Monday, November 8, 2021
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

November 10: AIACOC Board Meeting
November 16: AEC Happy Hour at Fassler Hall
November 18: AIA Oklahoma Virtual Design Awards Presentation
November 19: AIA Luncheon & Elections
November 24-26: Office Closed - Melissa Vacation
December 8: AIACOC Board Meeting
January 20: Architecture after 5 at Terracon
February 10: AIA Luncheon
February 25: AIA Sporting Clays Tournament
March 24: Architecture after 5 at CEC
April 14: AIA Luncheon
April 28: Architecture after 5 at Timberlake Construction
May 16: AIA Golf Tournament
AIA November Luncheon Next Week!
The AIA November Luncheon will take place on Friday, November 19th at 11:30 a.m. at the Capitol View Event Center (at Old Surety) at 5201 N. Lincoln Blvd. The program will be CHIT CHAT (presentations in 20 slides).

Our speakers include:
Katie Fiddler, AICP
of Guernsey

Comp Plans & Codes – Working Together
Jason Hukill, AIA
of LWPB Architecture

Capps Middle School: A Walk in the Woods
Tony Morton
of Kasum Contemporary Fine Art and
Manifold Creative Concepts
 
The Changing Landscape of Public Art
and Design in Oklahoma City
Mel Willis
of Mel Willis Photography

Elements of Photography in Architecture
The deadline to register for the Chit Chat Luncheon is Monday, November 15th. AIA Central Oklahoma Member attend free and nonmember guests are $25.
A/E/C Happy Hour
Join us for a Happy Hour on November 16th. Everyone is invited (architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, trade partners etc.). There’s no agenda. It’s just an excuse to gather for a beverage after work. No RSVP is required. Everyone is responsible for their own food and drink.
2022 AIA Central Oklahoma Board Elections
The 2022 AIA Central Oklahoma Board Elections will take place on Friday, November 19th at the AIA Central Oklahoma Luncheon. AIA (licensed architect) members and Associate AIA (intern architects) members are eligible to vote.

Our candidates for office are:

President Elect (President in 2023)
"I’ve been a member of the Board of Governors of Licensed Architects and a member of AIA for over 25 years and have served on the AIACOC Board as Judge Advocate and a Director and feel that its time to serve as President-Elect. There are so many great things happening in Oklahoma City and many of those local successes are because of architects and the AIA. I would love the opportunity to continue to help promote the AIA locally as President Elect and look forward to that opportunity to continue to serve my community."



Gary Armbruster, AIA, ALEP of MA+ Architecture
Gary Armbruster is a Principal Architect and Director of Development for the architecture firm of MA + Architecture, LLC. A 25-year veteran of the firm he began as an intern and was advanced quickly to Principal/Partner. Mr. Armbruster is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Architecture. He also holds a Certificate in Educational Facility Planning from San Diego State University.

Mr. Armbruster is the Education Studio Director and is responsible for programming, design coordination and review of safety design for all education projects. An Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) through the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), he is one of only four ALEPs in the State of Oklahoma. He speaks nationally on education design related issues and topics and recently spoke at the AIA National Convention in New York City. Gary has been married to his wife Julie for over 27 years and he has three sons: Nicolas, Matthew and Jacob. Gary serves on numerous boards including the AIA Central Oklahoma Chapter, ALEP International Commission, Positive Tomorrows Board and the Norman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Vice President
“I am very passionate about great architecture and actively advocate for our profession on a daily basis.” 

Shawn Lorg, AIA, NCARB of Krittenbrink Architecture
Shawn Lorg is Vice President/Director of Design for the architecture firm of Krittenbrink Architecture, LLC. A 19-year career began as an intern at C.H. Guernsey and after a 5 year stint, moved to JHBR as the Director of Design for the next 5 years, and finally to his current position as VP / Director of Design and Partner with Krittenbrink Architecture LLC. Mr. Lorg is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Architecture and holds a license in Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.
 
Mr. Lorg in his current role is responsible for all aspects of oversight regarding commercial architecture for the firm and is a strong advocate for the profession as well as great design. He has also been a featured expert speaker for the Fraternal Housing Association as well as MJ Forum, both of which, are annual Greek housing conferences.
 
