Gibbs College is pleased to share that Architecture alumnus Gary Armbruster, AIA, has recently been honored with three prestigious awards recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of architecture and educational planning. Armbruster is the recipient of the 2025 Oklahoma AIA Lifetime Achievement Award, has been named the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southern Region 2025 Planner of the Year, and was recognized as one of the Most Admired CEOs by The Journal Record. Armbruster is Principal Architect and Partner of MA+ Architecture.
“These awards recognize Gary’s numerous contributions to innovative educational facility design throughout the state and across the country,” said Lisa Chronister, FAIA, Past President of AIA. “I am thrilled that Gary has been honored for devoting his significant time and talent to improving both the community and the architectural profession.”
With a career spanning over three decades, Gary Armbruster has played a transformative role in shaping educational environments across Oklahoma and the Southern United States. His commitment to designing innovative, student-focused learning spaces has earned him the respect and admiration of peers, educators, and clients alike.
About the Awards
Please join us in congratulating Gary on these outstanding achievements!
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.
