The University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design continues to shape the future of the field with five winning entries in the 2025 Texas Society of Architects Studio Awards. Celebrating unbuilt work that demonstrates design excellence, the awards honor both real and theoretical projects exploring critical issues facing the built environment.

In honor of her commitment to architectural education, the Texas Society of Architects has recognized Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design professor Donna Kacmar, FAIA, with the 2025 Award for Outstanding Educational Contributions in Honor of Edward J. Romieniec, FAIA. For more than thirty years, Kacmar has shaped generations of architects through her inspired teaching and dedication to professional practice.

University of Houston (UH) Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design professor Daniel Jacobs' innovative project OPEN-GROUND: Public Space as Climate Infrastructure offers a new vision for urban resilience. Along with Brittany Utting (Rice University), co-founder with Jacobs of the design research practice, HOME-OFFICE, and co-investigators Daniel Floryan (UH), and Kelly Huang (UH), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Upjohn Research Initiative recently awarded the team a $15,000 grant to pursue their research.