Outstanding OU Urban Design alumni recently gathered at the 2023 State Planning Conference, sponsored by the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). The APA is a non-profit educational organization that strives to enhance the planning profession and help communities adapt to the rapidly changing environment.
This year’s theme was “Plan It Forward: Planning for a more resilient and diverse future.” The two-day conference consisted of sessions with keynote speakers, mobile tours, and exhibitions. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to network, learn about current industry trends, and expand their professional skillsets.
The attending OU Alumni included Erik Enyart, Director of Planning at Tanner Consulting, Brent Isaacs, Housing Planner and Grantwriter at the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, Jessi Stringer, City Planner for the City of Collinsville, Amanda Yamaguchi, Planning Manager for the City of Broken Arrow, and Larry Curtis, Community Development Director for the City of Bartlesville.
This was the first chapter conference in several years, and it took place in Enid, Oklahoma from March 5-7. Learn more about this year’s conference and the APA.
Feature Image: Left to Right: Erik Enyart, Brent Isaacs, Jessi Stringer, Amanda Yamaguchi, and Larry Curtis.
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.
