A photo of the front lobby entrance to the School of Architecture. Maquettes can be seen in the foreground, a large metal sign with the school's name can be seen in addition to students walking past glass doors in the background.

Richardson named head of the School of Architecture at OSU 

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu

Professor Nathan Richardson has been named school head and centennial professor of the School of Architecture for the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology pending Board of Regents approval effective June 13, 2025. 

Following years of dedicated service to the university and a distinguished career in both professional practice and architectural education, Richardson expressed his “gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to lead the school” he knows so well — the place he has taught for the last 16 years. 

Professor Nathan Richardson has been named school head and centennial professor of the School of Architecture.

Richardson, who holds degrees in architecture from OSU and design from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, joined the SOA faculty in 2009. Since then, he has developed several courses and programs for the school and has twice been named the Riata Fellow of the Year by OSU’s School of Entrepreneurship. 

With expertise in architecture, design and entrepreneurship, Richardson brings a vision rooted in both tradition and innovation. His research explores the intersections of professional practice, real estate and the design process. 

Prior to joining OSU, Richardson practiced architecture in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Seattle, Washington, working on a wide variety of projects in the United States and internationally. He is a licensed architect in Massachusetts and Oklahoma and an advocate for strengthening ties between academia and the professions. 

Richardson’s experiences in practice have helped shape his educational philosophy. He views professional practice as a vital component of architectural education, noting that it validated the strength of his own OSU education and inspired him to teach. As school head, he aims to support a culture that values design, practice and lifelong learning, with a continued emphasis on the undergraduate experience. 

CEAT’s architecture program continues to grow in national reputation, and Richardson is eager to embrace new opportunities presented by changes in technology, the design process, and the needs of society and culture. 

“I plan to continue our strong traditions in design, drawing, and modeling while adopting new technologies in fabrication and computation—something we’ve already begun,” Richardson said. “I hope to enhance the intersection of faculty research and undergraduate education. I expect to grow the impact of the school in new disciplines and domains related to architecture through teaching, extension and research.” 

Richardson credits the school’s creative culture and community as its greatest strength. 

 “Our people are our greatest strength: students, staff, faculty, friends, and alumni,” Richardson said. “We have a creative culture and friendly community that energizes everything we do—and one I will continue to foster. Our school is hard-working, optimistic and adventurous. We rely on established traditions and fundamentals while eagerly embracing new technologies and opportunities. We have many active and supportive alumni who continue to drive our success.” 

More information about the School of Architecture can be found at https://ceat.okstate.edu/arch. 