OSU School of Architecture alumnus Hoffman featured at National Exhibit on Contemporary Design

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT marketing and Communications | 4057445831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University School of Architecture alumnus Eric Hoffman and the practice he founded, Patterhn Ives, are featured in a current exhibition at The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Open to the public through winter 2026, ‘A South Forty: Contemporary Architecture and Design in the American South’ highlights the work of 44 vibrant and distinguished design firms practicing near U.S. Interstate 40.

‘A South Forty’ seeks to inspire a dialogue on the significance of contemporary design in an often overlooked or compartmentalized region. Known for its history and vernacular, the architecture of the American South has drastically evolved in the past 30 years by responding to changes in population, culture and climate. The exhibit’s curated collection showcases work that reimagines what Southern Architecture ought to be while advocating for design that is of its place — using an economy of means to create a richness of meaning.

The inclusion of Patterhn Ives in this narrative stems from the firm’s commitment to place-based design in their complex region — a physical intersection between north and south, east and west, a cultural crossroads linking old and new, tradition and modernity. Their portfolio of work enriches the everyday experiences of its users by crafting thoughtful interventions within and amongst historic structures. They strive to create enduring buildings by combining regional materials with sustainable design practices.

The installation showcases the Ellis Hall School of Music, the John Goodman Amphitheatre, an outdoor performing arts pavilion for the acclaimed Tent Theatre, and the Kol Rinah Synagogue, as well as the Portal House in Kentucky, and Night Sky Winery in Franklin County, Missouri.

The installation is a current exhibit at the National Building Museum, located at 401 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, four blocks from the National Mall. The museum is open to the public from Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum’s website. The exhibit is curated and organized by the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design, University of Arkansas.

"The 'story' of A SOUTH FORTY is also one of place-based design, attentive to the necessitites of climate, materials, labor and purpose, but also attentive to overlooked or undervalued typologies, constituencies and locales.  The greater emphasis in the exhibition is to be seen at the public scale, in the civic realm, through the accomplishment of buildings and projects of strength, durability, and value for the communities in which they are situated." -Peter MacKeith, Dean and professor, University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture

 To learn more about the exhibition and all the practices included, visit this webpage and this website.

ABOUT PATTERHN IVES

Partners Anna Ives, Eric Hoffman and Tony Patterson founded the full-service architecture practice of Patterhn Ives in 2014. With a portfolio of award-winning higher education, corporate, cultural, and residential projects, the practice is guided by two principles: design excellence results from research, innovation and environmental stewardship; and limiting concurrent projects such that all three partners maintain a key role for the full duration of each project. Patterhn Ives is a female-owned business based in St. Louis, Missouri and West Chester, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT ERIC HOFFMAN

Eric Hoffman, AIA NCARB LEED AP, is a founding partner of Patterhn Ives, recipient of the 2013 National AIA Young Architects Award, and Professor of Practice. A leading practitioner and educator, he is passionately committed to innovation, realization, mentorship, and the environment. Notable experience includes collaborating with Herzog & de Meuron on the extraordinary Walker Art Center expansion as part of Minneapolis-based HGA, and more recently, serving as HOK’s Project Architect for the St. Louis Art Museum expansion with London-based David Chipperfield Architects. Hoffman graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1999. He later completed the post-professional Master of Architecture program at Washington University in St. Louis with Honors in 2005. Outside of practice, Hoffman enjoys visiting teaching appointments at institutions throughout the central states.

Story By: Melissa Hoyt | mhoyt@patterhn-ives.com