Oklahoma City-based architecture firm höffnerdesignstudio recently announced that it has been named a finalist in the 27th annual IIDA Will Ching Design Competition. Michael Höffner, a faculty member in the Division of Architecture is principal of höffnerdesignstudio.
“We are excited to announce the exceptional finalists of this year’s Will Ching Design Competition,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “The projects chosen this year are truly representative of commercial interior design excellence and are indicative of the high level of innovation boutique firms can achieve.”
The finalists were chosen by a jury of design experts, including Verda Alexander, IIDA, co-founder, O+A; Gary Lee, IIDA, president, Gary Lee Partners; and Krista Ninivaggi, IIDA, Allied ASID, founder, K&CO.
The winning project will be announced in April 2019 and will be honored at the IIDA black-tie gala, Silver, on June 9, 2019.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
