explain the reasoning behind our decisions and connect our ideas to the broader experience of the space.

Learning to trust and follow a design process gave me a framework that I have carried throughout my professional work in architecture, landscape design, and interiors. It allowed me to approach projects thoughtfully and adapt to different design challenges with confidence.

That same lesson continues to guide my work today, especially in the classroom. I emphasize to my students that design concepts are not styles or trends; they are ideas that give a project meaning and direction. When students understand that their work becomes stronger, more thoughtful, and more impactful.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?
First, respect the design process you are learning and do not rush past it. Research is essential to meaningful design. Without understanding context, users, environment, and precedent, it is difficult to create work that truly has depth.

Second, recognize that architecture and design can be demanding professions. The long hours and intensity are real, which is why it is important that you genuinely love the work. Passion is what sustains you through the challenging moments.

Finally, hold on to the collaborative spirit you develop in studio. Some of my best memories from school came from working alongside classmates, sharing ideas, critiquing each other’s work, and learning together. That collaborative mindset continues to be just as important in professional practice.

The best design work rarely happens in isolation. It grows through shared ideas, thoughtful critique, and a commitment to the design process.

If you stay curious, trust the process, and work together, you will discover that design has the power not only to shape spaces, but also to shape lives, including your own.