Choose Us For Your Next Project
Architecture That Leaves Everyone Feeling Welcome
When you think of your community, you might first think about popular events, public figures, and the favorite restaurants that tie everyone together. But just as important as all of these culture-defining traits is the architecture behind it all. The architectural designs of your community buildings reflect more than just a particular aesthetic. Indeed, the architecture of your community can help reflect and express the values that are important to every resident.
At Krittenbrink Architecture, we do more than simply design and restore buildings. We create community spaces that welcome anyone and everyone.
Institutional
Bring Your Community Together Through Design
From brand-new designs to tasteful restorations, we can help you completely reimagine your local institutions.
As a full-service architecture firm, we also offer interior design work and consultations.
Engage with your community more effectively through compelling building design and construction.
We’ll help you manage the master planning, zoning, permitting, and appeals process of each project.
With years of experience, we’re well-known for our insightful design skills that lead to an end-result that best expresses your vision and values.
Community Building
From libraries to schools, courthouses to museums, these institutions play as much of a role as the individuals that work and learn within them in defining the culture and purpose of the community.
When the buildings that house a city’s institutions share similar architectural traits, it can convey a sense of connectedness and cohesion within the community. For those places looking to refresh the focus of their community, a new institutional building with a new look can signal a change in direction and a commitment to growth. We can work with you to create inspiring designs that convey the historic character of your community, or the forward-thinking nature of your city.
More than just attractive work and learning spaces, the architectural choices behind institutional buildings can help convey their purpose. Libraries and museums could be warm, open, and inviting. Courthouses and bureaucratic spaces could be regal, authoritative, and confident. At Krittenbrink Architecture, our team of experienced architects designer and planners work with you to learn about the needs and purpose of each of these buildings and design them to reflect these ideas.
Ready to reimagine your community institutions? We invite you to reach out to Krittenbrink Architecture and schedule your consultation today.
LONGFELLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL
Norman, OK
Challenges:
Recreate the library and administration areas of a middle school built in the 50’s. Enhance security and safety considerations to the existing administration area along with updated aesthetic and functional considerations. Create state-of-the-art library embracing a “fewer books, more technology “philosophy.
Solutions:
The existing vestibule and circulation paths were both reconfigured to allow for a secure vestibule. Reconfigured vestibule allows a patron to see the entire space, improving both wayfinding and security. Repurposed and expanded the library to update functions, including a new collaboration area, a Genius Bar, Info Desk, Charging Station, etc.
McSWAIN THEATER
Ada, OK
Challenges:
The 11,800-square-foot structure was originally built in 1920 as a home for silent films and vaudeville acts. The historic building was purchased by the Chickasaw Nation in 2002. Krittenbrink was hired to upgrade and restore the original structure, maintaining its historic look and nature while adding function and flexibility. The existing building was landlocked on all four sides.
Solutions:
The client purchased an adjacent building to increase usable space. Krittenbrink refurbished the lobby and retail areas, expanded the stage and seating. Buidling improvements included new state-of-the-art sound and lighting capabilities.
The redesign included the second and third stories to house an art and receptions gallery as well as administrative offices. In the adjacent building, concessions, restrooms, an elevator, dressing and green rooms, and prop and scene storage were added. The design also recreated an original feature, adding a canopy to the front of the theater with electronic ticker tape signage.
CHICKASAW NATION ACTIVE LEARNING CLASSROOM AND EVENT CENTER
University of Oklahoma Law Library - Norman, OK
Challenges:
The challenges associated with this project reside in the realm of converting a traditional underutilized library stack space into a dynamic learning environment fit for a top-50 law school.
Solutions:
The space was outfitted with a plethora of technology and flexibility, which boasts sliding monitor rails and integrated LED accent lighting throughout. The most important component of a space like this is its ability to transform into a variety of adaptable learning environments at a moment’s notice.
