OU Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Kiara Gilmore, Associate Architect and Director of Emerging Professionals at Modus Studio, has been appointed as the Goff Chair of Creative Architecture for 2025. As Goff Chair, Gilmore is invited to give a public lecture this semester, open to all Gibbs students, faculty, and staff.
In her upcoming lecture, Gilmore will share insights into the “Think. Make. Do.” design process that defines the work of Modus Studio. The lecture will take place on Monday April 7, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in George Lynn Cross Room 123. It will be an opportunity for students, faculty, and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of how design thinking translates into meaningful architectural solutions.
Rooted in Arkansas and driven by a passion for transformative design, Kiara Gilmore has dedicated her career to shaping sustainable and community-centric spaces. Her innovative approach to architecture not only fosters meaningful built environments but also inspires the next generation of architects. Kiara grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, in a home that was built in the 1800s. It was there that she became fascinated with how architecture and design were thought about. She graduated from the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design and began working at Modus Studio, where she has used her energy and talent to continue to transform the built world—a world where every individual consciously and unconsciously experiences design at its highest, most innovative form. Through her leadership in the AIA, including roles as Young Architect Regional Director for the Gulf States, Knowledge Director, Vice Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum, and Secretary Elect for AIA Arkansas, she has championed the growth and development of emerging professionals. Her contributions to programs like the Mini MBA sessions and ARE quiz nights have equipped countless architects with essential business and licensure skills.
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.
