Building on conversations about the future of design pedagogy that were started during the March 2020 “Schools of Thought” conference, the Gibbs College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma recently hosted a series of webinar conversations that explored how to adapt to our changing world, or better yet, how to rebuild it as a better world.
Architecture faculty and designers are isolated and wrestling with questions about teaching online, the mental health challenges of isolation, how to adapt cities to the pandemic, and so much more right now. The “Schools of Thought” Summer Webinar Series sought to answer the question: How can we use the platforms we have to help in some way?
Rethinking Education for a More Equitable World
Thursday, August 6, 2020
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. EST
Panelists include: Karen Abrams (Heinz Endowments), Karlos Hill (University of Oklahoma), Bryan Lee (Colloqate), Marc Miller (Penn State), and Ann Yoachim (Tulane University). Co-hosted with BlackSpace Oklahoma.
The Role of the Arts and Humanities During a Pandemic
Thursday, July 23, 2020
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. EST
Panelists include: Brenda Child (University of Minnesota), Robin Gorna (International AIDS Activist), and Fernando Luiz Lara (University of Texas-Austin).
Safer During COVID-19: Ventilation, Technology and the Need for Resilience in Future Buildings
Thursday, July 9, 2020
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. EST
Panelists include: Lee Fithian (University of Oklahoma), Kristina Leach (University of Oklahoma), and Douglas L. Watts (RJC Engineers).
Public Space in a Time of Protest & Pandemic
Thursday, June 25, 2020
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. EST
Panelists include: Justin Ferguson (Meticulous Design), Shannon Criss (University of Kansas), Shane Hampton (University of Oklahoma) and Cory Henry (Atelier Cory Henry).
Teaching Design Studios Online: Sharing Best Practices
Thursday, June 18, 2020
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. EST
Panelists include: Ashley Bigham (Ohio State University), Laura Cole (University of Missouri-Columbia), Nick Senske (Iowa State University), and Milagros Zingoni (Arizona State University).
The Summer Schools of Thought Series is led by Stephanie Pilat, Angela Person and Tony Cricchio.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
