At the heart of Oklahoma’s architectural innovation stands MA+ Architecture — a practice built not just on decades of design excellence but also on a deep-rooted commitment to education, mentorship, and community. For principal architects and partners Gary Armbruster and Heath Tate, giving back to the University of Oklahoma’s Gibbs College of Architecture isn’t just a professional obligation; it’s personal. Both proud OU alumni, Gary and Heath credit much of their success to the connections, mentorships, and lessons learned during their time at the University.
Today, that Sooner spirit lives on through MA+’s active partnership with Gibbs College — from advisory board membership, to supporting scholarships and student internships to hands-on mentorship that helps bridge the critical gap between education and professional practice. Driven by a passion to nurture the next generation of designers and leaders, MA+ has created a culture where investing in future talent is second nature, both within the firm and through their close collaboration with OU.
Elizabeth Pober, director of OU’s Division of Interior Design, says, “MA+ Architecture has been an invaluable partner to the Division of Interior Design for many years. Their multifaceted support includes providing our students with meaningful internships, creating career opportunities for our alumni, delivering informative presentations to our classes, participating in studio and portfolio reviews, hosting insightful field trips, and providing crucial funding and sponsorship for our students and programs.”
Pober continues, “What truly sets MA+ apart is how they model and embody professional collaboration and respect as core values in their firm’s practice. This approach not only produces exceptional design work but also creates an inspiring example for our students as they prepare to enter the profession. We are incredibly fortunate to have MA+ as partners in education and as models of professional excellence for the next generation of interior designers.”
Daniel Butko, director of OU’s Division of Architecture, says, “The Division of Architecture faculty and students are honored by continued active support from MA+ Architecture.” He continued, “As a talented group of practitioners dedicated to advancing collaborative learning and application, MA+ has donated time and resources to advancing our collective academic and professional goals coupled with those of allied disciplines to help create beautiful and functional spaces.”
Reflecting on the MA+ commitment to collaborative excellence, Hans E. Butzer, FAIA, dean of Gibbs College, says, “I appreciate how MA+ intentionally hires both our architecture and interior design graduates as part of their strategy for better serving their clients and building occupants. It’s proof of the quality of our programs and the commitment made by MA+ to a more holistic approach to designing healthier places for people.”
In the following interview, Gary Armbruster and Heath Tate reflect on their personal journeys, the mission behind MA+’s enduring relationship with Gibbs College, and their vision for building a tradition of excellence, mentorship, and innovation that will empower students and elevate the profession for generations to come.
Gary Armbruster and Heath Tate. Courtesy of MA+
Gibbs College (GC): Can you share how your individual journey and experiences influenced your decision to give back to the University of Oklahoma and engage with Gibbs College?
Heath Tate (HT): The choice to attend the University of Oklahoma and Gibbs College of Architecture was an action that had unimaginable benefits for both of us. Gary and I can attest to a significant portion of our individual successes having been developed through connections, relationships and skills learned while students, and in my case, later as an instructor at OU.
The Sooner pride we feel provides a constant passion for ensuring that the Gibbs College continues to rise in prestige and influence. That passion drives my personal involvement through the Professional Advisory Board, and why we will continue to support the Gibbs College of Architecture.
GC: During the last several years, what ways has MA+ partnered and collaborated with Gibbs College? Could you share some specific ways MA+ has supported students at Gibbs College, either through mentorship programs, internship offerings, or other collaborations?
Gary Armbruster (GA) & Heath Tate (HT): MA+ has partnered with Gibbs College through multiple channels such as serving on the professional advisory board for both the Division of Architecture and the Division of Interior Design, sponsoring the Charles W. Graham Travel Study Gala, participating in crits for architecture and interior design, and partaking in the career fairs throughout the years.
In addition, MA+ supports students by providing internships each semester for architecture and interior design college students to gain hands-on experience, actively participating in the OU mentoring program, and providing scholarships to serve the architecture and interior design students.
The Oklahoma Aviation Academy. Courtesy of MA+
GC: What specific roles do you each play at MA+, and how does this influence your firm’s culture and it’s ongoing relationship with Gibbs College?
HT: Gary and I have similar roles leading the firm but our different strengths and experiences allow us to approach firm management from different perspectives. This fosters a collaborative management style knowing that we both have a variety of natural and learned skills that we use to support and mentor others in the office.
