Name: Mariana Marquez Keymolen
Hometown: Houston
Major: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design
Graduation Year: 2021
Employer: Plexus Worldwide
Title: UX Designer

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
I chose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design because of the wonderful experience I had during their summer course for prospective College students. Through the program, I gained valuable insights into the program’s environment, the professors’ teaching approaches, and the overall culture. I was particularly impressed by the professors’ dedication and encouragement. What truly captivated me were the walls filled with design work, ranging from intricate architectural models to detailed sketches of kettles. It was at that moment I realized industrial design was my true calling. At the time, the University of Houston was the only school in Texas offering an industrial design program. While I was accepted to other universities, the University of Houston stood out as the perfect choice. It combined a rigorous academic program with the vibrant and beautifully diverse city of Houston, a place I deeply admired.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
One of my favorite memories from my time on campus was the “Awards Ceremony” hosted by Professor George Chow at the end of his CAD classes. Throughout the course, everyone worked diligently on their 3D models, and in the end, we were recognized with “Best In” awards (certificates) and “Perfect Attendance” awards. At first, it might sound a bit trivial, but given how demanding his 3D modeling classes were, it felt incredibly rewarding to come full circle with his statement from day one: “You see all this great modeling that previous students have done? Believe it or not, by the end of this course, you too will be able to create models like this—or even better.”

Imagine super sleek models with stunning, highly impressive animations. That class was truly a gift, elevating our CAD skills to rank among the best in quality compared to other Industrial Design schools.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?
A typical day in my job starts with checking emails to see if there are any project updates. I like to work on UI/UX challenges and come back to them with a clear mind the next day, so my usual task is to review the work from the previous day. I strongly believe that as a designer, you must fine-tune to know when to step away and return later. Maybe it is a nap; maybe it is closing that work for the next day; maybe you visit a museum in between– I guarantee you can see things differently when you return. As for business philosophy, knowing the root of the problem you are trying to solve is essential for a business to survive. At Plexus, I collaborate with two other designers and I am very grateful to bounce ideas from them or quickly sketch something in the office. We are grateful to be acknowledged as the experts in UX because it gives us total freedom to suggest and create the best outcomes.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?
I am particularly proud that my “Better Block” mural project won the Grassroots Initiative Silver Award from APA Houston. I have always had a passion for the arts. Within architecture, pavilions and interactive exhibitions especially caught my attention. The idea of incorporating creativity into buildings while possibly educating the public simultaneously was genuinely inspiring to me.

Although I studied industrial design, I sought out opportunities to engage in these types of projects whenever I could. Through a scholarship, I met Anibeth Turcios, the deputy director of the Greater Northside Management District. She recognized my passion and took me under her wing, teaching me about the opportunities in public art and the initiatives that can secure grants for projects.

One day, she recruited me for a project involving an abandoned Church’s Chicken in Northside Houston. The site had been broken into, vandalized, and covered in trash, exuding negative energy in a community known for its beautiful murals. The Better Block concept and Broken Window Theory suggest that the condition of a space significantly impacts what happens around it. I sketched out concepts, refined them, and incorporated feedback from the Northside community.

We organized a community gathering, and with the help of my fellow SIDSA peers, we had enough hands to make it happen. The building was boarded up, given a makeover, and surrounded by fun activities. It was a wonderful event demonstrating the power of a community coming together. Fast forward three years, and seeing the project recognized with an award is incredibly rewarding. I was already thrilled with the opportunity and the positive outcome, but the award reassures me that people are noticing, and good work does not go unnoticed. No matter where I live, I make sure to stay engaged with the public art sector.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
One valuable lesson I learned during my time at the Hines College is to be open to change all the time. Coming into College, I was only comfortable when I had control over every aspect of my life. Through challenging projects and college situations, I slowly learned to be more okay with sudden change. I now focus on solutions and try to see changes or problems as a slight setback that can potentially make situations turn out for the best.

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?
Dear current students, it is okay to feel without control. The market may not be in your favor when you graduate, and for that reason, you must be true to yourself. I say that because if you are true to yourself, you will dive into topics you like. You will share your favorite things with others. You may start a club. You will write about it on Linkedin. Explore and be authentic. Be active in your community as you see fit. If you create a community that enjoys spending time with you and has your back, any hardship in the real world will feel less horrible. You will realize you built a network you can pull from and ask – “Hey, do you know if your company is hiring soon or looking for an intern?”

All of my roles, except for one, have been through my network. Please “get out there” in whatever form is comfortable for you.

Connect with Mariana:
Website