OU Architecture grads Jalal and Mohammad Farzaneh were recently featured in The Oklahoman in an article titled “Home Creations founders build on entrepreneurial spirit.”
The article mentions their successful business, Home Creations, and their keynote address at Oklahoma’s annual Entrepreneurial Summit. The Farzanehs, who began building homes in Oklahoma in 1981, have built more than 12,000 homes.
The brothers attribute much of their success to the state of Oklahoma and to the University of Oklahoma, saying it is the “best education you can find.”
Featured image: Co-founders of Home Creations Mohammad and Jalal Farzaneh speak with former OU President David Boren in 2016. [The Oklahoman archives]
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
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.