If you are interested in serving on the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture Board, let us know!

Position: Board Member
Term Length: 3 years
Meeting Frequency: Monthly

About Us
The Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture (OCFA) was established in 1999 to promote excellence in the built environment through education, recognition, and preservation. Over the years, OCFA has achieved significant success through

its events, programs, and projects, becoming a vital voice for architecture and design in our community.

Role Summary
As a board member of the OCFA, you will play an integral role in shaping the vision and ensuring the success of the organization. This includes participating in governance, providing strategic guidance, fundraising and actively supporting programs that align with the Foundation's mission.

Key Responsibilities

1). Governance:

• Participate in setting the Foundation’s strategic direction, policies, and priorities.
• Ensure the Foundation fulfills its mission and complies with legal and ethical standards.

2). Engagement and Advocacy:

• Actively participate in monthly board meetings and special events.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Foundation, promoting its mission and initiatives to the community.
• Help to foster relationships with architects, community members, and key stakeholders.

3). Fundraising and Financial Support:

• Contribute to and support the Foundation's fundraising efforts, including securing sponsorships and donations.
• Make an annual personal financial contribution, reflective of personal capacity, to demonstrate commitment to the mission.

4). Program Support:

• Support and participate in the Foundation's educational and recognition programs, as well as other special projects.
• Volunteer for committees or special projects as needed.

5). Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work collaboratively with fellow board members and staff to achieve organizational goals.
• Provide insights, expertise, and leadership in areas relevant to your background and experience.

Qualifications

• Passion for architecture, education, and the preservation of the built environment.
• Willingness to dedicate time, expertise, and resources to further the Foundation's mission.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and advocacy skills.
• Experience in architecture, design, construction, nonprofit work, education, or related fields is a plus.

Time Commitment

Board members are expected to:

• Attend monthly board meetings (in-person or virtually, as needed).
• Participate in committee meetings or special projects.
• Volunteer and participate in Foundation events or initiatives.

Benefits of Serving

• Make a meaningful impact on the architectural and cultural landscape of Oklahoma City.
• Expand your professional network by connecting with industry leaders.
• Have fun collaborating with like-minded advocates.

How to Apply
If you are interested in contributing to the mission of the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture as a board member, please submit a letter of interest to okcarchitecture@outlook.com by Friday, October 2.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Leslie Goode’s passing. Leslie was a friend to many in the AEC community and will be missed.

LESLIE D. GOODE
August 16, 1959 – August 13, 2026

Leslie Dianne Goode was born August 16, 1959, in Oklahoma City, and passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, in Edmond after a courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Leslie was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for others. No matter how she was feeling or what she was facing, she always put others first. She was the person people could turn to for encouragement, comfort, and support, and her generosity was simply part of who she was.

Leslie was a respected leader in Oklahoma's architecture, engineering, and construction community. She built a meaningful career in marketing and business development, finishing her career with Freese and Nichols, a job she often called her dream job. She was also a founding member of the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture and served on the board of the American Institute of Architects, Central Oklahoma Chapter.

Leslie loved her family, travel, musicals, architecture, and experiencing life. She leaves behind her daughter, Lindsey Polach; her son, Taylor Goode; her son-in-law, Christian Polach; her grandchildren, Brenndon Goode, Madison Angelone, and Dylan Balthrop; her granddaughter's husband, Emanuel Angelone; and her great-grandchildren, Penelope and Aurora Angelone. Her greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely and the countless lives she touched. Leslie put others first until the very end, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Celebration of life will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 at 1:00PM at Crawford Family Funeral & Cremation Service at 610 N.W. 178th St., Edmond, OK 73012.

If you would like share a memory, a photo or send condolences to the family CLICK HERE.

oin the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Taft Middle School transformation project, one of Oklahoma City’s most ambitious preservation and modernization efforts.