Mentoring and collaborating in this way has developed a culture, evident with long-tenured staff members, where we continue to support all experience levels within the firm. This has led several of our staff members to be involved with the Gibbs College of Architecture with most also becoming mentors to students at the college.
GC: How many Gibbs College alumni and students are currently employed at MA+? What roles are they in? What disciplines?
GA & HT: MA+ currently has 23 employees who received their education from the OU College of Architecture. There are 17 architecture employees, including two interns who are current students at OU. There are six interior design employees, including one intern who is a current student at OU.
Norman High School Corotto Center. Courtesy of MA+
GC: Are there any standout projects or experiences involving Gibbs students or alumni that MA+ is particularly proud of?
GA & HT: MA+ is proud of several standout projects involving Gibbs College students and alumni, including Capitol Hill High School (Gary Armbruster, Candice Leinneweber, Chris Perez, Madison Sifford), Oklahoma Aviation Academy (Gary Armbruster, Candice Leinneweber, Lydia Arguello), Norman High School Corrotto Center (Gary Armbruster, Mark Kasulis), Positive Tomorrows (Gary Armbruster, Kyle Murphy), Edmond Fine Arts (Candice Leinneweber, Madison Sifford, Gary Armbruster), and the Rose State Center for Cyber Security (Madison Sifford, Gary Armbruster).
GC: What do you believe is the most important aspect of mentoring students in the design field, and how do you ensure your team shares this commitment?
HT: As mentioned earlier, mentoring within our office has also led to the desire for many to mentor architecture and interior design students at the Gibbs College of Architecture. There are many important results that come from mentoring. There are a variety of soft and professional skills students must still learn after graduation. Mentoring from professionals in the industry provides opportunities to learn and refine these skills while students are still in school. This increases the impact that students have upon graduating and entering the profession.
But it’s not all about the students either. Being a mentor is also a learning process for those who have been practicing for a number of years. It can be invigorating to the creative soul of the architects and designers to remember and be surrounded by the creative freedom that students enjoy while in school. Yet we also learn, as mentors, vital leadership skills that foster connections with younger generations that we will be guiding through professional development.
Rose State Center for Cybersecurity Education. Courtesy of MA+
GC: What has MA+ learned from working with Gibbs College students, and how has this partnership influenced your company’s approach or perspectives?
GA & HT: As with every generation, there are new technological skills that are developed. OU students offer fresh perspectives and ideas that are unfettered by professional experience and blend together from project collaboration into unique solutions.
This partnership has influenced MA+ Architecture’s approach by reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation within the firm, and it has also deepened the firm’s commitment to shaping the next generation of architects who are not only technically skilled but also socially conscious and innovative. It has helped foster a culture of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth.
GC: Looking ahead, what do you hope future generations of Gibbs College students will gain from the partnership with MA+?
HT: Maintaining close relationships between the education of developing professionals and the practicing professionals who will hire them only strengthens the design industry by smoothing the transition period from student to architect or interior designer. MA+ cherishes the opportunity to be part of that reinforcement which continues to elevate the prestige of the program.
OU students are being sought after. By creating the strongest educational program available to students interested in any of the divisions within the Gibbs College of Architecture, this will support the College and the University for generations to come. This is how traditions are built and maintained. MA+ is a result of those traditions, which drive culture which, in turn, drive success.
Positive Tomorrows. Courtesy of MA+
GC: What advice would you offer to current students interested in pursuing a career in architecture and construction, especially those aspiring to work with firms like MA+?
GA & HT: The advice MA+ would offer to current students is relatively simple. Take every opportunity you can, go get internship experience, and gain as much hands-on experience as possible. Along with experience, create connections with people in the industry. Learn as much as you can from people who currently work in a role you aspire to fill.
GA: What advice would you give to other firms about giving back to Gibbs?
GA & HT: Being involved with local universities helps improve future employees in the industry and keep the workforce in Oklahoma. OU students are talented, and it is important to create and build relationships with the students to keep their talents in the local markets.
Editor’s Note: If you are an alumnus interested in getting involved with Gibbs College, please contact Josh Hall, Senior Director of Development, at jshall@ou.edu.