In addition to his professional endeavors Mr. Lorg is on the Board of Directors for the Moore Faith Medical Clinic, which is a non-profit organization that serves the Moore and Norman areas by providing free healthcare to those in need.

"I enjoy volunteering to serve on the AIACOC board. It allows me to network, learn, and advocate for our profession in our local community."

Justin Mitchell, AIA, NCARB of MA+ Architecture
Justin Mitchell, a native of Shawnee Oklahoma, is an Architect and an Associate for MA+ Architecture.
 
While holding a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Oklahoma State University, he is a licensed architect in the state of Oklahoma, and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He is a Leadership Oklahoma City LOYAL Class XII graduate, he serves on the board of directors of the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and is an active member of the Oklahoma City Midtown Rotary, and is a community volunteer.
 
Justin lives in the Shepard Historic District, with his girlfriend Meghan, their cats Uncle Tio and Lucy, and his lovable pit bull named Luna. There you can find him spending his free time with his friends, cooking, or scouring local thrift stores for unique items.
 
Secretary
“As a newly licensed architect I see value of architects collaborating with one another on local, state, and national levels and thrilled by the opportunity to share my experiences as a young architect and learn from the professionals around me.”

Clay Dobbins, AIA, NCARB of TAP Architecture
Clay Dobbins is an Architect at TAP Architecture where he has worked for four years. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2019 and received his license in the State of Oklahoma in 2021. Clay has and continues to serve on the AIACOC Golf Tournament Committee and has collaborated with the Emerging Architect Committee to help guide and answer questions licensure candidates may have about the A.R.E and testing process.

Treasurer
"Serving on our local AIA Central Oklahoma board is a way to be involved in our professional community. I’ve enjoyed the years that I’ve been able to volunteer with our local chapter. Giving back to our industry is important to me and opens doors of opportunity for professional growth and ultimately, it’s a small way for me to contribute to our membership."

Bethany Jackson, AIA, NCARB, RCID
of Spur Design
Bethany Jackson is the Architecture & Interiors Lead for Spur Design. Prior to joining the Spur family, she was the Principal of SMA Tandem for 13 years. Mrs. Jackson now has over 22 + years' experience in the design industry. Through her career, she has had the opportunity to work on local, national and international projects from corporate, ecclesiastical to healthcare. She is an AIA member, a Registered Architect (RA), a Registered Commercial Interior Designer (RCID), NCIDQ certified, NCARB and serves on the AIA Central Oklahoma Board for the last 7 years. She has a unique educational background holding 3 degrees of a Masters in Construction Administration, Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Interior Design all from The University of Oklahoma. She has previously served on the Interior Design Advisory Board for 7 years. She received the Outstanding Alumni Award 2014-2015 from The University of Oklahoma, College of Architecture ID division. Mrs. Jackson continues to serve by giving back to the community in programs for United Way such as Celebrity Sing in Norman and supports her children activities at Norman High Baseball and The University of Oklahoma. She is committed to the profession and received recognition for completing the Leadership AIA Class I 2015 in June.
Director
"Serving on the AIACOC board has allowed me to see how the organization works internally to support the central Oklahoma architectural community. I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to the profession and to serve in my community."

Branson Young, AIA, NCARB
of JHBR Architecture
Branson’s passion and creativity for drawing, problem solving, and art led him to architecture and design. Throughout his career – 15 years with JHBR, he has created innovative designs that influence and contribute to improving the built environment. His efforts create a framework that promotes design excellence for our entire firm. As project architect, he has designed projects from large inpatient units, MRls, outpatient care units, medical office buildings and many school remodels and additions. His understanding of patients, families, caregivers and educators coupled with his keen sense of design make Branson an invaluable part of our team.

In addition to being a Partner with JHBR, Branson is heavily involved with the Brookhaven Neighborhood Association and sits in on crits at the Christopher C. Gibbs Gollege of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma.

