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Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture + Design

Hines College News

May 27, 2026

Now Available: The Spring 2026 Issue of DIMENSION Magazine

As environmental, technological, and social challenges continue to reshape our communities, the Hines College is expanding how we think about the future of design education, research, and practice. This issue, Designing What’s Next, highlights faculty and students whose work is opening new directions for a changing world, from climate adaptation and post-oil futures to historic preservation, cultural sustainability, and emerging approaches to landscape and resilience.

Top Stories

April 29, 2026

Holding Ground in a Changing Climate

Gustavo Gonzalez Contreras earned first place in the The Ecological Design Challenge student category for Aftercast, a modular bench system that reimagines site furniture as ecological infrastructure. Developed in a studio, the project addresses flooding and erosion by stabilizing soil, guiding water flow, and supporting plant life.

March 30, 2026

Constructing a Legacy: Year Five

Hines College students continue their award-winning momentum, earning top honors at the 2025 AIA Fort Worth Student Design Awards for the fifth consecutive year. Recognized for projects that address real-world challenges through innovation, sustainability, and cultural awareness, these works reflect the College’s commitment to design as a socially responsive and forward-thinking practice.

March 17, 2026

Rising Designers, Changing Landscapes

This spring, METROPOLIS Magazine named two students from the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design to its Future100 list: fifth-year architecture students Elvia Karina Delgado and Kimhour Lor. Their recognition reflects both the strength of their individual design work and the broader commitment at the Hines College to addressing environmental and social challenges through architecture.

Latest News

May 28, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Chiarelli (B.Arch. & B.S. '12; M.S. '23)

Ashley Chiarelli (B.Arch. ’12, B.S. ’12, M.S. ’23) is Associate Partner and Director of Strategy and Foresight at Kirksey Architecture, helping organizations navigate complex decisions before design begins. In this month’s Alumni Spotlight, she reflects on her nontraditional career path and the value of thinking beyond traditional practice.

May 27, 2026

Now Available: The Spring 2026 Issue of DIMENSION Magazine

As environmental, technological, and social challenges continue to reshape our communities, the Hines College is expanding how we think about the future of design education, research, and practice. This issue, Designing What’s Next, highlights faculty and students whose work is opening new directions for a changing world, from climate adaptation and post-oil futures to historic preservation, cultural sustainability, and emerging approaches to landscape and resilience.

April 29, 2026

Holding Ground in a Changing Climate

Gustavo Gonzalez Contreras earned first place in the The Ecological Design Challenge student category for Aftercast, a modular bench system that reimagines site furniture as ecological infrastructure. Developed in a studio, the project addresses flooding and erosion by stabilizing soil, guiding water flow, and supporting plant life.

April 28, 2026

Hines College Alumni Make Their Mark on Cougar 100

On April 21, the University of Houston and the University of Houston Alumni Association celebrated the 12th Annual Cougar 100 Awards, recognizing the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UH alumni. The annual program highlights the strength of the Cougar entrepreneurial community and the lasting impact of alumni connections across industries. Hines College alumni accounted for ten percent of the top 100 companies recognized this year.

April 22, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Fallon Marie Barrett, NOMA, Assoc. AIA (B.S. '08 & B.Arch. '13)

Fallon Marie Barrett (B.S. ’08, B.Arch. ’13) is an Assistant Project Manager with the City of Houston. A dedicated member of the National Organization of Minority Architects, she brings a people-centered approach to her work while continuing her path toward architectural licensure. Her story highlights resilience, community, and the many career paths shaped by a Hines College education.

March 30, 2026

Constructing a Legacy: Year Five

Hines College students continue their award-winning momentum, earning top honors at the 2025 AIA Fort Worth Student Design Awards for the fifth consecutive year. Recognized for projects that address real-world challenges through innovation, sustainability, and cultural awareness, these works reflect the College’s commitment to design as a socially responsive and forward-thinking practice.

Hines College in the News

Preserving Houston landmarks (Feb. 24, 2026)

Houston Public Media

The Eighth Wonder’s Next Act: How UH Architecture Students are Reimagining the Astrodome

Houston City Beat

Houston Maritime Center & Museum Hosts Special Maritime Monday Event with Lecture and Art Reception

Travel and Tour World

Time travel, C.S. Lewis, and Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: Here are some offbeat courses at Houston colleges

Houston Chronicle

2025 Studio Award Winners

Texas Architects

WithIt awards $26,000 in student scholarships

FurnitureToday

Screen-free hiking app developed in Houston earns 'Best of the Best' award

InnovationMap

Next-Generation Wearable Technology for Children with Motor Impairments

AZoSensors