The new and soon-to-open First American Museum was recently featured in a piece by The Oklahoman, with the headline, “‘This project has persevered’: Get a first look at Oklahoma City’s First Americans Museum.” After years of construction and planning, the museum plans to open in Oklahoma City this September. According to the museum’s website, “In one place, visitors will experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today. First Americans Museum will share the cultural diversity, history, and contributions of the First Americans.”
David Hornbeek, Edmond architect at Hornbleek Blatt Architects and OU Architecture alumnus, has been involved with the museum and is excited about the grand opening. In the article, he expresses the importance of telling these stories and sharing them from the tribe’s perspective. The stories throughout the museum are told from a personal perspective with interviews from current tribal members.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