INASMUCH Foundation Collaborative Learning Center
University of Oklahoma Law Library - Norman, OK
Challenges:
The University wanted to renovate 8,000 square feet in the law school to incorporate a modern design within a traditional architecture, all while students were attending classes; therefore, construction needed to be as clean and quiet as possible.
Solutions:
Krittenbrink coordinated work to be during students’ least-affected times to create a state-of-the-art, collaborative space to serve the practical application of law.
BERRY CONFERENCE CENTER
University of Oklahoma - Norman, OK
Challenges:
The University of Oklahoma College of Law had a dated, dark conference room that was not consistent with the modern, technically-savvy direction that the overall school architecture was taking.
Solutions:
Krittenbrink used unused space from the stacks and administration portion of the building to expand the small conference room and enlarge the space,
designing both a bigger conference room.
Additionally, the firm was able to create a small office for law school recruitment activities. Now enabled to support presentations and meetings using modern technology, the conference room is an attractive consideration for visiting, potential law students.
SARKEY'S FOUNDATION CORPORATE OFFICE & CONFERENCE CENTER
Norman, OK
Challenges:
Our charge was to revitalize an old two-story church in east Norman requiring extensive structural, architectural and interior renovations. Previously, a day care was on the first floor (half the floor was a submerged basement), and a church was on the second floor.
Solutions:
By redefining spaces and using glass walls and millwork, the design illuminated and lightened downstairs to house administrative offices. Krittenbrink's design transformed upstairs into a modern, regional conference center for nonprofits with AV equipment, meeting space, a catering kitchen, restrooms and storage. The design recreated the main entry as a two-story entrance to the conference center with elevators for accessibility.
OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY
Oklahoma City, OK
Challenges:
This project has a difficult site with challenging topography, State requirements for energy efficiency coupled with a limited budget. The design decision making was further complicated with multiple authorities having overlapping jurisdictions, including the Capitol Medical Complex, OMES (State property management and ownership), and Public Art of Oklahoma.
Solutions:
Krittenbrink's design incorporates an existing concrete retaining wall into the current site design, which made a distinguished image along Lincoln Boulevard. A light-filled atrium welcomes the visitor, who is directed towards OSBP, tenant, or common space. A geothermal heat system was incorporated to help with utility costs. The design met the primary tenant’s fixed-space requirement with the remaining square footage to be leased to an unknown tenant.
GARLAND SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Marlow, OK
Challenges:
The small, dated public library needed to expand to encompass current multiple uses, including a community center. Site analysis was required to determine whether it was more advantageous to build new or renovate an existing space.
Solutions:
The new library is a renovated armory that accommodates the library using the attached former maintenance garage as the community center. The design was four times larger than the old building, which allowed for current technology upgrades, two state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a catering kitchen, restrooms, and an open, contemporary library. The attached building became a community center with a large patio that allowed for spill-over for large events. The exterior architecture expresses a “community” approach from the north and a defined “library” entrance as the dominant feature.
NOBLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Noble, OK
Challenges:
The existing building was cramped on space but had the luxury of being on a large lot. The building also lacked designated meeting areas. The structure required a total renovation.
Solutions:
Krittenbrink's design added to the original building, increasing space from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. The addition included an adult wing with study rooms, seating areas and lounges; administrative offices and a community meeting room with capacity for 200. The interior of the old structure was renovated and remodeled to feature special areas for children, juveniles and teens. Care was taken to ensure exteriors of the original building and the addition were consistent. A portico was installed to secure the main entrance and make the building accessible.
BELMAR GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Norman, OK
Challenges:
The client wanted a golf course built at an economic scale to be the feature of the surrounding housing development. The new owner, Toby Keith, wanted an upscale look that met all the needs of a first-class country club.
