Five graduates from the Gibbs College of Architecture received Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards this April. This award recognizes the top grade point average for each undergraduate major.
The following Gibbs students received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award:
Read below to learn about each of the graduates' experience at the Gibbs College of Architecture and their plans after graduation.
Caroline Simon
Caroline Simon, a graduate in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program, wrote, “I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. I am currently working on my Master of Architecture, which I should receive in Spring 2023. I have been working at an architecture firm here in Norman for about a year and a half now, and plan to continue working there after my graduation next spring, while beginning to study for the AREs to obtain my architecture license.”
Casey Meyer
Casey Meyer, who graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Architecture, shared, “The Gibbs College of Architecture has provided largely valuable life and technical skills needed to excel in the diverse world of design. I would like to thank the professors for their hard work; helping me hone in on my design approaches. These skills have made me realize how diverse the practice of architecture is and the many different paths it could lead to; with that knowledge, I will be pursuing my passion for design which ranges from fine arts to furniture to unique residential housing.”
Natalie Burlew
Natalie Burlew, a graduate in the Environmental Design program, said, “This Fall I will be joining the Master of Landscape Architecture program here at OU. I am so excited to build on everything I learned as an undergraduate in the Environmental Design program. I learned so much, especially about working with and for communities. These past few years have taught me so much about finding creative solutions rooted in the built environment to a broad range of challenges. I have loved meeting and learning from people of diverse backgrounds, occupations, and interests. In these next years of grad school, I hope to gain the technical design skills to complement that community-minded, interdisciplinary base I have built so I can someday make a positive difference in the world.”
Paxton Little
Paxton Little, who graduated from the Interior Design program, wrote, “Following graduation I am moving to Dallas to work for Cathy Kincaid Interiors, a residential design firm. I am so thankful for the education I received at The University of Oklahoma, specifically in the Interior Design program. I feel prepared for what’s to come in my career, and I know the teachers and faculty will support and encourage me along the way.”
Davis Canton (not pictured) graduated from the Construction Science Program and received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for the program.
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.
