OU Gibbs College of Architecture alum David Hornbeek was recently awarded a Governor’s Arts Award for Community Service.
Fourteen individuals and three organizations were honored for their contributions to the arts during the 44th Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Awards in the rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol. Since 1975, the Governor’s Arts Awards has recognized hundreds of individuals and organizations whose efforts have impacted the arts in their communities or throughout the state of Oklahoma. The awards are presented by the Governor of Oklahoma during a special ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
The Community Service Award, the award Hornbeek was presented with, recognized significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.
David Hornbeek stated, “I am deeply honored, enormously blessed, and intrinsically fulfilled to receive awards with several other recipient colleagues and friends on the same occasion […] It was truly an evening I will never forget!”
After graduating from the Gibbs College of Architecture in 1978 with a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture degree, David would eventually create and work as Principal for Hornbeek-Blatt Architects. While working as Principal, David participated in several impressive projects, including the new First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
He has also been active in the Oklahoma Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers, various NCARB committees, visiting adjunct professor and member of the University of Oklahoma School of Architecture’s Professional Advisory Board and Board of Visitors, and the AIA Central Oklahoma chapter. Currently, David Hornbeek is serving as the Region 5 director on the NCARB Board of Directors.
Congratulations to David Hornbeek on this recognition! The Gibbs College of Architecture is incredibly proud of his 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.
