Creating Connections: Honors Society Shapes UH Design Students’ Futures
Hines College students induction into Tau Sigma Delta Beta Delta Chapter
by Stephen Schad • November 25, 2024
This fall, the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design inducted a remarkable 38 top students into the University’s Beta Delta chapter of the national Tau Sigma Delta (TSD) Honor Society in Architecture and the Allied Arts. The Society is the sole national honor society for architecture and design majors holding accreditation from the Association of College Honor Societies.
TSD was founded in 1913 at the University of Michigan as a senior honor society for architecture and landscape architecture students, later expanding to include students in allied arts and design fields. Despite challenges such as World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Vietnam Conflict, the Society endured, though some chapters became inactive during these periods. In recent years, Tau Sigma Delta has experienced a resurgence, with the number of new chapters reaching an all-time high.
In 2023, the Hines College launched a concerted effort to reestablish the TSD at the College after years of dormancy. Students have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to build connections with other high-achieving students to strengthen their professional networks and aid their future careers.
Lauri Goodman Lampson (BFA ’88), President and CEO of PDR – Planning Design Research in Houston, joined the celebration as the event’s featured speaker. An alumna of the former UH interior design program, Lampson is an active member of the Hines College’s Leadership Council, an advisory board of industry professionals working to advance the College through strategic initiatives. Last year, Lampson was recognized by Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business, and recently, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) celebrated her as the honoree of the IIDA Leadership Award of Excellence.
above: Hines College students and guests listened as lampson gave insight and advice from her own experience in architecture and design
Lampson spoke about the importance of leaders who have influenced, mentored, and invested in her during her professional career. Their knowledge and wisdom gave Lampson encouragement that empowered her to make great strides throughout her life, developing her into the leader she is today.
“You will come out of school with advanced knowledge of technologies, robotics, and programming that is more advanced than many firms,” Lampson shared during her remarks. “That, combined with your design thinking and creative talent, will make you wildly valuable. And when you land your dream job – seek out the leaders who model what you aspire to be and invite them to be your mentors. They will be as excited to learn from you as you are to learn from them.”
above: students celebrated with their loved ones and supporters after the induction ceremony
Students have eagerly taken advantage of the chance to connect with other accomplished peers through TSD, fostering professional relationships and supporting their career growth and future success. Lampson emphasized the value of relationships in the architecture and design field.
“This is a relationship career; relationships are the key to our success,” said Lampson. “You will need a strong network of peers, connections in the industry, and connections with your future clients. Your new affiliation with the Tau Sigma Delta Honors Society is an opportunity to develop your network and create lifelong relationships. The people you meet may become your future colleagues, business partners, or clients. Take advantage of this opportunity; don’t let this become just another accolade on your CV, just a certificate. Get involved, get to know people, and see where it takes you.”
Learn more about Tau Sigma Delta by visiting the organization’s national website.
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