A Route 66 Night at Painting with a Twist!

Join the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture on Wednesday, July 30, for a creative evening celebrating one of Oklahoma City's most iconic landmarks, the Milk Bottle Building! We’ll put our artistic talents to work at Painting with a Twist, creating the Route 66-inspired masterpiece while enjoying great company and conversation.

The fun begins at 6:00 PM, but arrive early at 5:30 PM for networking and complimentary pizza before we pick up our brushes. Whether you’re an experienced artist or have never painted before, this event is all about creativity, community, and having a great time.

Networking & Pizza: 5:30 PM
Painting: 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $39 per person
Wine and beer available for purchase

A special thank you to our generous event sponsors, Ron and Mary Frantz, for helping make this evening possible.

Space is very limited, so reserve your spot early!

REGISTER HERE

Join 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.

PROJECT TEAM:
Architect: BAU in collaboration with BNIM
Landscape Architect: BNIM
Construction: Lingo Construction Services
Structural Engineering: Wallace Design Collective
MEP: PEC
Civil: Wallace Design Collective
Lighting: LuM, BAU, PEC

TOUR:
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.

SOLD OUT! The tour is sold out, email okcarchitecture@outlook.com to be put on the waiting list.

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 or Public Strategies and Kenneth Dennis, AIA with Studio Architecture.

Monday, May 18
5:00 pm
Public Strategies
2 NE 9th Street, OKC

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

REGISTER HERE

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

Theme:

Designs should showcase architectural elements, buildings, or landmarks iconic in Oklahoma City and Central Oklahoma.

Design Guidelines:

1. Design Format:
   • One-color design only (any color, but design must use just one ink color).
   • Must be suitable for screen printing on a t-shirt.
   • Design should be front-only.
2. Artwork Specifications:
   • Submit your design as a high-resolution PNG or vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF).
   • Max design area: 12 x 12 .
   • No gradients, photos, or complex textures – solid lines and shapes only.
3. Originality:
   • Design must be original and created by the entrant.
   • No copyrighted material or third-party logos may be used.
   • By submitting, you confirm the design is your original work and grant OCFA the right to use it for promotional and fundraising purposes.
4. Theme Compliance:
   • Design must reflect Oklahoma City or Central Oklahoma architecture.
   • May include specific buildings, architectural details, or creative interpretations of the built environment.

Eligibility:

• Open to all ages and skill levels.
• Individuals may submit up to two designs.
• No entry fee required.

How to Submit:

• Email your design to okcarchitecture@outlook.com with the subject line: “T-Shirt Design Submission - [Your Name]”
• Include:
  • Full name
  • Email and phone number
  • Brief description of your design (optional but encouraged)
  • File attachment(s) of your artwork

Deadline:

All entries must be submitted by Monday, September 8 at 5:00 pm.

Judging & Selection:

• Designs will be judged by the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture Board.
• Criteria include creativity, originality, relevance to theme, and overall design appeal.
• The winning design will be featured on OCFA website and promoted via our website and social media.

Winner Receives:

• T-shirt featuring their winning design
• Recognition on OCFA’s website and social media
• Free membership to the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture for one year.
• Bragging rights!

Questions? Contact okcarchitecture@outlook.com

Join us for Sketching the Skyline at the iconic Round Barn on Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma! Led by architect and sketching expert, David Boeck, this fun and relaxed event invites participants of all skill levels to capture the unique charm of this historic site. Whether you’re an experienced sketcher or just picking up a pencil for the first time, come enjoy a creative afternoon surrounded by Oklahoma's scenic beauty and architectural history. All are welcome!

We’ll provide all the supplies. Just bring your chair!

Sunday, October 5
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Round Barn
107 E. Highway 66, Arcadia

Cost:
$15 Current OCFA Members
$25 Nonmember
$10 Architecture Students
$15 Urban Sketchers OKC & Tulsa

REGISTER HERE