An interdisciplinary team of Gibbs graduate students recently competed in the TEXO Foundation Region 5 Student Competition in Hurst, Texas. The team of six competed in the Design-Build division in the Graduate category and won second place with their design proposal.
TEXO is one of the largest construction industry trade associations in the country, formed in 2009 by the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Associated General Contractors of America. Each year, TEXO invites university students to showcase their skills and connect with TEXO member companies about career opportunities.
The OU team consisted of Interior Design and Construction Science graduate students, including ID Graduate Teaching Assistants Naila Hasan and Mariana Hernandez Franco, CnS Graduate Resarch Assistant Maryam Taleghani and CnS Graduate Teaching Assistants Roya Minaei, Muhammad Arham and Nana Kwabena Asamoah Antwi. The team was coached by CnS Professors Somik Ghosh and Kofi Asare.
The OU team working on their design proposal.
This student competition simulates real-world project bidding scenarios, where teams are tasked with submitting competitive proposals. Following the submission phase, teams convene in Texas to present their proposals to a jury of subject matter experts. The competition features four divisions: commercial, design-build, heavy civil and concrete solutions.
The design-build segment of the competition was sponsored by the Beck Group and challenged participants to produce quick turnaround bid proposals within 16 hours. The teams received the Request for Proposal at 8 am and worked diligently to craft their submissions before the midnight deadline.
The teams were challenged to provide design solutions that addressed the homelessness crisis in downtown Dallas. The city has seen a significant increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness due to the lack of affordable housing and economic challenges in the region.
Site plan for the New Beginnings Center.
The proposal called for professional design, preconstruction and construction services for the New Beginnings Center, a building that will provide safe shelter to this vulnerable community. Their designs had to include several components, including administration, sleeping areas, showers and restrooms, dining and kitchen areas, laundry, parking and a courtyard.
The OU team centered their design concept around the psychological impacts of this vulnerable community, integrating integrity, courage, service, hope and a welcoming approach. In addition to the proposed requirements, they incorporated biophilic design elements and an inclusive layout. Their design featured a welcoming entrance, a community engagement space and universal accessibility.
Rendering of New Beginnings Center main entrance.
The team also wanted to achieve Green Building certification, which assesses a building’s performance from a sustainability and environmental perspective. Their proposal incorporated recycled finish materials, energy efficient outlets, a passive ventilation system and a rainwater harvesting system to reduce lifecycle impact and conserve water.
Rendering of the New Beginnings Center central courtyard.
According to Hasan, the central courtyard was the heart of the project, which had a rainwater detention system through pervious paving. They also proposed an amphitheater and tennis and basketball courts to build community connectivity.
In addition to their design, the team provided an estimate, schedule, construction delivery details and a detailed organizational philosophy. Their final proposal had a project schedule of 18 months and was below the given budget of $18.1 million.
The OU team competed against teams from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, Texas A&M, Auburn University and Liverpool John Moores University. They received a $750 check and crest for winning 2nd place.
Learn more about the TEXO Student Competition at texofoundation.org.
Featured Image: Left to right: Somik Ghosh, Nana Kwabena, Muhammad Arham, Naila Hasan, Maryam Taleghani, Roya Minaei, Mariana Hernandez Franco and Kofi Asare.
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.