Solutions:
Combining new construction and renovation of the existing space, a modest clubhouse was transformed to a state-of-the-art facility, including a men’s locker room/lounge, women’s locker room/lounge, a restaurant with a private dining suite, a bar/grill, and a pro shop. An open air pavilion was converted into a ballroom, complete with catering kitchen and terrace overlooking the golf course. Adjacent is a new pool and cabana.
EMSSTAT OF NORMAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Norman, OK
Challenges:
The Hospital wanted to construct a working station for ambulances and equipment while creating a comfortable residential space for EMSStat personnel.
Solutions:
Krittenbrink adopted an industrial design approach that provided functionality as well as a modern, comfortable living environment. The space includes equipment garage and storage, four bedrooms, restroom, kitchen and living area.
ST. THOMAS MOORE UNIVERSITY PARISH AND STUDENT CENTER
Norman, OK
Challenges:
The St. Thomas More Student Center was built as a
multi-purpose facility, completed in 1979. Over time, it morphed into a combination student center/family parish, yet the facility remained the same.
Solutions:
Our job was to create a new worship facility that would house both functions comfortably, and provide meeting/worship spaces for both, and create a physical relationship with the University of Oklahoma across the street.
Additionally, religious contemporary architecture of the 70’s is not acceptable 40 years later, so meshing traditional and contemporary architecture into one cohesive structure.
ST. ANDREW DUNG-LAC CATHOLIC PARISH
Oklahoma City, OK
Challenges:
The client wanted to create a master plan for a new church campus that will ultimately include a church, parish hall, office and rectory. Krittenbrink created church architecture reflective of a church in Vietnam t reflect the heritage of the parish. The components of the master plan include a 1,200-seat worship facility, a chapel to seat 150, and all the support functions associated.
Solutions:
The church is contemporary in style and sensitive to the Vietnamese culture of the church community. The facility functions for daily use (15 seats) to weekly use (1,200 seats), and act together for overflow services. The new building is a 17,000-square-foot facility, featuring soaring dynamic architecture, stat-of-the-art technology and acoustic systems. Finish materials reflect a simplicity, which aides in the spirituality of the space. Top-end materials and abundant natural light were incorporated to enhance drama of the main altar. Artificial light allows for multiple settings and multiple moods.
ST. PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH
Kingfisher, OK
Challenges:
Sts. Peter & Paul had not had a new building project since 1961. The campus was composed of five separate buildings with no physical connections. The only place for gathering after service was the school gym one block away. All weddings, funeral dinners, meetings, and gatherings, were being held in a 60-year-old concrete block gymnasium.
New construction had to flow seamlessly with the existing church, as well as match its 1906 architecture.
Solutions:
A new parish hall was planned adjacent to the existing church, including a covered breezeway that leads from the rear of church through the old rectory to the new parish hall.
This breezeway offers a light-filled passage that leads to a new parish hall seating over 250 people. Attached to this is a catering kitchen that serves all functions. Two meeting rooms were built to accommodate youth programs, and most importantly, a daily mass chapel that houses 40.
One building solved multiple shortcomings, and breathed new life into a parish that was in need of new direction.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NORMAN
Norman, OK
Challenges:
The church had been added on to multiple times with little regard for the integration of one area to the other. The circulation was random, with some access to parts of the building, only available by crossing the sanctuary. Church offices were tight and not friendly to visitors, and classroom spaces were antiquated. The function and layout of the church proved to be a challenge, as there was no clear entry to the church office, no clear entry into the worship space, and no relationship to the street and parking lot. The exterior space lacked just as much comprehensive and functional design as the inside, and the entire building failed to prioritize proper security.
Solutions:
Our first challenge to tackle was to create a new front entrance to the church that held a congregation area that directly communicated to the street and parking lot of the building, making it much more accessible and welcoming. We designed a new entry tower that visually directed people towards the office, optimizing the flow of movement while not detracting from the main church entrance. We revamped the interior spaces to accommodate modern applications for adult, teen, and children programs. Floor plans were opened up to the central circulation system, and were made more accessible with a new elevator tower.
