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.

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.

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.