Laos originated from Chicago. She received her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and her Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She received her Ph.D. at Princeton University, where she had the opportunity to work on an archaeological excavation on the island of Cyprus for four years. After her Ph.D., she moved to Paris, France, where she taught for four years. She then finally moved to Houston to teach at the Hines College of Architecture and Design.
“I never dreamt I would be teaching in Texas; however, I liked the diversity at the University of Houston and the city of Houston. I found the city to have incredible cultural and economic opportunities,” said Laos.
Laos has taught multiple courses at the college. These include Survey of Architectural History, Medievalist Architecture, Paris’ Urban Development, Architectural History of Chapels, and others. Laos dedicated her years at the college to share with students on her appreciation of architectural history. She also led several studies abroad programs to various locations in Northern Italy, Southwestern France, and Paris.
“Being able to hopefully leave some kind of impact on at least a third of the students I have taught is quite an accomplishment of my time here at the college. Through teaching at the university, I have been able to travel and gain new perspectives. I always encourage students to travel and learn other cultures, languages, values, and customs of living to expand their knowledge,” Laos continued.