When Hines College student Marshall Bradley first learned he had been selected for the Project Row Houses’ Floyd Newsum Summer Studios Mentorship + Residency Program, he knew it was more than a creative opportunity—it was a chance to explore the deep history and humanity of Houston’s Third Ward. Now, after completing the residency and presenting his exhibition in August and September, Bradley reflects on a summer that not only transformed his perspective as a designer but also deepened his connection to the community he sought to honor.

On May 8, the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design celebrated the Class of 2025 – 195 graduates whose academic experience is defined by resilience and adaptability. Many of these students started their academic journeys under unexpected circumstances at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging stronger and more prepared to tackle the demands of their future professional careers. As they close this transformative chapter, several graduates reflect on their unique experiences, offering insight and inspiration to those who follow in their footsteps.

This summer, Hines College interior architecture student Marshall Bradley will participate in the Project Row Houses’ (PRH) Floyd Newsum Summer Studios Mentorship + Residency Program. Participants receive a stipend to fund their work, free studio space at PRH, and mentorship with notable Houston artists. The residency concludes with a public exhibition on August 2, 2025.