Architecture

Jeffrey "JB" Cruzen (B.Arch. ’76) is a retired Chief Architect with Houston Airport System In this month’s Alumni Spotlight, he reflects on his career, lessons learned from his time at the CoAD and gives some advice to current students.

Donna Kacmar, FAIA, has been awarded the title of Professor Emeritus following her retirement at the close of the Spring 2026 semester. For twenty-six years at the Hines College, Kacmar shaped generations of architects through design studios, research, and mentorship while advancing scholarship in architecture, materiality, and the built environment.

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.