For principal architects and partners Gary Armbruster and Heath Tate, giving back to the University of Oklahoma’s Gibbs College of Architecture isn’t just a professional obligation; it’s personal. Both proud OU alumni, Gary and Heath credit much of their success to the connections, mentorships, and lessons learned during their time at the University. Today, that Sooner spirit lives on through MA+’s active partnership with Gibbs College — from advisory board membership, to supporting scholarships and student internships to hands-on mentorship that helps bridge the critical gap between education and professional practice.
Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) interns, Kyler Smith and Reilly Tuer spent their semester rethinking pedestrian spaces in downtown Edmond, Oklahoma. Kyler and Reilly both recently completed their third year in the Gibbs College Architecture program. Throughout the project, they were mentored by Michael Hoffner (OU B.ARCH ‘90) of höffnerdesignstudio in Oklahoma City.
Since 2017, assistant professor of Architecture Angela Person has co-led the Environmental Sustainability Working Group (ESWG) at OU with Dr. Randy Peppler, of OU Geography. Four of the ESWG’s students recently presented during the University of Oklahoma’s 33rd Annual Undergraduate Research day on Friday, April 9th, 2021. Two of their students, Brooke Foster and Julie Bahr, took home top prizes among the more than 100 presenters.
Associate professor of Construction Science Somik Ghosh has been invited to serve on a panel that will explore mentoring during the Engineering News-Record “Top Young Professionals” Virtual Conference, which will be held February 24-26, 2020.
