Our 2025 AIA Central Oklahoma Slate of Board Nominees. This slate will be presented and accepted at the November 7th AIA Central Oklahoma Luncheon.
President Elect (President in 2026)
Joshua Hill, AIA of Studio Architecture
Joshua Hill’s passion for architecture began during a seventh-grade career day, when a local architect showcased a model of their school. As he often says, that moment set the course for his future. Born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma, Joshua pursued his dream at Oklahoma State University. Now a Principal with STUDIOArchitecture, he is dedicated to demonstrating how architecture influences the physical environment and enhances quality of life in Oklahoma. Throughout his career, he has contributed to significant projects at his alma mater, including the Don W. Reynolds School of Architecture, OSU Athletic Village, Sherman Smith Training Facility, O’Brate Baseball Stadium, and Neal Patterson Soccer Stadium. Additionally, Joshua served on the AIA board as a director from 2010 to 2012.
Secretary
Sean O’Brien, AIA of HSE Architects
Sean O’Brien is a junior partner at HSEarchitects. He began working with HSE upon graduation from Oklahoma State University in May of 2015. Sean became a licensed architect in 2019 and has become an integral team member on projects for Paycom, Epic Charter Schools, VA Healthcare Clinics, and is currently working on the new MAPS4 Animal Shelter.
Sean is involved in Rotary Club 29, Catalyst (an Allied Arts affiliated volunteer program), Emerging Leaders (a United Way affiliated volunteer program), and is an adjunct instructor at OSUOKC. He is also a graduate of Leadership AIA, Class VII-2024 and co-chair of the AIACOC Small Firm Roundtable committee.
Treasurer
Clay Dobbins, AIA of TAP Architecture
Clay Dobbins is Partner Architect at TAP Architecture and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. His architectural career started at TAP as the 2016 University of Oklahoma TAP prize awardee. He became an Intern Architect and eventually received his licensure. Clay is continually learning new design and construction technologies and has become TAP’s resident 3-D and LiDAR modeling specialist.
He has been a part of a variety of award-winning projects while at TAP including downtown Oklahoma City’s Transportation Hub, the Oklahoma City Convention Center Garage, and Noble Public Schools.
He is an active American Institute of Architects member and served as Secretary in 2022 -2023. Clay currently serves as Treasurer on the AIA Central Oklahoma Board of Directors. He is a graduate of Leadership AIA’s Class 5 and currently a member of AIAOK’s Government Affairs Committee as well as AIACOK’s Local Advocacy Committee. Clay is a member of the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture, Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society in Architecture, a 2019 Mine OKC Fellow, and an Allied Arts member.
Director
Lucas Gerdes, AIA of SA.Studio
Lucas Gerdes is a project manager at SA Studio, where he oversees design direction, concepts, and the development of project solutions. He finds inspiration in the traditions of the past, coupled with the spirit of discovery and invention that permeates architecture.
Originally from Edmond, Lucas graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Architecture. He draws daily inspiration from his wife and two daughters. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, sketching, and spending time with friends and family.
Emerging Professional Director
Kelsee Watts, Assoc. AIA of Larson Design Group
Kelsee Watts is a Senior Architectural Associate at Larson Design Group and has served as the Emerging Professional Chair for the past two years. Under her leadership, the committee has grown to six members and has successfully hosted several popular community events, including the Pickleball Social, Firm Crawls, and the Walnut Village Tour.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Kelsee is actively working toward becoming a licensed architect and is dedicated to helping others succeed in their AREs. Her commitment to the profession and community is evident in her involvement with the Emerging Professionals Committee, the Women in Architecture Committee, her board role at Positively Paseo, and her position as Project Manager for the Kids in the Kitchen program at the Boys and Girls Club through the Oklahoma City Junior League.
Outside of work, Kelsee enjoys cooking for her family, staying active at Orangetheory, and spending time with her husband, Trevor, and their three pets, Calliope, Uggsie, and Dinah.
Associate Director
Jeff Tice, Assoc. AIA of FSB Architects + Engineers
Jeff Tice is a Digital Practice Manager with over 17 years of experience, currently working at FSB. He has been an associate member for approximately 10-15 years. Jeff began his career as a drafter in civil engineering, then transitioned to architectural drafting, and has since held roles such as Project Coordinator, Team Lead, Project Lead, and BIM Manager.
Over the course of his career, Jeff has worked in nearly every area of architecture. His current focus is on technological improvements and advancements in architectural and engineering software, as well as developing standards, training programs, policies, and procedures for the company.
In his free time, Jeff enjoys volunteering for AIA kickball, attending AIA golf tournaments, luncheons, and After 5 events, when he’s not busy with his children’s activities. He is married to his wife, Stephanie, and is a proud father of a son, Kyler, and a daughter, Talyn.
Public Director
Darla Mullett of Timberlake Construction
In 1990, driven by a passion to prevent child abuse, Darla Mullett reached out to The Oklahoma Committee to Prevent Child Abuse to volunteer. This began her journey as a dedicated volunteer, advocate and servant leader.
Over the last 11 years, Darla has become known as a trusted resource in the AEC community, extremely successful in establishing and nurturing relationships within the AEC community. This is due in a large part to the numerous opportunities afforded to Darla to volunteer and serve professional organizations, nonprofits and educational institutions.
Currently Darla is the Director of Business Development at Timberlake Construction. Darla owes much of her success in the industry to AIA Central Oklahoma and its members, as they were among the first to welcome Darla and take her under their wing when she entered the industry. Inspired by a love for art, design and architecture, Darla has left many AIA Central Oklahoma events in tears blown away by the architects’ creativity, beauty and knowledge that so positively impacts our community.
Darla’s favorite role is mom to Blake, Britt and Brooke and her role as “Darlin” to her grandchildren, Anson and Jolene.