Name: Russell G. Clark
Hometown: Laurel, Mississippi
Major: Master of Architecture
Graduation Year: 1991
Employer: ERES Companies; AIX Interests, Inc.
Title: Sr. Project Manager; Co-owner

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
Near the end of my undergraduate studies, a professor casually mentioned tips for pursuing an advanced degree in architecture. This sparked a childhood memory of wanting to be an architect. I immediately signed up for the GRE, and the search was on for a program within a reasonable distance of my hometown. I had been to Houston as a child and had been intrigued by a documentary I had seen on the Houston skyline. Less than five months after the mention of graduate school, I had completed all requirements and moved to Houston to start classes at UH.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
Bob Timme and Bob Lindsey had a significant impact. They were good at getting students to push themselves and think way outside the box. I was fortunate to participate in UH’s program in Saintes, France. Natalye Appel was a visiting lecturer, and I have many fond and vivid memories of my semester there. I would be remiss if I did not mention Margie Franklin, the graduate school administrator at the time, who, through a chance encounter with her in 1988, led to me choosing UH. I will be forever thankful for her help.

Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?
A good deal of my career has been outside the “typical” architect role. After a brief stint working for architecture firms, I spent most of my time working as an owner’s representative and all the many things that can entail. I spent five years at the City of Houston overseeing design and construction in the theater district and about ten years working for Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. in their real estate development group. The last big projects I completed for them were Willie G’s and Mastro’s at The Post Oak development. I am currently in the third year of helping manage the design and construction of a 15-story single-tenant office building in Frisco, Texas. My philosophy is to listen, learn, act, and execute.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?
I volunteered my services to a local non-profit, Boys and Girls Country of Houston, out in Hockley. Over the years, I designed several projects for them at their campus, including a multi-use building, a large working barn, and a small chapel, among other things. It was an honor to be a small part of helping improve the lives of kids whose families were experiencing distress. UH taught me a lot about the value of equitable design and making humble spaces for all facets of society.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
Keep asking questions!

What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?
Speaking from my own experience, I would say to think outside the box. When it comes to charting your career, you might use the skills you have learned in many ways. Try to stay engaged with your college classmates, and be intentional in growing your professional network in whatever way is comfortable for you. Ask lots of questions, and be open to the journey.