Articles

Get to know HCC alumna Danel Zharmenova

Dec 3, 2025

Interior Design alumna, Danel Zharmenova, ‘19, is a powerful example of how a foundation in technical education can launch an internationally recognized career.

After moving to the U.S., Danel chose the HCC Interior Design program specifically for its detailed, professional classes. It was here that she developed the expertise that propelled her into a successful professional life. Her commitment to innovation was clear early on: she became the first student in the program to implement Virtual Reality (VR) in her projects, a feat that led to presentations at the Glassell School of Art and the University of Houston.  

The practical knowledge Danel gained at Houston City College was invaluable, helping her secure a full-time position at a leading hospitality firm just two weeks after being hired part time. Today, she continues to use the exact programs she mastered in her coursework, which she credits for her success.

Most recently, the design renderings for one of her projects, OMG Burger – Galleria area, won a prestigious Silver Winner award at the New York Architecture Design Awards—a remarkable achievement that proves the value of the skills and encouragement she received from the HCC faculty.

Watch Danel’s video above; her advice to current students and alumni is: "Just to be curious ... don't ask for permission to innovate," a philosophy that has guided her own path to incredible success.