The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design at the University of Houston is a top school for architecture. Named after the famous developer Gerald D. Hines, it has been a leader in architectural innovation and design since 1945.
The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture started in 1953. It began as part of the College of Engineering. This small program aimed to train skilled architects for Houston. Over the years, the college expanded. It blended traditional methods with new technologies and sustainable design. In 2001, the college was renamed for Gerald D. Hines. He was a famous real estate developer in Houston. Hines’ donations helped shape the city’s skyline. The name change boosted the college’s reputation in architectural education.
Historical Significance
- Founded in 1945 as the Architecture Department
- Renamed in 2015 after a generous endowment from Gerald D. Hines
- Pioneered sustainable design education in the Southwest
- Notable alumni include many AIA Fellows and industry leaders
Mission and Vision
- Commitment to innovative design education
- Focus on sustainable architecture practices
- Integration of technology and traditional design methods
- Emphasis on urban development and community engagement
- Promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration
Academic Programs
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
Program Structure
- 5-year professional degree
- 160 credit hours
- NAAB-accredited
Curriculum Highlights
- First Year
- Architectural Design Studio I & II
- Design Fundamentals
- Architectural History
- Digital Media in Architecture
- Second Year
- Building Systems
- Environmental Systems
- Structural Systems I
- Design Studio III & IV
- Third Year
- Advanced Design Studios
- Building Technology
- Professional Practice
- Urban Systems
- Fourth Year
- Comprehensive Design Studio
- Advanced Structures
- Construction Documents
- Professional Ethics
- Fifth Year
- Thesis Research
- Thesis Design Studio
- Professional Development
- Advanced Electives
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSID)
Specializations
- Product Design
- UX/UI Design
- Furniture Design
- Transportation Design
- Medical Device Design
Course Structure
- Design Studios (45 credits)
- Technical Courses (30 credits)
- General Education (30 credits)
- Electives (15 credits)
Master of Architecture (M.Arch)
Track I (Non-architecture backgrounds)
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Credit Hours: 96
- Foundation Courses: 36 credits
- Advanced Studios: 42 credits
- Thesis: 18 credits
Track II (Architecture backgrounds)
- Duration: 2 years
- Credit Hours: 60
- Advanced Studios: 30 credits
- Research: 15 credits
- Thesis: 15 credits
Dual Degree Options
- M.Arch + MBA
- Duration: 3 years
- Total Credits: 90
- Focus on business aspects of architecture
- M.Arch + Master of Urban Planning
- Duration: 3 years
- Total Credits: 84
- Emphasis on urban design and planning
Advanced Research Centers
Materials Research Collaborative
- Focus Areas:
- Sustainable Materials
- Smart Building Materials
- Recycled Materials
- Bio-based Materials
- Industry Partnerships
- Research Grants
- Student Research Opportunities
Digital Fabrication Lab
Equipment
- 5-axis CNC machines
- Laser cutters
- 3D printers
- Robotic fabrication arms
- Virtual reality systems
Capabilities
- Prototyping
- Material testing
- Digital modeling
- Advanced visualization
- Fabrication research
Community Design Resource Center
- Community engagement projects
- Urban planning initiatives
- Public space design
- Sustainability consulting
- Pro bono design services
Facilities and Resources
Studio Spaces
- Individual workstations
- 24/7 access
- Wireless connectivity
- Plotting facilities
- Presentation areas
Technology Resources
- Computer Labs
- High-performance workstations
- Industry-standard software
- Rendering capabilities
- Animation tools
- Simulation software
- Workshop Facilities
- Wood shop
- Metal shop
- Assembly space
- Tool lending
- Safety training programs
- Documentation Center
- Material samples
- Building systems
- Technical literature
- Product catalogs
- Construction details
Architecture and Art Library
- 100,000+ volumes
- Digital resources
- Special collections
- Rare books
- Periodicals
- Online databases
Student Experience
Studio Culture
- Collaborative environment
