Gibbs College is pleased to share that Architecture alumnus Gary Armbruster, AIA, has recently been honored with three prestigious awards recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of architecture and educational planning. Armbruster is the recipient of the 2025 Oklahoma AIA Lifetime Achievement Award, has been named the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southern Region 2025 Planner of the Year, and was recognized as one of the Most Admired CEOs by The Journal Record. Armbruster is Principal Architect and Partner of MA+ Architecture.
“These awards recognize Gary’s numerous contributions to innovative educational facility design throughout the state and across the country,” said Lisa Chronister, FAIA, Past President of AIA. “I am thrilled that Gary has been honored for devoting his significant time and talent to improving both the community and the architectural profession.”
With a career spanning over three decades, Gary Armbruster has played a transformative role in shaping educational environments across Oklahoma and the Southern United States. His commitment to designing innovative, student-focused learning spaces has earned him the respect and admiration of peers, educators, and clients alike.
About the Awards
Please join us in congratulating Gary on these outstanding achievements!
Petya Stefanoff, Chair of the Educational Committee with the American Planning Association, Oklahoma Chapter (APA-OK) and Gibbs College PhD candidate, has developed a new training program for local government officials. The program, focused on land use, zoning principles, and land development, recently certified its first graduates with Certified Citizen Planner status.
Gibbs Construction Science and Architecture students recently traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to compete in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 8 Student Competition. The team partnered with Czech Technical University and secured third place in the Design-Build category.
Gibbs College is pleased to present the exhibition Vollendorf in Oklahoma: The Architecture of Dean Bryant Vollendorf during the Spring 2026 semester. It will be on display in Gould Hall, on the OU-Norman Campus, from February 16, 2026 - March 13, 2026.
