René Peralta, a lecturer in Architecture at OU and alumnus of the Master of Science in Planning, Design and Construction program (Dec. 2022 graduate), was recently awarded the 2022-2023 Architectural Research Centers Consortium’s (ARCC) King Medal.
One student from every ARCC member college is awarded this medal each year to recognize their innovation, integrity and dedication to architectural and environmental design research. Peralta was recognized for his master’s thesis, “Design and Construction Technology in Mexican Social Housing at the End of the 20th Century.”
In his thesis, Peralta examines the Mexican government’s attempts to provide housing for working class citizens. Specifically, he explores the role of construction systems and their sociocultural impact on the region’s urban development. According to Peralta, Mexico’s 20th century housing policies produced thousands of housing units that materialized into low-income neighborhoods during the global economic crisis of the period.
Peralta served as the inaugural OU Herb Greene Teaching Fellow from 2019-2021.
Congratulations to Rene Peralta for receiving this well-deserved recognition!
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.
