Robert L. Wesley, a pioneering architect and beloved mentor, has died at age 88.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Wesley joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1964 and became the firm's first Black partner in 1984. Throughout his career, he contributed to significant architectural projects while maintaining a strong commitment to civic engagement and professional mentorship.
His commitment to nurturing emerging talent inspired the SOM Foundation to establish the Robert L. Wesley Award in 2020, which provides support to BIPOC students pursuing careers in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, urban design, and engineering. To date, twenty-five students have received the award.
Robert L. Wesley.
Iker Gil, Executive Director of the SOM Foundation, noted Wesley's continued involvement with the award program: "Working alongside Bob since 2020 has been a privilege. He was an inspiration to all of us at the SOM Foundation as well as to the mentors and students who have received the Robert L. Wesley Award so far. Bob was directly involved in reviewing applications, an active participant in mentorship sessions, and dedicated to ensuring we did everything we could to support students."
Wesley's legacy in architecture and design education will continue through the students and professionals he mentored throughout his career. Learn more about Robert L. Wesley.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Dr. Tamar Zinguer, Associate Professor of Architecture, has been selected to participate in the prestigious 2026 Summer Residency at the National Humanities Center (NHC).
Tanvin Mahtub Fariha, a first-year Master of Landscape Architecture student in the Gibbs College of Architecture and a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design, has earned recognition for her work.
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.
