Design + Build

American School Design-Build

Hands-on Learning. Real-world Impact.

American School Design-Build is a hands-on program within the University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture that blends design, project management, fabrication, and construction into immersive, real-world learning experiences. Rooted in the spirit of the American School movement, the program empowers students to take projects from concept to completion, fostering creativity, technical skill, and collaboration while engaging with communities through meaningful work.

Recent Projects

Students have collaborated on award-winning and community-transforming projects, including:

SunHive Collective Community Space (Norman, OK – 2024–2025)
Outre West @ OKC Contemporary (Oklahoma City, OK – 2024–2025)
John Rex Urban Farming Lab (Oklahoma City, OK – 2023–2024)
Engage Community Greenhouse (Oklahoma City, OK – 2022–2023)

Sunhive Collective Community Space

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025
Norman, OK

Wooden structures, including a ladder, hanging from the ceiling.

Outre West @ OKC Contemporary

Spring 2024 - Winter 2025
Oklahoma City, OK

John Rex Urban Farming Lab

Fall 2023 to Spring 2024
Oklahoma City, OK

Engage Community Greenhouse

Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
Oklahoma City, OK

Crutcho Greenhouse Classroom

Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Oklahoma City, OK

The interior of a mobile medical unit, featuring wood shelving and paneling.

Witchita and Affiliated Tribes Mobile Medical Unit

Fall 2020 - Spring 2021
Andarko, OK

Core Values

We design and build with purpose, guided by our core values:

Sustainability: Green building techniques and resource efficiency
Agriculture: Supporting urban and suburban food resilience
Climate Change: Carbon reduction and climate-responsive design
Biodiversity: Protecting ecosystems and integrating nature
Prosperity: Improving quality of life and community well-being
Craftsmanship: Honoring precision, tradition, and innovation

Get Involved

Students: Join a collaborative, hands-on program that prepares you for professional practice.
Partners: Collaborate on impactful community projects.
Supporters: Your contributions make our work possible.

Visit American School Design-Build

Meet the Instructors

Our dedicated faculty bring expertise in architecture, construction, and sustainable design, guiding students from concept to completion.

Bryan Bloom

Assistant Professor
Director, American School Design-Build Program

bloom@ou.edu

Bryan Bloom Bio

Ken Marold

Lecturer

ken.marold@ou.edu

Ken Marold Bio