On June 1, 2025, a group representing the University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture joined designers, builders, photographers, and curators on an in-depth tour of Mickey Muennig’s work in Big Sur. The trip, organized by Matt Bucholz and facilitated by Frank and Kathy Pinney, brought together a unique cohort that included Dr. Angela Person, Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement, and Dr. Stephanie Z. Pilat, Professor of Architecture.
Mickey Muennig (1935–2021) was an American architect celebrated for his organic, site-sensitive buildings that have helped define the built character of Big Sur, California. Educated at the University of Oklahoma under Bruce Goff and Herb Greene, Muennig was known for blending architecture into the landscape—often using earth forms, natural materials, and innovative construction methods.
His notable projects include private residences throughout Big Sur, as well as the iconic Post Ranch Inn, where buildings are meant to “belong” to their site, not compete with it. Today, Muennig’s architectural papers and drawings are held in OU Libraries’ Special Collections, as part of the American School Archive.
Cooper Point, designed by Mickey Muennig. Photo: Stephanie Pilat
The itinerary led participants to five significant sites: Cooper Point, the Kelm Wine Tank, Post Ranch Inn, Terra Mar, and the Hawthorne Gallery and Residence. Throughout the day, participants reflected on the experience and the work itself. As Pilat remarked, “We left with a renewed understanding of how important the team of visionary clients and committed, creative and open-minded craftspeople and builders was to realizing the work.”
A highlight for many was hearing from those who worked alongside Muennig, including Frank Pinney and Dan Woods. Pinney, a long-time Muennig collaborator, described the collaborative process: “Many architects have entrenched opinions about how a particular detail should be executed, while Mickey made it enjoyable to come up with a new way to accomplish a particular effect, without the ego clash that often results between the designer and the builder.”
As the group made their way from site to site, the spirit of collaboration and gratitude was palpable. Participants noted the hospitality of property owners and caretakers and expressed appreciation for the distinct group that made the day both engaging and memorable.
“I am so grateful for the openness of the hosts in sharing their spaces and stories,” said Person. “Going forward, I am excited for the American School project to document and share the stories of not only the architects, but also the clients and builders who made this groundbreaking work possible.”
Hawthorne Gallery, designed by Mickey Muennig for Susan and Greg Hawthorne. Photo: Stephanie Pilat
Gibbs College extends special thanks to hosts Matt Bucholz (matt bucholz consulting), Frank Pinney and Kathy Pinney (Pinney Construction Inc.), Homan Rajai and Elena Dendiberia (Studio AHEAD), Mike Freed (Post Ranch Inn), Susan and Greg Hawthorne (Hawthorne Gallery), and all the property owners and caretakers for their time and generosity. Additional participants included Marco Piscitelli (California Polytechnic State University), Jennifer Dunlop Fletcher (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art), Dan Woods (Dan Woods Designs), Dan Zach, Athena Wilson, and Richard Olsen (Forbes Magazine).
The tour left participants with a renewed appreciation for Muennig’s philosophy: architecture that grows from the land and honors both nature and community. It was a meaningful reminder of the value of hands-on learning and the importance of place-based and collaborative design—core tenets of the Gibbs College of Architecture’s mission.
Featured image: Cooper Point, designed by Mickey Muennig. Photo by Angela Person.
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