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The Center for Architecture + Design in San Francisco hosted an opening reception for the “Do Not Try to Remember” exhibition. Organized by the University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture, the exhibition explores the groundbreaking work of renegade architects who helped shape Bay Area design in the mid-20th century.
The event took place on February 20, 2025, and featured a talk by lead curator Marco Piscitelli, as well as a moderated panel discussion with scholars of the American School, including Stephanie Pilat, Angela Person, and Hans Baldauf. Additional commentary was provided by the architect Donald MacDonald, builder Jim Lino, filmmaker Lila Cohen, and others. There were over 200 guests in attendance during this sold-out event.
Part of the "Do Not Try to Remember" exhibition.
The exhibition explores how Bruce Goff’s innovative teaching approach differed from traditional East Coast programs, encouraging creativity over conformity in design. It also touches on how California’s unique culture and landscape influenced architects, how they used materials and structure as expressive elements, and how they reimagined urban spaces with a focus on making architecture more inclusive and accessible for all. Featured architects include Valentino Agnoli, Violeta Autumn, Robert Bowlby, Donald MacDonald, John Marsh Davis, Mickey Muennig, and Robert Overstreet.
The architecture students at the University of Oklahoma developed out of the box designs while mentored by Bruce Goff, Herbe Green and others. They taught students to develop original, creative designs. Known as the American School of Architecture, bold originality replaced European teaching styles.
The moderated panel discussion.
Panelists Hans Baldauf, Angela Person, and Stephanie Pilat with moderator.
View the full panel discussion below.
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture assistant professor Amy Leveno and Mark Leveno, co-founders of OFFICIAL Design, have received a 2026 AIA Central States Region Design Award for the firm’s Granger Annex Community Center project in Garland, Texas.
Construction Industry Speaker Series welcomed Stephen Evans from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to give a lecture on better conversations and relationship building.
The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Gibbs College, its students, staff, faculty, alumni and/or to communities across the globe. The impact may have been, or continues to be, in the form of service and mentorship, sustained professional excellence, and/or advancement and financial support. Joseph Edgar Smay is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
