Francis Wilmore, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal, Director of Design
“In every project there is an instant when the project finally comes to life for the client. Their project has often been a concept in my mind for months or years, but, in that single instant, all the planning, conversations, and research materialize into something tangible to them. That is the moment that makes all of the hard work worthwhile and why I love architecture.”
Francis has worked with international clients on projects from coast to coast. Being at the forefront with cutting-edge design solutions has been a requirement for much of Francis’s career. Many of his previous projects came about as a result of winning juried selection processes where his design concept was selected as the most innovative approach to a given project.
Having experience with all phases, from design through construction, gives Francis a comprehensive understanding of the careful detailing that is necessary to ensure that the design intent can be realized.
Get to Know Francis
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University
- Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan
- AIA OK Treasurer 2020
- AIA Eastern Oklahoma Board, 2016-present
- Urban Land Institute Member, 2018-present
- 2020 AIA Oklahoma, Young Professional Achievement Award Winner
- 2020 A4LE International Virtual Conference Speaker
- 2018 AIA National Conference on Architecture, Selected Presenter, “Visioning Sessions and Client Engagement,”
- 2018 OSSBA Conference presenter, “Building your Bond Message”
- 2017 design:retail magazine’s 40 under 40 most influential designers
- 2019 First Place Evolving Communities Iconic Landmark Competition
- AIA Mid-Michigan Design Merit Award for Tulsa Bridge Concept, 2017
- AIA Mid-Michigan Design Merit Award for Duty-Free Americas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, 2015
- AMAC Conference presenter, “Pulling the curtain back on RFP winning design”, 2017
- AIA Cincinnati Vision Program Season 4 Graduate, 2014
- Graduate Instructor and Research Assistant at the University of Michigan, 2011
- eVolo Skyscrapers International Design Competition Special Mention, 2009
What is your favorite type of project and why?
Some of the most interesting projects are those that, in most cases, would end up being utilitarian and mundane. As a designer, I love the challenge of finding ways to introduce new ideas that take what would have otherwise been an ordinary, bland project and turn it into something unique and special.
What is the biggest challenge in the architecture/interior design industry right now?
Complacency. It’s easy to repeat what’s been done, but I believe it’s our responsibility to continue to innovate and push the design envelope on each and every project.
What brought you to Tulsa?
My wife was from Tulsa and swore she would never move back here. After finishing her fellowship, she was looking all over the country for a job. She liked an offer in Phoenix, and we were tentatively set to move there. Through total fate, we started having a conversation with a random stranger in Dallas. Turns out that person was a recruiter from Tulsa that was about to post a position that was exactly the position my wife had been looking all over the country for. A few weeks later, we were looking for a house in Tulsa.
Where’s your favorite vacation spot?
Any place that I haven’t been before. I love to travel and have been to over 30 countries.
What is your favorite thing about Tulsa?
I love that Tulsa feels like a big city, yet it is small enough that one person can have a huge impact in the community.