In collaboration with OU Landscape Services, first-year Environmental Design student Justin Jones is designing new planting beds on the east side of Gould Hall. This project ties into Jones’s Field Work course with Ron Frantz, director of the EnD Division.
Jones (left) with Torrey Redmon (center) and Joe Mars (right) from OU Landscape Services.
Inspired by his passion for plants and landscaping, Jones transferred to Gibbs College last semester to gain knowledge in the Landscape Architecture field and help him in his current role in OU’s Landscape Services. While Jones has only been in Gibbs College for a short period of time, he has already had a significant positive impact on the Gibbs community.
Jones with his planter bed designs.
“The landscape department is really striving to return campus to its former glory,” Jones said. “Many have told us how well-maintained grounds are therapeutic and help them relax. This is one of our main goals for the OU community.”
Jones planting in the new garden.
With this project, he hopes to improve the environment of Gould Hall and the surrounding OU campus and encourage interest in the LA program. While Jones has not taken any LA classes yet, the Historical Preservation course he took with Professor Frantz sparked his interest in the discipline. After he completes his undergraduate education, Jones hopes to continue his studies in the LA program.
Jones and OU Landscape Services planting in the new garden.
Make sure to check out the new planter beds outside of Gould Hall!
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.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.