Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Guthrie Center (GC) Architecture Students Earn Top Honors in Prestigious AIA Competition

When Guthrie Center students in Spring Branch ISD submitted their designs for the 2025 AIA Houston Chapter’s Michael G. Meyer Competition, they weren’t just completing a class project — they were stepping into the professional world of architecture.

This year, their creativity, technical skill and forward-thinking designs earned five awards and a total of $10,300 in scholarships, including first and third place overall. It’s the latest milestone in a long-standing tradition of excellence in SBISD’s architecture program at the Guthrie Center.

Recognition for Exceptional Work

The competition challenged students to design a skyscraper for a real location in Houston — requiring not just vision, but detailed problem-solving, technical planning and contextual awareness. The results:

• 1st Place ($7,000): Andrew Davidow – GC/Memorial High School (11th grade)
• 3rd Place ($3,000): Zanli Morris – GC/Memorial High School (12th grade)
• Honorable Mention – Best Conceptual Design ($100): Mayar Badi – GC/Westchester Academy (12th grade)
• Honorable Mention – Best Rendering ($100): Angelina Salel – GC/Spring Woods High School (12th grade)
• Honorable Mention – Best Architectural Site ($100): Trinh Huyn Tran – GC/Spring Woods High School (11th grade)

Student Spotlight: Andrew Davidow

For first-place winner Andrew Davidow, the journey into architecture began with childhood curiosity.

“I’ve always been interested in architecture — from building Legos as a kid to now this,” Andrew said. “It feels incredible to be voted first out of more than 30 submissions. I’m so grateful the committee of professional architects thought so highly of my work.”

While Andrew is considering other career paths, the experience affirmed the value of commitment and mentorship.

“I want to thank my teachers — Ms. Jarin, Mr. Martinez and Mr. Loutfi — for their support and guidance over the last two years,” he said. “Without them, there’s no shot I would have won.”

His advice to his younger self? “Always give 110%, because in the future, you’ll regret not doing so.”

A Program That Builds Confidence and Opportunity

Guthrie Center instructors Nabila Jarin and Fuad Loutfi say the recognition goes far beyond awards — it’s about helping students see what’s possible.

“I’m most proud of the way our students rose to the challenge and delivered innovative, thoughtful designs,” Jarin said. “They took a concept and turned it into something tangible, creative and practical — skills that are essential in architecture and beyond.”

“These awards provide not only financial support for college but also a sense of pride and belonging,” Loutfi added. “They show our students that they’re part of a program with a strong legacy and real-world relevance.”

For more than two decades, Guthrie students have competed in the AIA Houston competition and consistently earned top honors — a testament to the program’s high standards and student-centered teaching.

Why Architecture? Why Guthrie?

Instructors emphasize that students don’t have to commit to a career in architecture to benefit from the program.

“We prepare students to enter the real world with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills,” Loutfi said. “Whether they pursue architecture, engineering, design, the trades or something entirely different, the experience challenges them to grow.”

“CTE courses like ours are not just about content — they’re about mindset,” Jarin added. “Architecture teaches resilience, collaboration and how to bring ideas to life.”

Career and Technical Education in Action

The success of Guthrie students sends a clear message to current and future SBISD families: These programs work.

“We want families to know that our CTE programs — especially at the Guthrie Center — are preparing students for college, careers and life,” said Christina Rice-Imumwen, SBISD director of career and technical education. “This competition highlights what’s possible when great teaching, talent and opportunity come together. I’m incredibly proud of our students and instructors for continuing to set the bar for excellence.”

Whether designing Houston’s future skyline or discovering new passions, students in SBISD’s CTE programs are not just imagining their futures — they’re building them.

#SBISDProud