The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
The national competition invited undergraduate and graduate architecture students to develop an innovative design for a botanical garden and event space using pre-engineered metal building systems as the primary structural framework. Participants were asked to create a complex that blended indoor and outdoor experiences. Designs included elements such as an event center, biomes and greenhouses, an aviary, a sculpture garden, an observation deck, and spaces for education and research.
Exterior rendering of Haley Praytor’s Garden & Event Space.
Students were also asked to propose an additional exploratory program, an open-ended element that allowed them to introduce a distinctive idea to set their project apart.
The competition was one of two major projects assigned during the Fall 2025 semester in the ARCH 6956 graduate design studio. The course was coordinated by Associate Professor Paolo Sanza and co-taught with Professor Marjorie Callahan.
Interior rendering showcasing the botanical garden.
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.
