Women in Design

AIA Eastern Oklahoam established Women in Design in September of 2016 to address issues specific to women in the Eastern Oklahoma architecture community.

Vision Statement: Crate an equitable environment where women can thrive in the profession of architecture and the broader design community.

Mission Statement:  To develp a network of professional women for the purpose of mentoring, sharing and supporting one another; and to educate, inspire and encourage women to reflect on their own place in the design profession.

Our Leadership Team

Mary Caroline Cole Award

Named after Oklahoma's first licensed woman architect, The Mary Caroline Cole Award is presented biannually to recognize and honor an individual AIA woman member architect who has exhibited a dedication to advancing the role of women in architecture through their work professionally, in the community and/or the region, and who has dedicated extraordinary time and talent to this end.

Award Recipients

2021 - Pam Deatherage, AIA

Pam Deatherage, AIA received the Mary Caroline Cole Award in 2021 for her outstanding work and continued efforts to elevate the presence of women in the profession of architecture.  Pam first served on the Board of AIA Eastern Oklahoma in 1978 and later became President in 2006.  Her work as both an architect and mentor have made her a more than deserve recipient of this award.

2019 - Connie McFarland, FAIA

Connie McFarland, FAIA was awarded the inaugural Mary Caroline Cole Award for her tireless work to elevate the voices of women and their work in architecture.  Connie first served as President of AIA Eastern Oklahoma in 1985, and then as President for AIA Oklahoma in 1998.  Following her elevation to Fellow in 1998, Connie served as President of the AIA Trust in 1999.  Connie has been an invaluable member of AIA Eastern Oklahoma and the community at large.