Month: March 2024

Internships

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When spending your summer with GH2, you’ll experience firsthand what a day in the life of a professional architect or interior designer is genuinely like. You will be fully integrated into our design team, learning our process and working on various types and sizes of projects, all in different phases. GH2 makes it our top priority to ensure our interns have a well-rounded experience. Including real-time project work, attending client meetings, working on conceptual designs, attending site visits, and being immersed in GH2’s energetic firm culture.

From day one, we strive to fully engage our interns in the inner workings of our firm. To attain a clear view of the career of a full-time architect or designer, our interns are encouraged to attend client meetings, showcase their work, and contribute to multiple projects and interoffice communications, such as marketing and business development. Each summer (and other times throughout the year), we invite a group of college students to join our firm for internships in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. GH2 also offers accounting, marketing, and HR internships as our teams’ availability allows. 

All three GH2 offices — Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Phoenix and Denver — are accepting applications for both emerging professionals and student interns. Our headquarters is in the historic 320 S. Boston building in the heart of downtown Tulsa. Between Tulsa and our offices in Oklahoma City on Film Row, Phoenix’s East Valley and Denver, we have a national team of over 100 architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and professional support team members.

This is an exciting time to be at GH2, and we will make every effort to provide a meaningful, informative, and fun internship experience!

Licensure

One of GH2’s longstanding traditions is our dedication to our team members who are working their way through the experience requirements for licensure. We believe that achieving licensure is of paramount importance, and GH2 has always provided our emerging professionals with support as well as the opportunity to work on a variety of project types and a wide range of professional practice activities. GH2 provides significant salary increases upon licensure. In addition, GH2 is recognized as an “Exemplary AXP Friendly Firm” by AIA Oklahoma.

Taking Care of our People

We encourage every person at GH2 to dedicate themselves professionally while leading a healthy and balanced life. This includes a flexible work schedule and the ability to work remotely. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, HSA and flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k and twice-annual bonus opportunities.

In addition, collaboration inside and outside the office is an integral part of how we work and who we are.

We accomplish more as a team than we can individually. Everyone’s unique voice matters because it brings a balance and elevates the quality of our design.

People do their best when they are happy, appreciated and valued.

We have three words we live by:

Design.

Service.

Solutions.

They stand for ideas that drive us to constantly innovate while creating award-winning designs for our clients whether their projects are large or small.

Innovation is the reason we have received more than 100 industry and design awards, including the Firm of the Year Award for both Central Oklahoma and Eastern Oklahoma Chapters of the American Institute of Architects. These awards honor an architectural firm that sets itself apart through community involvement promoting architecture through leadership, vision and design.

We have a portfolio that represents thousands of projects across more than 15 different practice areas. Our clients range from individuals to public entities to international corporations. We also have dedicated specialty practice areas in hospitality, equine and historic preservation architecture, recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements. GH2 has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and for four consecutive years, Interior Design Magazine, has recognized GH2’s interiors department on its Rising Giants list.

Within our three major disciplines, we offer traditional design services, as well as sustainable design, feasibility studies, architectural graphics and signage, building envelope analysis, and design visualization. As a college intern or full-time member, you will have the opportunity to practice a full range of services within your field of study.

Technology

  • Matterport 3D Digital Scanner and Data Platform
  • AutoCAD Revit
  • 3D Printers
  • Oculus Virtual Reality Headsets
  • Drone Scanner

GH2 uses up-to-the-minute technology in-house to develop three-dimensional presentation graphics, renderings, animations and virtual reality models to clearly communicate design concepts to our clients. We also maintain traditional methods to develop physical models, hand-drawn renderings, concept sketches and material studies using marker, watercolor and pen and ink.

