OU Master of Landscape Architecture student Sridhar Yalamanchili was recently named the student winner of the 2018 “Million-Dollar Pool Design Challenge,” sponsored by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.
His design was selected from among 150 entries, and the winners were announced during the 2018 International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, held from Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2018.
Entrants were provided with a hypothetical Central Texas site, a list of client “wants” and an unlimited budget. Yalamanchili’s design combined beautiful, hearty plant life, an infinity pool, a modern fire pit and more to produce an out-of-this-world, relaxing environment.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