Led by Butzer Architects and Urbanism in collaboration with BNIM and Lingo Construction Services, the project reimagines the iconic 1930 Taft Junior High School campus while carefully preserving its rich architectural legacy. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2007, the original Art Deco structure designed by the renowned Oklahoma firm Layton, Hicks & Forsyth was once considered cutting-edge in educational design and technology.

The approximately 165,000-square-foot renovation and expansion project balances historic preservation with the needs of a modern learning environment. The design team is restoring the original core and shell of the landmark building while replacing and expanding the former north and west wings with updated academic, athletic, and fine arts facilities. The phased construction approach allows students to safely remain on campus throughout the transformation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, preservation, and contemporary educational design in action.

Thursday, June 25
5:00 pm
Taft Middle School
2901 NW 23rd Street, OKC

Cost:
OCFA Members: $5
Nonmember Guests: $15

Space is limited. Register early.

This is an active construction site so protective gear will be required.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

Join the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture for an exclusive tour of the Public Strategies Corporate Headquarters in downtown Oklahoma City on Monday, May 18th at 5:00 PM.

This transformative adaptive reuse project, designed by Studio Architecture, reimagines a collection of once-neglected buildings into a dynamic, modern workplace. Tour attendees will experience how 47,000 square feet of historic structures have been thoughtfully revitalized to support collaboration, creativity, and innovation, while preserving the character of the original architecture.

From light-filled atrium spaces and skyline views to the cutting-edge One Set Studio, this project highlights the power of design to breathe new life into downtown spaces.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of OKC’s most exciting adaptive reuse projects and connect with the design story behind it.

The tour will be led by Sammye Norvell Cravens, CPA, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer of Public Strategies and Kenneth Dennis, AIA with Studio Architecture.

Cost: $5 for OCFA Members and $15 for Nonmembers

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Celebrate Fat Tuesday in true Route 66 style with a festive Cocktail Class and Distillery Tour in the historic Britton District!

Join us for an immersive evening that blends handcrafted cocktails, light bites, behind-the-scenes distilling, and the rich architectural history of one of Oklahoma City’s Route 66 towns. Learn the art of cocktail creation from an expert mixologist, tour the distillery to discover how local spirits are made and have a tasting of one of their spirits, and find out about the unique buildings and design elements that tell Britton’s Route 66 story.

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, history lover, or just looking for a memorable Fat Tuesday experience, this event promises great flavors, fascinating stories, and plenty of celebration.

Come raise a glass to Fat Tuesday where spirits, history, and architecture meet!

Reserve your space today for this memorable event on Tuesday, February 17th from 5:30-7:00 pm at Woodworks Distilling Company, 912 W. Britton Road!

Cost:
OCFA Members: $60.00
Nonmember Guests: $66.00

The Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture invites the community to experience the Oklahoma City Museum of Art through a new lens during a guided architectural tour led by Allen Brown, AIA. Participants will gain insight into the design intent, architectural features, and creative decisions that shape one of downtown Oklahoma City’s most iconic cultural landmarks. This exclusive tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how architecture, art, and place come together to create a meaningful civic destination.

Tour of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Thursday, January 29, 2026
5:30 - 6:30 pm
OKCMOA - 425 Couch Drive, OKC

Allen Brown, AIA, LEED AP

Allen Brown is the President of Allen Brown Architects in Oklahoma City, involved in civic, corporate and community projects. Mr. Brown graduated with a Master of Architecture degree from Oklahoma State University and is a licensed Architect in the State of Oklahoma. Over the years, Mr. Brown has served as President, Treasurer and Director of the American Institute of Architects, Central Oklahoma Chapter, and as Treasurer of AIA Oklahoma. He was a Commissioner and Chair of the Oklahoma City Historic Preservation Commission for many years. Allen is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City, Class XII, and Leadership Oklahoma, Class XXIII.

Cost:
OCFA Members: Free
Nonmember Guests: $15

REGISTER HERE

Experience Guthrie’s Historic Charm this Holiday Season!

