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!
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.
