The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Dr. Suchismita (Suchi) Bhattacharjee, Associate Dean of Academics and College Administration and Associate Professor of Interior Design, has received the campus-wide Graduate Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring of Graduate Students.
For principal architects and partners Gary Armbruster and Heath Tate, giving back to the University of Oklahoma’s Gibbs College of Architecture isn’t just a professional obligation; it’s personal. Both proud OU alumni, Gary and Heath credit much of their success to the connections, mentorships, and lessons learned during their time at the University. Today, that Sooner spirit lives on through MA+’s active partnership with Gibbs College — from advisory board membership, to supporting scholarships and student internships to hands-on mentorship that helps bridge the critical gap between education and professional practice.
Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) interns, Kyler Smith and Reilly Tuer spent their semester rethinking pedestrian spaces in downtown Edmond, Oklahoma. Kyler and Reilly both recently completed their third year in the Gibbs College Architecture program. Throughout the project, they were mentored by Michael Hoffner (OU B.ARCH ‘90) of höffnerdesignstudio in Oklahoma City.
Since 2017, assistant professor of Architecture Angela Person has co-led the Environmental Sustainability Working Group (ESWG) at OU with Dr. Randy Peppler, of OU Geography. Four of the ESWG’s students recently presented during the University of Oklahoma’s 33rd Annual Undergraduate Research day on Friday, April 9th, 2021. Two of their students, Brooke Foster and Julie Bahr, took home top prizes among the more than 100 presenters.
Associate professor of Construction Science Somik Ghosh has been invited to serve on a panel that will explore mentoring during the Engineering News-Record “Top Young Professionals” Virtual Conference, which will be held February 24-26, 2020.
The Urban Design Studio is proud to announce its first Urban Design Fellows. Made possible by the Christopher C. Gibbs Endowment for faculty support and development, each fellow will receive a $3,000 stipend to pursue their research.
The Interior Design program at OU hosted a mentoring event connecting over 100 students with industry professionals from across the region. The event featured panel discussions, portfolio reviews, and small-group sessions to provide students with guidance and professional insight.
The Haskell and Irene Lemon Division of Construction Science hosted a Women in Construction luncheon bringing together students and professionals for networking and discussion. Nearly 20 participants attended to address challenges facing women in the construction industry and connect with peers.