Join us this December for a guided walking tour of Guthrie’s historic downtown – a celebration of its remarkable architecture and festive holiday spirit. Beginning at the iconic State Capitol Publishing Museum, we’ll stroll through charming streets lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, each adorned with seasonal decore that brings history to life.

Our guide, Ronald H. Frantz, Jr., FAIA, will share captivating stories about Guthrie’s founding, its days as the Territorial Capitol, and the enduring architectural styles that continue to define its unique character.

Following the tour you’re welcome to relax and enjoy locally crafted spirits and holiday-inspired beverages at the WanderFolk Spirits – the perfect way to toast the season after a walk through history. (Cost of beverages not included.)

Ronald H. Frantz, Jr., FAIA is a graduate of the Tulane School of Architecture in New Orleans. His work focused on historic preservation, Main Street restoration, and neighborhood revitalization. For 43 years, Frantz worked in many small Oklahoma towns. Much of his work was with the Oklahoma Main Street Center and the OU College of Architecture. Recently, Frantz retired to focus on his small Oklahoma City-based consulting firm, co-founded with his wife, Mary.

Wade Scaramucci joined AHMM in 2005 and has led the work of AHMM's Oklahoma City office since its inception in 2010, as well as UK projects including the Stirling Prize-shortlisted Angel Building and offices for Google and Meta in London. He has stewarded the development of the OKC office from projects such as a new base for the Oklahoma City Ballet to the recently completed Citizen, a major mixed use building that is also now home to AHMM in the city. Wade was appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma to the state’s Board of Architects in 2022.

Cost:
OCFA Members: Free
Nonmember Guests: $15

REGISTER HERE

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2026 BOWLING FOR BUILDINGS!
Proceeds support the Lynne Rostochil National Register Grant program.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Andy B’s Bowling
11917 N. Pennsylvania, OKC

Registration includes: Bowling lane for 2 hours, shoes, 1-topping pizza per team, soda and lemonade, and prizes.

OCFA Members:
Team of 5 – $300.00
Individual Registration – $60.00*

Nonmember Guests:
Team of 5 – $375.00
Individual Registration- $75.00*

*We will work to place individual players on a team of 4.

Sponsorships Available:

Strike Sponsor $700
-Sponsor logo appears on all event materials.
-Sponsor recognition on OCFA website event page and social media.
-Sponsor recognition at the Bowling for Buildings event.
-Sponsor receives complimentary team of 4 in the Bowling for Buildings event.

Spare Sponsor $500
-Sponsor recognition on OCFA website event page and social media.
-Sponsor recognition at the Bowling for Buildings event.
-Sponsor receives two complimentary players in the Bowling for Buildings event.

Lane Sponsor $200
-Sponsor logo appears on the bowling lane.
-Sponsor recognition on OCFA website event page and social media.

Registration is limited to 22 teams.

Bowling for Building Rules:
1. Each team will consist of 5 bowlers.
2. Each team will play two games of 10 frames each and report their highest team score (all five player’s scores added together) to the score keeper.
3. If a tie exists, we’ll do a sudden death, one-frame bowl off.
4. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Registration Opens in January 2026!

2025 Scholarship Application Details

Eligibility

The Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture awards two scholarships annually – one each worth $1,000 to a professional degree-track student at The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

1. Students must be enrolled and working toward an NAAB accredited BArch or MArch degree at OU or OSU.

2. Students must be enrolled in at least the third year of a BArch program.

Procedure

Completed application (including all attachments) should be uploaded HERE.

Questions? Contact: Melissa Hunt (405) 948-7174 okcarchitecture@cox.net

Evaluation

Awards will be based on academic performance, graphic ability, and commitment to design in Oklahoma.

Deadline

The scholarship application and supporting documentation are due Friday, October 3, 2025

Notification

Award recipients will be notified on October 11, 2025 and Scholarships will be awarded at AIA Oklahoma Conference on Architecture at noon on Wednesday, October 22nd at the Skirvin Hotel.

2025 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION