Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to announce that Rachel White (B.Arch. '08) has been promoted to Principal at Miles Architecture, an award-winning Oklahoma City design firm.
Since graduating summa cum laude from Gibbs College, Rachel has built a 17-year career specializing in complex, research-driven projects. She's known for her ability to translate detailed programmatic requirements into innovative design solutions. Her recent projects include the OU Life Sciences Laboratories Building, the OU Weather and Advanced Technology Center, and the OMRF Center Wing Bioinformatics Renovation.
Rachel has remained deeply connected to Gibbs College throughout her career. She currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Division of Architecture Professional Advisory Board and has previously served as Graduation Commencement Speaker (2020), Chairperson of the Gibbs College Hall of Fame (2021-2023), and emcee for the Charles W. Graham Travel Study Gala (2025). She's committed to mentoring the next generation of architects and helping shape an educational experience that prepares students for the realities of practice.
In her new role, Rachel will lead Miles Architecture's Science group, advancing the firm's work in STEM-focused design.
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.
