Asha and Farid Virani Hall
Rice’s New Home for Business Innovation
Named in recognition of a second gift from community and business leaders Asha Virani ’89 and Farid Virani who helped establish the Virani Undergraduate School of Business in 2024, the new building connects with McNair Hall to create an integrated business hub for graduate and undergraduate students alike. This impressive 112,000-square-foot structure, designed by Architecture Research Office, was built to accommodate the evolving needs of our community and unprecedented growth — and features state-of-the-art classrooms, modern office spaces and vibrant amenities such as dining areas, open gathering spaces and facilities for private events.
Virani Hall both reflects our progress over the past five decades and delivers on our promise — to the university, the city and the world — that we’re committed to preparing students to lead the next era of business.
Asha and Farid Virani Hall
Come On In and Look Around
Step into Virani Hall, Rice University’s new state-of-the-art facility that will serve our top-ranked MBA programs, fast-growing undergraduate business major and more. Neighboring McNair Hall, this 112,000-square-foot building promises cutting-edge classrooms, collaborative spaces and modern amenities designed for Rice’s business community and the broader university. The building’s innovative design reflects our commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Virani Hall Supports Growing Top-Ranked Programs
We are national leaders in entrepreneurship and the top program in Texas. With new initiatives like an undergraduate major, online MBA, hybrid programs, and expanded cohorts in our full-time MBA, we are growing. Over five years, we’ve seen a 25% increase in students and a 20% rise in faculty. Our list of prestigious events like the Rice Business Plan Competition, Rice Energy Finance Summit, and Women in Leadership Conference showcases our commitment to innovation and leadership.
Virani Hall Inspires Tomorrow’s Leaders
The new building will serve as a central hub for undergraduate and graduate business education at Rice. It will feature flexible spaces tailored for competitions, events and accelerators, fostering collaboration and idea exchange. The building will host initiatives addressing pressing global challenges including energy transition, finance and healthcare and will serve as a platform for speakers from Houston and beyond, allowing our students to connect with top organizations and minds in business.
Invest in Rice’s New Home for Business Innovation
Your philanthropic gifts will help us strengthen Rice Business and inspire a new generation of innovative leaders and entrepreneurs.
Make your mark through our Engraved Paver Campaign. Honor a legacy, celebrate a milestone or recognize someone special with a personalized paver. Orders placed by October 31, 2025, will be installed before the summer 2026 grand opening.
Explore Asha and Farid Virani Hall
The photo renderings above are courtesy of Architecture Research Office (ARO). You can check out the progress of the new building construction here.
Get to Know the Architects and Designers
Architecture Research Office (ARO) is a diverse collective united by collaboration, commitment to accountable action, and social and environmental responsibility. The firm, based in New York City, designs spaces that inspire people, further institutional missions and advance equity and resilience. This philosophy earned the firm the 2020 AIA Architecture Firm Award. ARO is working with Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects on the project, and Houston-based Kirksey Architecture serves as Architect of Record.