Ronald Frantz Jr, associate professor of Architecture, was recently recognized at the 2023 AIA Honor Awards Celebration. The AIA Oklahoma Honor Awards Program recognizes exceptional members for their distinguished leadership and commitment to the quality of life in Oklahoma.
The event took place on Sept. 15, 2023, at the First National Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Frantz received the AIA Oklahoma Award for Lifetime Achievement, which recognizes a lifetime of distinguished leadership and dedication in Architecture and the community. This award is AIA Oklahoma’s highest honor.
Frantz has dedicated his career to revitalizing Oklahoma’s historic downtowns and equipping its residents with preservation training and tools. He has worked to protect architectural treasures across the state for the benefit of current and future generations by guiding preservation efforts in the design profession.
Before and after photos of Hotel Love in Purcell, Oklahoma, which was preserved with the help of Frantz.
Some of his most notable projects include the Automobile Alley Revitalization (1995-1999) and the Paseo Historic District (1983-1991). Frantz was previously an architect and assistant director for Oklahoma Main Street Center and is currently a member of Oklahoma City’s Main Street Advisory Board. He is also a pro-bono preservation consultant for the Guthrie National Historic Landmark District and a founding co-organizer of Oklahoma’s Annual Statewide Preservation Conference.
Frantz began working at OU in 2011 as the Director of Small Town Studios for the Institute for Quality Communities. In 2013, he took over as coordinator of the Environmental Design program. He has worked diligently to improve the program’s image and craft a more cohesive academic experience for students. Under his leadership, student enrollment in EnD has increased from four students in 2013 to 80 students in 2023.
Congratulations to Frantz for receiving this award!
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture assistant professor Amy Leveno and Mark Leveno, co-founders of OFFICIAL Design, have received a 2026 AIA Central States Region Design Award for the firm’s Granger Annex Community Center project in Garland, Texas.
Construction Industry Speaker Series welcomed Stephen Evans from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to give a lecture on better conversations and relationship building.
The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Gibbs College, its students, staff, faculty, alumni and/or to communities across the globe. The impact may have been, or continues to be, in the form of service and mentorship, sustained professional excellence, and/or advancement and financial support. Joseph Edgar Smay is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