Branson’s creativity spills over into music as Branson has played drums and percussion in several bands, orchestras and jazz ensembles. He also enjoys spending time with his wife (whom was also his high school sweetheart) and boating at the lake. In his garage you will find a 1965 Austin Healey Sprite under restoration (in his spare time, of course) and renovating old homes, which currently includes a 1961 Mid-century modern house. He allows his akita and his yorkie to take him out on walks. Branson tries to get some exercise by playing kickball, indoor soccer and is a member of a corporate rowing team.
ArchiPrep®
Meet the newest ARE® prep resource from AIA
What is ArchiPrep?

How you prepare matters and AIA has developed a great resource to help you get ready for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE®). Introducing ArchiPrep, AIA's premier ARE prep resource designed to help emerging professionals get licensed faster. ArchiPrep helps relieve the stress of studying for the ARE by offering testing candidates a road map to success. Take ArchiPrep with you wherever you go, using it on your computer, phone, or tablet. Are you ready for the next step in your career? Let ArchiPrep lead the way.

Why use ArchiPrep?
  • Original study material created by AIA National and its network of subject matter experts
  • New content and item types are added on a regular basis.
  • All study items are mapped to NCARB’s ARE 5.0 division and section objectives.
  • The dynamic platform allows users to track their study goals, progress and performance – for each ARE division
  • Study anytime, anywhere - ArchiPrep is mobile-friendly with offline access
  • Take practice quizzes and create your own flash cards
  • Read articles and other resources related to the exam
  • Seamless access to officially-licensed International Building Code® content in the PA, PDD and PPD modules. ArchiPrep now includes study materials relevant to the ARE® from the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Building Code Study Companion , Building Code Essentials, Based on the 2018 IBC, and ICC A117.1-2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
  • Join an online community to connect virtually with other ARE candidates to help motivate and encourage each other in the journey to licensure
  • Flexible subscription options - choose from either a 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month subscription


AIA Oklahoma People's Choice Awards: Place your vote!

Help us celebrate architecture by voting for your favorite projects!

Register for the AIA Oklahoma Design Awards Celebration
Council for New Urbanism Conference - Call for Speakers
The call for proposals for CNU 30.Oklahoma City is now open and we can’t wait to hear from you! CNU 30 runs March 23-26, 2022 and will be the first in-person Congress in two years. We're looking forward to connecting, discussing, learning, debating, and growing TOGETHER. 

The call for proposals closes November 30, 2021.

Proposed sessions must provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning, deep engagement with the subject matter, and actionable takeaways for attendees. Session types differ this year as we are getting our annual Congress back to its roots. Please review the information below before submitting your proposal.

CNU 30.OKC | Resilient Together is focused on the organization's Strategic Plan goals of addressing climate change and equity across all areas of practice and advocacy as well as a continued pursuit of regulatory and transportation reform. Sessions that address these goals will be prioritized.

JOIN ASSOCIATION FOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS (in-person) FOR A
PRESENTATION AND TOUR
Western Heights PS STEAM Academy (The Oklahoma Fine Arts & Science Academy)
Wednesday, November 10
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
8401 SW 44th Street
OKC, OK 73179
 
This 52,000 sq-ft facility offers Advanced Placement courses, fine arts programs and classes focused on STEM. The academy serves as a magnet alternative to Western Heights High School. Fine arts programs include choral music, dance, instrumental music, theater and visual arts. The school’s proximity to Will Rogers World Airport and a Federal Aviation Administration regional office allows students to explore the aviation industry. The building features a 175-seat black box theater, large flexible rehearsal suites, science and robotics labs, music recording lab, a visual art suite with an outdoor creative area and a 150-seat outdoor amphitheater.
 
Architect: BWA Group
General Contractor: Wynn Construction
Tour Sponsor: TRW Oklahoma

Spanish Speaking Architect
We've been contacted by a Spanish Speaking Architect from Bolivia who is now in the US and wanting to learn the language and work through the AXP process to become a licensed architect in the United States. So we're looking for a Spanish speaking architect that might be willing to talk with him and answer questions as he works through the process, including learning the English language.

If you're this person, please email Melissa at [email protected].