In summer 2023, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture Dr. Sarah Little conducted a STEM-focused workshop with interns from RestoreOKC. The workshop focused on the benefits of pollinators, pollinator-friendly plants and green spaces.
RestoreOKC is a community development organization focused on the restoration of health, environment, reconciliation and equity within Northeast Oklahoma City. The organization works to build resilient communities through various restoration projects of local homes, schools, jobs and farms. RestoreOKC also offers an intern program for middle and high school students that gives local youth the opportunity to engage in farming-related activities.
RestoreOKC volunteers.
Dr. Little has cultivated a strong relationship with RestoreOKC over the last several years. In spring 2021, Dr. Little and Dr. Bryce Lowery, associate professor of Regional and City Planning, worked with the organization on the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s Green New Deal Superstudio. At this one-time event, Landscape Architecture studios addressed decarbonization, job creation and social justice. Since that semester project, Dr. Little has participated in various career day events, volunteer days and, most recently, the pollinator workshop.
A RestoreOKC volunteer installing a pollinator garden.
Dr. Little worked with Dr. Ann Miller, farm director at RestoreOKC, to create a rewarding experience for the interns and empower them to increase access to nature in their own neighborhoods. At the workshop, Dr. Little and the interns discussed the value of pollinators and plants that support pollinator lifecycles. The interns then got to design unique pollinator gardens for 4’ x 8’ planting beds, incorporating nectar-producing flowers and drought tolerant plants.
RestoreOKC volunteers installing a pollinator garden.
Dr. Miller secured funding for the installation of these gardens at residential sites throughout NE OKC, allowing the interns to turn their garden concepts into reality. On Sept. 9, the interns engaged with local community members and led volunteer groups in the installation of their gardens. Dr. Little and the RestoreOKC team hope that these gardens will have a lasting positive impact on the region.
Dr. Little explained, “Historically, communities of color have had less access to green space which negatively impacts health and well-being. These pollinator gardens increase residents’ access to nature in addition to increasing pollinator populations that can increase farming yields at RestoreOKC.”
She continued, “Humans experience myriad benefits when exposed to nature. People live longer, experience less incidence of disease, can pay better attention, can regulate behavior, have increased immunity… the list goes on and on.”
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.