- Peer learning opportunities
- Design critiques
- Guest lectures
- Exhibition opportunities
Professional Development
- Internship Program
- Summer internships
- Co-op opportunities
- International placements
- Industry partnerships
- Portfolio development
- Mentorship Programs
- Alumni mentors
- Faculty advisors
- Professional guidance
- Career counseling
- Network building
Global Programs
Study Abroad Locations
- Rome Program
- Duration: Semester/Year
- Focus: Classical architecture
- Field studies
- Cultural immersion
- Design studios
- Barcelona Program
- Duration: Summer/Semester
- Focus: Modern architecture
- Urban design
- Mediterranean architecture
- Cultural studies
- Paris Program
- Duration: Summer
- Focus: European modernism
- Urban planning
- Historic preservation
- Design theory
- Tokyo Program
- Duration: Summer
- Focus: Contemporary design
- Technology integration
- Japanese architecture
- Urban systems
Student Organizations
Professional Organizations
- AIAS Chapter
- Leadership opportunities
- Professional networking
- Design competitions
- Conference attendance
- Community service
- NOMAS Chapter
- Diversity initiatives
- Mentorship programs
- Cultural events
- Professional development
- Community outreach
Special Interest Groups
- Sustainable Design Coalition
- Digital Fabrication Club
- Historic Preservation Society
- Urban Design Association
- Women in Architecture
Career Services and Placement
Career Development
- Professional Preparation
- Resume workshops
- Interview training
- Portfolio reviews
- Professional etiquette
- Networking events
- Job Search Resources
- Online job board
- Alumni network
- Employer database
- Career fairs
- Company information sessions
Industry Connections
Partner Firms
- Local architecture firms
- National design offices
- International practices
- Engineering consultancies
- Construction companies
Recruitment Events
- Annual career fair
- Firm visits
- Portfolio days
- Alumni mixers
- Professional panels
Employment Statistics (2023)
- Average starting salary: $65,000
- Employment rate: 92%
- Graduate school placement: 15%
- Professional registration rate: 75%
- International placement: 10%
Financial Information
Tuition Breakdown 2024-25
Undergraduate (Per Semester)
- In-State Tuition: $5,500
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,000
- International: $13,000
- Studio Fees: $500
- Technology Fee: $300
- Student Services: $250
Graduate (Per Semester)
- In-State Tuition: $6,250
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,000
- International: $14,000
- Research Fee: $400
- Studio Fee: $600
- Technology Fee: $300
Financial Aid Options
Scholarships
- Merit-Based
- Dean’s Excellence: $10,000/year
- Academic Achievement: $5,000/year
- Design Excellence: $3,000/year
- Leadership Award: $2,500/year
- Diversity Scholarship: $4,000/year
- Need-Based
- University Grant: Variable
- State Aid: Variable
- Federal Aid: Based on FAFSA
- Emergency Funds: As needed
- Work-Study: $3,000/year
Research Assistantships
- Stipend: $12,000-$15,000/year
- Tuition reduction
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Research support
Admission Process
Application Components
- Academic Requirements
- Transcripts
- Standardized tests
- Course prerequisites
- GPA requirements
- Language proficiency (international)
- Portfolio Requirements
- Digital submission
- 15-20 pieces
- Process documentation
- Writing samples
- Design projects
- Supporting Materials
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- Interview (if required)
- Writing sample
Selection Process
- Portfolio review
- Academic evaluation
- Interview (selected candidates)
- Committee review
- Final selection
Contact Information
Main Office
Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
University of Houston
4200 Elgin Street
Houston, TX 77204-4000
Department Contacts
- Dean’s Office: [Phone/Email]
- Admissions: [Phone/Email]
- Student Services: [Phone/Email]
- Career Services: [Phone/Email]
- Financial Aid: [Phone/Email]
Social Media
- Instagram: @UHArchitecture
- Facebook: /UHArchitecture
- Twitter: @UH_Architecture
- LinkedIn: /UHArchitecture
- YouTube: /UHArchitectureChannel
Disclaimer: Information provided is subject to change. Please verify all details with the college’s official sources. Tuition rates and program details may be updated for the upcoming academic year.