OUR MISSION

The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture champions the art of good design and celebrates Oklahoma’s architectural heritage through education, advocacy and archives.

We are Tulsa’s voice for architecture and design. 

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Collaboration

We leverage collective genius.

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What we do, we do well.

Quality

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We think outside the box.

Creativity

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We make a positive community impact.

Impact

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We are committed in heart and mind.

Passion

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We share our knowledge with others.

Education

STRATEGIC GOALS

  • Architectural blueprint of a building development in Amsterdam, showing front, side, and interior views with detailed room layouts and decorative elements.

    ARCHIVE

    Systematically process, catalog, and digitize the TFA archives to expand availability both online and via appointment.

  • A historic church building with two tall steeples under renovation, surrounded by scaffolding, near modern high-rise buildings, at sunset.

    ADVOCATE

    Advocate for the preservation and rehabilitation of Oklahoma’s significant architecture.

  • Neon sign for Meadow Gold dairy and ice cream with a clock showing 12:00, against a cloudy sky.

    SUSTAINABILITY

    Sustain TFA through broad-based fundraising efforts that meet operational needs and allow the organization to expand its mission-driven work.

  • Looking up at tall skyscrapers in downtown, with a cloudy sky overhead."

    ENGAGEMENT

    Implement consistent marketing efforts that engage TFA audiences in order to drive program participation, sales, and increased brand/mission awareness.

  • A group of people listening to a woman explaining something on a wall filled with notes inside a modern building with large windows and trees outside.

    LEADERSHIP

    Create strategic messaging to position TFA as the primary nonprofit organization in Tulsa for architecture, design, and historic preservation.

  • People waiting in line inside a building near an art display.

    PROGRAMMING

    Regularly host a diverse array of architecture and design based programming and events for all ages in the community and at The Tulsa Center for Architecture and Design to meet strategic outcomes and generate revenue.

  • Large yellow and white sign on a gray wall that says "I ❤️ NY Tulsa" with a blue strikethrough and the word "Tulsa" handwritten in blue. Two potted plants on either side of the sign. A woman seated in a black armchair underneath the sign, with furniture including a round wooden table and another black chair visible.

    PARTNERSHIP

    Form programmatic partnerships with a diverse group of individuals and organizations to expand TFA audiences and support TFA programs.

  • Group of people standing in line inside a museum, facing a wall with a large display of text about Tulsa and its history.

    INCLUSION

    Take intentional steps towards making TFA a more diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive organization.

We Value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture recognizes that ability, culture, ethnicity, gender, opinion, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other aspects of diversity have a profound impact on shaping individuals and communities. We are actively committed to creating inclusive spaces and programming.

LAND & PEOPLE’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: We Honor Those Who Have Come Before Us.

The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture recognizes the land on which Tulsa is built is the ancestral homeland of several Indigenous nations, including the Osage, Muscogee (Creek), and Cherokee Nations.  We honor the peoples who lived here before Oklahoma was a state.

We acknowledge the deep and enduring connection that these Tribes have to this land, and we honor the past, present, and future generations who have cared for it as well as the numerous, ongoing contributions of Indigenous people to the city we call home.

We also acknowledge the painful history of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, during which the thriving Black community of Greenwood was destroyed in an act of racial violence. This event is a stark reminder of the injustices that have occurred on this land, and the resilience of those who have fought, and continue to fight, for justice and equality.

As we work to preserve and celebrate Tulsa’s architectural heritage, we commit to reflecting on the complex and layered histories of this land and its indigenous peoples, and to fostering a community that honors and respects all those who have shaped it.

TULSA ARCHITECTURAL FOUNDATION ADVOCACY STATEMENT

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture advocates for the preservation of our city’s historic structures, which serve as vital links to our past and building blocks for our future. Our architectural heritage, visible in the stunning Art Deco landmarks, mid-century modern homes, and numerous other historic buildings, tells the story of Tulsa’s evolution from a frontier town to a modern city.

Historic preservation is not just about saving old buildings; it’s about recognizing and honoring the stories, craftsmanship, and cultural narratives they embody. These structures are irreplaceable resources that provide a tangible connection to our heritage and identity, offering educational opportunities and fostering a sense of place and community pride.

Preservation contributes to Tulsa’s economic vitality, attracting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing property values. By revitalizing and repurposing historic buildings, we can promote sustainable development, reducing the environmental impact of new construction and preserving the unique character of our neighborhoods.

We call upon policymakers, community leaders, and citizens to join us in safeguarding Tulsa’s architectural legacy. Together, let us cherish and protect the architectural treasures that make Tulsa a vibrant and distinctive place to live, work, and visit.

TFA Advocacy Action Steps:

  • Education and Awareness: We organize public workshops and tours to educate citizens about the importance of historic preservation and the stories behind Tulsa’s significant structures.

  • Resource Assistance: We Provide resources to property owners, developers, and local organizations on how to utilize state and federal Historic Tax Credits, file for preservation easements on individual properties, and Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay Zoning. 

  • Inventory: We maintain an ongoing inventory of historic buildings and neighborhoods to help identify and prioritize advocacy efforts.

  • Monitor Legislation: We monitor legislation that impacts historic preservation and engage in public education and advocacy efforts, as appropriate.

  • Emergency Intervention: We take immediate action to advocate for the protection of endangered historic Tulsa structures at risk of demolition or severe alteration.

  • Social Media Campaigns: We utilize social media campaigns to raise public awareness of the value of historic preservation and promote the success stories of restored and repurposed buildings.