Lee Fithian, Ph.D., AIA, an associate professor of architecture at Gibbs College, has been appointed to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Building Performance Committee.
The National Building Performance Committee (NBPC) is part of the AIA’s Knowledge Community, which focuses on improving occupant comfort and health, along with the function, durability, sustainability, and resilience of buildings. Fithian, the first member of the advisory group to represent higher education, will also work to foster collaboration between the NBPC and the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) to align shared goals and outcomes.
“This appointment comes at a unique juncture as the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) rolls out its new Competency Standard for Architects,” Fithian said. “I look forward to serving as a liaison and share the knowledge I have gained in practice, research, and teaching to advance both the profession and our college.”
“Lee’s appointment to this AIA Knowledge Community was inevitable, given her steady national ascendance as an acclaimed expert in sustainability, resilience, and collaboration. Few professionals possess her practical and educational experience and intellectual acumen”, stated Hans E. Butzer FAIA and dean of the University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. “Her expertise that has helped make our architecture program a recognized leader in sustainability and resilience will assuredly further elevate the impact of the NBPC’s work.”
In addition to her teaching and research, Fithian serves as the director of the University of Oklahoma’s Online Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture program, where she helps prepare students to address contemporary challenges in sustainability and resilience.
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.
