OSU Architecture Family Members Sweep Leadership Awards
Adam Huffer
OSU Comm. Services
Phone (405) 744-6260
At an awards presentation recently, the state Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Oklahoma) acknowledged two professors from the Oklahoma State University School of Architecture and one alumnus with special leadership honors.
The professional organization for architects in Oklahoma presented two prestigious awards for the first time ever -- one for outstanding contributions to architectural education and another for outstanding lifetime achievements in service to the profession. Professor John Bryant, AIA Fellow, received the AIA Oklahoma Leadership Award for Education. Frank Chitwood, president of the Dewberry Design Group in Tulsa and an OSU School of Architecture alumnus, took home the AIA Oklahoma Leadership Award for Service to the Profession.
OSU Professor Jim Knight, also an AIA Fellow, was presented a certificate of appreciation for his service and contributions to the organization.
Bryant received his award for a lifetime of commitment and leadership in architectural education based upon five principle areas of accomplishment. They were: leadership as head of the OSU School of Architecture; a long history of innovation in architectural education through studio and classroom instruction; internationally recognized reputation as an important educator and scholar; national leadership in continuing education; and early advocacy and leadership of Intern Development Programs (IDP).
Between 1977 and 1985, Bryant helped reestablish the OSU School of Architecture as a national leader in architecture education. It was the reason for his employment, and Bryant certainly fulfilled expectations, according to Randy Seitsinger, current professor and head of the school.
"Within a remarkably short time, the school was again fully accredited," Seitsinger said. "A strong, professionally-oriented faculty had been recruited, students soon began winning national and international design competitions, and leading firms were again recruiting our graduates."
The number of students who have won national and international design competitions under his tutelage attest to Bryant's abilities as a teacher and studio critic. As an instructor, Bryant has definitely been an innovator, Seitsinger said.
"As far back as 1970, John offered one of the earliest computer courses in architecture," Seitsinger said. "He also offered the first-known use of live satellite television to link student designers with distant design critics and observers."
In 1976, Bryant was one of two architects worldwide who received a Senior Fulbright Research Scholar Fellowship. Three years later, he was one of nine educators chosen to assist the Peoples Republic of China in improving its schools of architecture. Bryant was one of five AIA members entrusted to oversee the pilot project leading to the organization's Continuing Education System. At OSU, he founded one of the earliest and largest university-based continuing education units, the Architectural Extension Service.
"Thousands of professionals and laypersons received continuing education opportunities in architecture and related subjects as a result of this program," Seitsinger said.
Moreover, Bryant has co-authored three books and written more than 20 articles and two major scholarly papers on the history of technology.
Before coming to OSU in 1977, Bryant held an Alumni Professorship Chair at Auburn University where he helped raise the program to a level of national prominence. His efforts there were acknowledged in 1986 by architecture alumni who voted him the teacher who was most influential in shaping their lives.
Bryant served as professor and head of the OSU School of Architecture from 1977 until 1986, when he returned to full-time teaching and research. In recent years, he has concentrated on instructing design studios and courses in historical Asian architecture. His research interests include climate responsive design, satellite video-based instruction and non-western architecture.
The AIA Oklahoma Leadership awards were presented Monday, April 13 at the Clarion Hotel in Oklahoma City. Recipients were chosen by a selection committee appointed by AIA Oklahoma based on nominations from AIA members. The association plans to make the awards an annual event.
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