Emerging Professionals

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As part of the firm’s commitment to our employees’ paths to licensure and future goals, we have established the GH2 Emerging Professional Program and a GH2 Mentor Program. These programs are intended to provide our team with the tools necessary to achieve licensure while fostering mentorship and education opportunities within the organization. While the program is intended for Emerging Professionals, or individuals pursuing licensure, all employees are encouraged to take advantage of any or all opportunities the program creates. These programs are offered to all employees pursuing licensure, providing each individual with tools, mentorship, and educational opportunities to succeed.

All four GH2 offices — Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Phoenix and Denver — are accepting applications for both emerging professionals and student interns to join our team of over 100 architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and professional support team members.

Full-Time

We are hiring recent graduates in architecture, interior design and landscape architecture who want to apply their education in the real-world.

What you’ll do: Emerging professionals at GH2 participate in a design-oriented practice with colleagues that celebrate exceptional work, client service, and engagement with their profession and community. They receive supplemental technical and professional education tailored to their interests and professional goals, and they have the opportunity to work on a variety of project types or focus on a single specialty area. Our landscape team executes site designs that provide our clients with comprehensive project solutions. Individuals with a passion for the integration of landscape with art, architecture, engineering, design, and development would be a great fit for this position. Our interiors team creates imaginative design solutions that best fit our clients’ needs and budgets. Designers work in all phases of projects from concept through documentation to include FF&E procurement, delivery management, and installation oversight.

Licensure

One of GH2’s longstanding traditions is our dedication to our team members who are working their way through the experience requirements for licensure. We believe that achieving licensure is of paramount importance, and GH2 has always provided our emerging professionals with support as well as the opportunity to work on a variety of project types and a wide range of professional practice activities. GH2 provides significant salary increases upon licensure. In addition, GH2 is recognized as an “Exemplary AXP Friendly Firm” by AIA Oklahoma.

Taking Care of our People

We encourage every person at GH2 to dedicate themselves professionally while leading a healthy and balanced life. This includes a flexible work schedule and the ability to work remotely. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, HSA and flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k and twice-annual bonus opportunities. In addition, collaboration inside and outside the office is an integral part of how we work and who we are. We accomplish more as a team than we can individually. Everyone’s unique voice matters because it brings a balance and elevates the quality of our design. People do their best when they are happy, appreciated and valued.

We have three words we live by: Design. Service. Solutions.

They stand for ideas that drive us to constantly innovate while creating award-winning designs for our clients whether their projects are large or small. Innovation is the reason we have received more than 120 industry and design awards, including the Firm of the Year Award for both Central Oklahoma and Eastern Oklahoma Chapters of the American Institute of Architects. These awards honor an architectural firm that sets itself apart through community involvement promoting architecture through leadership, vision and design. We have a portfolio that represents thousands of projects across more than 15 different practice areas. Our clients range from individuals to public entities to international corporations. We also have dedicated specialty practice areas in hospitality, equine and historic preservation architecture, recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements. GH2 has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and for six consecutive years, Interior Design Magazine has recognized GH2’s interiors department on its Rising Giants list.

What we provide for success:

– 8 hours of paid leave per exam.

– Reimbursed fees for passed exams.

– Current study material for each exam.

– Reimbursed membership fees for professional organizations.

– Designated mentor for the Emerging Professional for their onboarding process.

– Firm organized community outreach opportunities.

Technology

– Matterport 3D Digital Scanner and Data Platform

– AutoCAD Revit

– 3D Printers

– Oculus Virtual Reality Headsets

– Drone Scanner

GH2 uses up-to-the-minute technology in-house to develop three-dimensional presentation graphics, renderings, animations and virtual reality models to clearly communicate design concepts to our clients. We also maintain traditional methods to develop physical models, hand-drawn renderings, concept sketches and material studies using marker, watercolor and pen and ink.

Gateway Markers Coming to BA

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City of Broken Arrow – November 3rd, 2021

The Broken Arrow City Council unanimously approved the design recommendations for Gateway markers and an Iconic Structure that will identify Broken Arrow and welcome people to the city. 

The Gateway markers are a key priority of the city’s comprehensive plan to enhance the visual appeal and branding of the community, with strategic placement at primary points of entry into Broken Arrow such as highway interchanges and city boundaries. 

