Hines College Student Organizations You Should Know: American Institute of Architecture Students
Students build a foundation for their future as architects
by Nicholas Nguyen • December 9, 2024
above: AIAS Officers during this year's welcome Day
Today’s architecture students are laying the groundwork for tomorrow's built environments. With innovations and challenges shaping our world, student organizations like the University of Houston American Institute of Architecture Students (UH AIAS) play a vital role in preparing aspiring architects for their future careers.
AIAS forms strategic alliances with organizations forming the architectural landscape, representing the student voice. Collaborating with influential bodies such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), AIAS ensures students' perspectives are heard and integrated into the profession’s future trajectory. Together, these partnerships create pathways that not only elevate the architectural discipline but also inspire students to become leaders, innovators, and community-builders.
At the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, UH AIAS has existed for decades to advance its mission and enrich the student body.
above: UH AIAS participates in school-wide events like welcome day and hosts socials and information sessions to help students learn more about getting certified and the profession
When and why was UH AIAS founded?
Crystal Nguyen, President: UH AIAS was founded back in 1971! The organization promotes excellence in the role of architecture students in the broader architectural profession and fosters leadership, innovation, and community among aspiring architects.
What is UH AIAS’s mission?
CN: The mission of UH AIAS is to empower and support students of architecture by providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and advocacy.
How does the organization advance its goals?
Jeremiah Anyakwu, Vice President: Our team advances goals by working together to plan and organize events. We also love to encourage and invite students who are interested to join us in planning workshops and initiatives. It is equally as important to build a network at school with your peers, studio mates, and professors.
How do you bring awareness to UH AIAS on campus?
Skylar Caldwell, Secretary: We try our best to bring awareness to UH AIAS on campus by building a social media presence, hosting recurring sessions, and engaging with the student body and other student organizations. Building connections is one of our biggest goals, which is especially important in architecture school and after.
In what ways does UH AIAS collaborate with internal and external organizations?
CN: Collaboration is possibly one of AIAS’s biggest strengths. We love to collaborate as much as possible with our surrounding community. We work closely with AIA Houston to engage students as much as possible with the local AIA chapter and local firms.
This semester, we also had the opportunity to join Hines College faculty and host NCARB lectures, providing students with knowledge and insight on the path toward licensure. In addition to the lecture, we have also collaborated with Jeanette Shaw (B.Arch. ’01) of Powers Brown Architecture. She will join us monthly for educational lunch-and-learn lectures.
Over the summer, we enjoyed working with all other student organizations to organize the College’s annual Welcome Day.
above: Students also have opportunities to connect with professionals through events like the Houston design gala and the aia sandcastle building competition
How does UH AIAS prepare students for the profession?
JA: We prepare students for the profession by providing as many opportunities as possible. This includes educational lectures, advocacy initiatives, volunteering and community engagement opportunities, and interactions with professionals in the field.
Why should people join UH AIAS?
CN: Students who seek development in leadership excellence and a sense of community should join us.
What kinds of events does UH AIAS host?
SC: Not only does UH AIAS host professional events such as educational lectures and collaborative events with local firms and the local AIA chapter, but we also have social events to help build more connections with students and professionals.
What is the organization most proud of in recent years?
CN: In recent years, we are most proud of the different opportunities we are creating for students. We have opened doors for students to build their network and jump into the community. The gap between academia and the professional world can be a great leap, so we work hard to close the gap for students and professionals to ensure a smooth transition after graduation or even during school.
Current officers:
- Crystal Nguyen, President
- Jeremiah Anyakwu, Vice President
- Skylar Caldwell, Secretary
- Stacey Echartea, Social Coordinator
- Simon Chiquito, Professional Coordinator
- Fidel Argueta, Publicist
- Alessandra Villaruel, Store Manager
- Paige Holmes, Freedom By Design Director
- Litzy Garcia, NCARB Advisor
Follow UH AIAS on Instagram.
More College of Architecture and Design Stories
The Hines College inducted a remarkable 38 top students into the University’s Beta Delta chapter of the national Tau Sigma Delta 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.
Growing up on the Ivory Coast, Kadmiel Konan (B.S. '23) always had an interest in technology and design. His interests in design has helped him hone a variety of skills that go beyond the role of a traditional industrial designer, having worked on projects for clients like Snap-on, Tabasco, NOV, and KOCH.
Jessica Valdez's (B.Arch. '14) design journey went from being a fan of home makeover shows while growing up to finding her passion and career as a healthcare planner at Page. One important lesson she learned at the Hines College is that "every design decision should have a purpose."
