Rodrigo Marron (B.Arch. '14) applied his design thinking and problem-solving skills to the tech industry, where he now works as a Senior Airtable Engineer with Apple. His path includes work with companies such as Netflix and People Inc., designing scalable systems that mirror the complexity of architectural projects. “Looking back, I am grateful I pursued architecture even though my path took an unexpected turn,” Marron says. “The program prepares you for more than you realize.”

Some students discover their path; Rodrigo Gallardo (B.Arch. ’23) built his. What began as a fascination with design at the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design has evolved into a pursuit at the cutting edge of human–computer interaction. That journey has now earned the young alum a Steve Jobs Archive Fellowship, a highly selective, yearlong program supporting young creators working where technology meets the liberal arts. Fellows receive a stipend, individualized mentorship, and the support of a national community driven by curiosity, invention, and the desire to improve the world.

While celebrating our 80th anniversary this year, we were reminded that honoring our past is essential and understanding how that legacy shapes what comes next is equally important. This issue of DIMENSION explores that connection, examining the influence of history, the emergence of new ideas, and the path we are charting forward, including the launch of our historic preservation and cultural sustainability initiative.