“It’s extremely important that we have an identity,” said City Manager Michael Spurgeon. “When you talk about iconic signage, those are the kinds of quality-of-life initiatives that people look for in your community, and want to be a part of your community.” 

During Tuesday night’s meeting, Council was presented with the designs of the Iconic Structure, Primary Entry Sign, Secondary Entry Sign, and Tertiary Entry Sign, along with the possible locations where the signs would be installed. 

The 60-foot-tall iconic structure would be made out of stainless steel, anodized steel, and carbon steel and include multiple arrows shooting skyward. It was designed to be the face of Broken Arrow and placed in a highly visible location, yet to be determined, to attract residents and tourists alike. 

“There will be people who come here who would not have come to Broken Arrow otherwise,” said Vice Mayor Christie Gillespie 

The structure would be adorned with lighting for nighttime viewing up close or when driving nearby. The lights can be programmed to reflect certain times of the year, such as red and green for Christmas. 

“This is that piece that identifies Broken Arrow and beautifies Broken Arrow, and as you’re coming in, you’re not seeing a bunch of industry, you’re seeing this special piece,” said Councilor Scott Eudey. “When you see this, it’s Broken Arrow. Here’s what it represents. Here’s why it represents. It’s a unifying piece.” 

Along with the Iconic Structure are various signs to be placed at entry points into the city based on the amount of traffic at those locations. 

Primary Entry and Secondary Entry signs would be made out of brick, stone, and metal, and like the Iconic Structure, would be outfitted with lights to illuminate the Welcome to Broken Arrow message each would have. The Tertiary Sign is made out of aluminum and will display the city logo sandwiched between Broken Arrow text. It would be attached atop a decorative pole. 

“Innovative projects like this will attract innovative people. Innovative people will attract innovative jobs, and innovative jobs will put this city at the top of the list,” said citizen Matt Griffiths. “Gateways is one of the many innovative projects coming to our city.” 

The City Council provided guidance to city staff to move forward with the project and focus its attention on the Iconic Structure first. 

“Once you have that, it ties and makes the rest of it make sense,” said Councilor Eudey. 

The Gateways project will cost approximately $3 million and will be paid for with 2018 GO Bond, Vision 2025, and Sales Tax Capital Improvement funds. 

“I think this signifies Broken Arrow as a class act,” said resident Ted McElroy during the presentation.

Muskogee’s Gleaming Cathedral

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Tulsa World – Feb 13, 2024 | Bill Haisten

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL MUSKOGEE — From a distance equal to three city blocks, there was the first sighting of Muskogee’s massive basketball arena, brightly lighted and branded with a huge, green M.

As you roll into the parking lot, the building looks more like a major-college arena than a high school venue.

One year and one month since it opened for business, the Muskogee High School gym is to Tulsa-area prep basketball what Union-Tuttle Stadium is to Tulsa-area prep football: the best facility, emphatically and undeniably.

Several basketball figures have stated their belief that Muskogee now has the state’s best high school basketball fieldhouse. I can’t know that to be true because I haven’t seen most of Oklahoma’s high school facilities, but there can’t be a better arena in the state.

The Muskogee gym has a fancy name: The Fieldhouse at Rougher Village, which makes it sound like a really expensive apartment complex. Funded by a 2019 Muskogee Public Schools facilities bond of $110 million and built at a cost of $32 million, the arena is connected to the Rougher Village football stadium. In their second season in their impressive new home, the 2023 football Roughers captured the Class 6AII gold ball. It was Muskogee’s first football title in 37 years.

Bill Huddleston, the radio voice of Rougher sports since 1985, says Muskogee’s new facilities “created a sense of pride and unity” that can be felt beyond the high school campus.

“We raised $30,000 for (football) championship rings, and we did it in less than two weeks,” reported Jason Parker, the Muskogee Public Schools’ executive director of athletics, “People were throwing money at us. Everybody is on board now. We’ve got to keep pushing.”

