Soon after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design and Architecture, Donald K. Beck, Jr. formed Beck Associates Architects in 1981. The company would later be rebranded as Beck Design. Beck Design is a 40-year-old comprehensive architectural firm comprised of Architects, Interior Designers, Furniture Specialists, Graphic Designers, Marketing Experts and Administrative Staff. Many OU alumni have worked for Beck Design.
With offices located in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and New York City, they provide visionary design on a local and national level. The core of Beck Design’s work is the passion for imaginative solution-minded design that adds value to land, buildings, and people’s lives.
Beck Design features a diverse portfolio of public spaces large and small. Driven by technical excellence, effective communication, and common vision, the firm has helped many private and public clients to create spaces that are inspiring and functional, while solving development and environmental problems.
Their intermediate size facilitates clear communication between departments, ensuring their projects are executed in a clean, timely manner. The firm has been involved in the programming, planning and design of diverse buildings throughout the country, totaling over 1500 buildings, along with the renovation/restoration of over 80 million square feet of historic structures.
One of Beck Design’s iconic projects is the National Weather Center at the University of Oklahoma.
Pictures of the National Weather Center from Beck Design.
As you travel around Oklahoma, you are certain to see or experience other buildings designed by Beck Design including iconic projects like the Bricktown Development, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, Wanda L. Bass School of Music at OCU, Skirvin Hotel Renovation, Colcord Hotel Renovation, McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at OSU, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation John D. Groendyke Building Renovation and Expansion, and the Myriad Gardens Master Plan and Renovation.
Beck Design has been honored to receive over 100 design awards from organizations that include the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Interior Designers, the State Historic Preservation Office, the State of Oklahoma, Department of Commerce / Main Street Program, and the National Institute of Architectural Education. Most recently, Don Beck was honored with the prestigious Neal Horton Award at the 2020-2021 Dean A. McGee Awards, for his contributions to the development of Downtown Oklahoma City.
As Beck Design recognizes their milestone 40th year, they also celebrate the future. Beck Design is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Casey Tarp and Mr. Wesley Rutledge as Partners of the firm. Casey Tarp graduated from the Gibbs College of Architecture in 1988. Their dedication and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for clients have been integral to the success of the firm.
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.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to celebrate a series of recent accomplishments by Dr. Jim Collard, Professor of Practice in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design, whose work continues to shape conversations around Indigenous economic development nationally and internationally.
University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture Dean Hans E. [PA1.1]Butzer returned to one of his most significant works on December 15, joining survivors and past and present board members for the groundbreaking of a $15.8 million expansion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
