FEBRUARY LUNCHEON
Join us on Thursday, February 6th for the AIA February Luncheon at the Capitol View Event Center at 5201 N. Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This month’s program is Chit Chat where presenters will present using 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide.
Our speakers include:
Michael Hoffner, AIA presenting: Informative Conservation- Learning from Italian Heritage Sites
Michael Hoffner, AIA, is the principal of höffnerdesignstudio, an Oklahoma City practice specializing in architecture, historic preservation, and interior design. The practice’s award-winning projects, replete with beautifully crafted details, range from entire campuses to smaller, highly idiosyncratic architectural endeavors. Michael’s work in historic preservation emphasizes empathy for historic buildings through personification, focusing on retaining each project’s unique authenticity. He chairs the AIACOC Committee on the Environment (COTE) and the Small Firms Roundtable. Additionally, Michael represents the State of Oklahoma on the National AIA Small Firms Exchange (SFx). His leadership and innovative approach to preserving authenticity continues to shape the future of sustainable and thoughtful architectural practices.
Alanna Brehm, AIA presenting The Ralph Ellison Birthplace Marker
I am a proud graduate of the OSU School of Architecture. My professional journey began with an internship in Boston, MA, where I gained valuable experience working on a diverse range of large-scale projects. Afterward, I felt a strong pull to return to Oklahoma City, where I could contribute to the continued growth and development of this vibrant place. Currently, I am a licensed architect at Studio Architecture, where I was recently promoted to the role of Associate. Throughout my career, both in Boston and at Studio Architecture, I’ve had the privilege of working on an array of projects, but the ones that resonate most with me are those that challenge my understanding of what architecture can be—especially when they are rooted in my own community. Outside of architecture, I am a real estate investor and soon-to-be licensed real estate agent, with a passion for all things related to development. I’m also a proud dog mom and an avid traveler, always seeking new adventures and experiences.
Drew Mitchell, AIA presenting Vision for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Capitol Complex
Drew Mitchell is an accomplished architect with a passion for creating innovative and functional spaces that leave a lasting impact on communities. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Oklahoma State University in 2018, laying the foundation for a career marked by creativity, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Currently, he is a member of the New Fire Native team in Oklahoma City, where the focus is on crafting commercial and hospitality projects for tribal nations throughout Oklahoma. Within New Fire Native, he serves as a Project Designer and Project Manager leading the design and execution of large and complex projects. His work has centered around projects for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Okmulgee, OK, contributing to the development and enhancement of tribal spaces that reflect cultural identity and community values.
Marjorie Callahan presenting A Case Study: Advertisement Campaign and its Impactful Company Philosophy
Served the State: Urban Boards; Interstate Design State Commission. The College: Associate Dean; Interim Director -Landscape Architecture/Interior Design. The Profession: AIA Continuing Education Quality Assurance Panel (CEQAP); National Practice Academy Advisory Committee; South Central Director for the Design Communication Association; AGC Academic Council; Architecture and Construction Alliance.
Research and teaching explore architecture through community outreach, business practice, and leadership. 2015, OU Center For Teaching Excellence Fellow; 2016, Institute for Human Flourishing encourages the practice of lifelong virtues in coursework; 2024, ten recognized Diplomacy Labs with the Washington, DC Federal State Department.
Matt Wright presenting From Construction to Conservation
Matt Wright, a fifth-generation Oklahoman, grew up exploring the Kiamichi Mountains, where he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors. As the former owner of Burgess Company, a specialty commercial subcontractor, Matt frequently collaborated with the architectural community and even employed an architectural consultant to enhance his team’s expertise.
In 2023, Matt sold Burgess Company to dedicate himself fully to conservation and spend more time with his family. Now as Executive Director of the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma, he applies his industry experience and love for nature to protect the state’s woods, waters, and wildlife for future generations.
Registration
Click the link below to register for the February AIA luncheon. The deadline to register is Friday, January 31st. AIA Central Oklahoma members attend free. Nonmember guests are $30.
A big thank you to our sponsors: GreenLight 360 and Smith Lighting!