When I arrived at The Fieldhouse at Rougher Village for a Choctaw-Muskogee boys’ game last week, the first two words I scratched on a notebook page were “gleaming cathedral.”

It’s a breathtaking space for high school basketball. “This is as good as it gets,” said Eddie Morris, a longtime game official and universally known in northeastern Oklahoma basketball.

In Muskogee leadership positions are a pair of former University of Tulsa basketball guards.

In 2000-04, Parker played in 133 games for the TU program. As a junior and a senior, he was the Golden Hurricane’s scoring leader. Today, he is 42 and known professionally as Dr. Jason Parker.

In a 1994 NCAA Tournament game, Lou Dawkins swished one of the more memorable shots in TU history — a 3-pointer to beat Oklahoma State 82-80. As the Saginaw (Michigan) High School head man, he coached Draymond Green and had a record of 149-28 with two state titles.

Dawkins was a college assistant at Northern Illinois and Cleveland State before he and his wife, Latricia Vaughn-Dawkins, moved to Muskogee four years ago.

Lou created the Rougher Youth Sports Academy while Latricia is a Muskogee Public Schools elementary principal. In 2022, Lou Dawkins became the Muskogee basketball head coach.

This season, Dawkins has nine players who last season were not on the varsity roster. Jace Parker, Jason Parker’s son, is a ninth-grade varsity guard. Jace Parker will play all of his varsity home games in The Fieldhouse at Rougher Village, and his dad says the development of the stadium-arena complex had a pronounced impact on the self-esteem of the community.

“This has changed what people think and say about Muskogee,” Jason Parker said. “We pretty much have the same constituency and the same enrollment that we had before, but we’ve turned it. This has transformed the Muskogee community. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Until becoming a member of Muskogee Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall’s cabinet, Parker was the Sapulpa Public Schools’ athletic director. In 4½ years at Muskogee, Parker has hired a new head coach for each of the 14 varsity sports programs.

“I was happy in Sapulpa, but Dr. Mendenhall and Dr. Dyce (Muskogee Deputy Superintendent Kim Dyce) sold me on the potential here and on this project,” Parker recalled. “Dr. Mendenhall believed this could be the galvanizing piece for the community. With the bond, our slogan was ‘made for more.’ This town and these kids are made for more.”

With regard to enrollment, Muskogee High School is the smallest of the 32 basketball schools in Class 6A.

“We have a unique dynamic here,” Parker explained. “This town is more akin to Fort Gibson, Tahlequah and Wagoner than it is to metro Tulsa, but we’re the only one of those towns that competes against the Tulsa schools. We have a rural dynamic in a suburban setting. It’s a dichotomy.

“It used to be that when our (basketball) kids would walk into the Jenks or Union gym, we would feel less than. Now, when Jenks and Broken Arrow walk in here, they see what we’ve done. They see what we have. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this phrase: ‘I didn’t know Muskogee could have something this nice.’ ” Parker credits Mendenhall for having had the vision for the Rougher Village concept.

“Dr. Mendenall basically lived here (during the development of the stadium and arena),” Parker said. “He dang near slept out here. He was dreaming this deal. He would call me sometimes at midnight and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got an idea.’

“The aesthetics of this — you won’t find this at any other high school in Oklahoma. It came together beautifully.”

Within The Fieldhouse at Rougher Village are video boards at each end of the arena, a 4,400-square foot room for strength and conditioning, the Muskogee Athletics Hall of Fame, the Rougher Spirit store, athletic department offices and locker rooms for the Rougher basketball girls, the Rougher basketball boys and the Muskogee football athletes.

There also is the Varsity Club, from which a fan can have a plate of food while watching a Rougher basketball game or football game.

Muskogee’s old gym, Dawkins says, was “a basic facility. What we’re in now is truly mind-blowing. It’s still mind-blowing for our kids and it’s really mind-blowing for the teams that come in to play against us.”