New Interior Architecture Program Launches at UH

During the past 10 years, interior architecture has emerged as a dynamic industry specialization. From the adaptive reuse of existing buildings to conceptualizing interior spaces for new buildings, a range of opportunities await professionals who are trained in this evolving discipline.

This fall, the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture introduced its undergraduate program in interior architecture. Under the direction of industry veteran and noted educator Gregory Marinic, the four-year program explores the multidisciplinary aspects of interior architecture while providing students with studio courses focused on design principles specific to interior space. Students who complete the required curriculum will earn a bachelor of science in interior architecture.

Interior architecture merges the disciplines of architecture, interior design and industrial design. It focuses on the process of designing buildings’ interiors with respect to conceptual innovation, functional rigor and structural rationale as spaces for living and working.

“This program provides an education that will allow students to pursue a variety of potential careers,” said Marinic, director of interior architecture and assistant professor. “Many students will naturally migrate to opportunities within interior architecture, but they also may move toward architecture or interior design.”

Marinic added that curriculum will explore contemporary architectural topics such as historical preservation, repurposing of existing buildings and sustainability practices. Coursework also will provide students with specific technical knowledge (the understanding of structure and building envelopes) that can be applied in their careers. Familiarization of such topics, Marinic said, will make them valuable assets to the architectural community.

“There is a considerable need for this type of program in our region,” Marinic said. “Graduates will be in high demand. Many firms are seeking professionals with specific knowledge in interior architecture and will no doubt be seeking out our students.”

Marinic arrived at UH this fall after teaching at the renowned Pratt Institute in New York City. He is a principal of Arquipelago, an architectural practice engaged in design, research, teaching and experimentation. Recent projects produced by Arquipelago are currently on display at the Tallinn Biennale, Estonian Architecture Museum and Philadelphia Center for Architecture. Arquipelago’s recent projects will also be featured in two forthcoming books published by DAMDI Architectural Publishing Ltd.

Previously, Marinic worked in the London and New York offices of Rafael Viñoly Architects. He serves as assistant director of The American Institute of Architects Forward Journal and nominated editor for the International Journal of the Arts in Society, Design Principles and Practices; and IDEC News. He also has had articles published in Design Issues and International Journal of Architectural Research among other publications. Earlier this fall, his practice was awarded the Form & Faith Award for Religious Architecture and an award from the Socio-Design Foundation.

The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines including architecture, space architecture, interior architecture and industrial design. Faculty members include esteemed professionals in the architectural community, as well as award-winning academic veterans. Facilities include studio spaces, the new Materials Research Collaborative, computer labs and the Burdette Keeland Jr. Design Exploration Center. To learn more about the college, visit http://www.arch.uh.edu/.