The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame (GCA HOF) recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact over time to Gibbs College (GCA), 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. Alison Hafar is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
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Alison Lightfoot (Hafar) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 23, 1960. Raised in a family where creativity and design were highly valued, Alison was greatly influenced by her mother, who worked at an architectural firm during Alison’s high school years. Inspired by her mother’s work and captivated by the idea of designing spaces, Alison decided to pursue a career in interior design.
During her freshman year at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Alison officially declared Interior Design as her major. While she initially struggled with hand drafting and rendering, her talent blossomed with the introduction of AutoCAD. By her senior year, she had found her niche in commercial design, a field that combined her strengths in problem-solving and creating beautiful, functional spaces. In 1982, she graduated from OU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.
Camp Triveria, one of Hafar's interior design projects.
Three years later, Alison passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, formally beginning her professional career. She joined the architectural interiors department at Scott Rice before moving to B&M Sales Co., where she worked for 13 years.
When B&M Sales closed, Alison and her colleague Don Henke were presented with an opportunity by Knoll to open a furniture dealership. Seizing the chance, Alison and Don embarked on a new venture. Initially operating out of their homes and storage units, they took a leap of faith and, 25 years ago, opened the Spaces Inc. showroom in Edmond, Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, one of Hafar's interior design projects.
Today, Spaces Inc. stands as a testament to Alison’s dedication, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Through her leadership, the company has transformed countless environments, creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring.
In 1988, Spaces Inc. contributed to the renovation of the governor’s suite at the Oklahoma State Capitol. For her work on the project, Alison was awarded the Governor of Oklahoma State Excellence Award.
Since graduating, Alison has remained deeply involved with Gibbs College. She has given back through guest lectures, jurying senior showcases, making financial contributions, and supporting fundraising efforts for the board, among other activities.
The Oklahoma Publishing Company, one of Hafar's interior design projects.
Today, Alison is fully engaged in curating spaces from start to finish at Spaces Inc. Her visionary approach to modern furniture dealership has helped the company evolve into a true turnkey solution for clients, offering services ranging from building finishes and space planning to furniture selection and installation. Alison’s expertise in interior design remains at the heart of Spaces Inc.’s success, consistently bringing clients’ visions to life with style and functionality.
A project designed by Gibbs College of Architecture faculty member Austin Lightle has been selected for BuildFest 2026, a national art and architecture festival held at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in New York, on the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival.
Two Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture alumni are helping shape recommendations that could influence affordable housing design and construction across Oklahoma.
The University of Oklahoma Libraries recently welcomed Carl Siegel as an Architecture Librarian and Archivist and Assistant Professor. In his role, Siegel supports students, faculty and staff across the Gibbs College of Architecture while also serving as archivist for the American School of Architecture Archives.
