Sam D'Amico, FAIA (B.Arch. '81) is a proud Hines College alum who is inspired by the design and emotive aspects of architecture. As the national healthcare design director at SmithGroup, where he is also a vice president, he integrates art, nature, and daylight to create healing environments.

Yuliana Hernandez (M.Arch '16) is now a project designer at SmithGroup. She said, "The studio environment at the Hines College fostered a sense of community and collaboration that helped me grow not just as a designer, but as a teammate and leader. It taught me that architecture is not just about buildings, it is about people."

Emine Canak (M.Arch. '16) has always been passionate about how spaces shape human experiences. Now the founder and principal designer of E Plus Interiors, her design philosophy is to create soulful, thoughtful spaces that reflect her clients. To students, she advises, "Go beyond studio walls, socialize, attend events, and connect with creative minds. Design is how you see and respond to the world."