Gerald d. hines College of Architecture & Design

The mission

We strive to produce graduates skilled in their craft; are capable of using advanced technology and methods of industrialized production; that understand and respect the power of design to shape many lives; and are equipped to use design skills to be effective in the world.

Set in the fourth largest city in the U.S., the College allows students to take advantage of the numerous cultural, professional and industrial resources available.

Facts & Figures

Industrial Design

We house the only Industrial Design program in Texas as part of the undergraduate program. We focus on product design, with a focus on sustainability, advanced materials, human factors, advanced computing, and methods of industrialized.

Interior Architecture

Interior Architecture enables students to become effective design leaders and innovators. Students gain hands-on experience in studio courses with guidance from experienced faculty.

Bachelor of Architecture

This is a five-year professional degree plan that prepares students for a professional practice in architecture and emphasizes sustainability, critical thinking, research, and technology, by offering them a a more hands-on experience in studio coursework.

Environmental Design

This program is similar to the Architecture program, but it has less emphasis on a professional practice.

Programs used

The following programs are also downloaded in Architecture & Design computer labs and open to students.

- Adobe Creative Suite
- ArchiCAD
- AutoCAD Building Design Suite
- KeyShot
- Microsoft Office
- Rhino with Grasshopper and V-Ray
- Solidworks
- Vectorworks
- And more…

Computer lab

The Architecture and Design Computer Lab offers a variety of programs on the windows platform allowing students to create drawings, BIM models, parametric models, and solid models.

There are over 40 computers, an 11x17 scanner, a large format scanner, 2 printers, and 6 plotters to allow students to conceptualize and realize their creative designs.

Architecture & Art library

The William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library, located on the first floor of the College of Architecture building, houses a collection of approximately 125,000 books, journals, DVDs, and other research material. The collection also includes the Kenneth Franzheim II Rare Books Room, which contains treasures published in the 17th through 20th centuries. Computing, scanning, copying, and printing service is also available.

Keeland design lab

The Keeland Design Exploration Lab is a fabrication space for students at the University of Houston College of Architecture and Design. With over 50 total machines, the lab spaces are well equipped with the latest in wood working, metal working, and digital fabrication tools.

Portfolio Submissions

All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio, including a statement of interest in their selected major, upon applying to the University of Houston and the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design.
Given the competitive admissions process for the College of Architecture and Design, a portfolio demonstrates the applicant’s abilities, and the statement of interest communicates the applicant’s interest in the field of design.
Includes a statement of interest on the first page of the portfolio with the applicant's name, myUH ID, and email address. No Social Security Numbers should be included.
Includes any form of design or creative works, including but not limited to: drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, or creative writing.
Is a PDF file no larger than 10MB.

advanced media technology lab

Positioned to develop the next generation of structural materials, digital fabrication, and sensor technology, the Advanced Media Technology Lab will act as a working example for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The facility will serve as a unique research center for collaboration with disciplines from across the University of Houston campus, including construction and engineering. It will ultimately propel the University and Hines College forward as a think tank for materials research and design methodologies.

contact information

Location: 4200 Elgin St. (Gerald D. Hines Building), Room #122

Phone #: 713-743-2400

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