At Method Group, we believe that architecture is not only about structures—it's about stories. It's about the people who live, work, and gather in the spaces we create. It's about the memories made, the culture preserved, and the communities strengthened through thoughtful design. In a state like Oklahoma, where identity is deeply rooted in place, we see architecture as a vital force in shaping the character and cohesion of our towns and cities. This article explores the profound impact architecture has on community wellbeing and how Method Group places "the value of place" at the center of everything we do.
What Does "Place" Mean in Architecture?
Place is more than location. In architecture, place encompasses the emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of a built environment. It reflects the identity of a community and influences how people feel and interact within that space.
When architecture honors place, it creates more than buildings. It builds pride. It invites people in. It fosters belonging.
Our approach to design is rooted in listening—to the land, to the history, and to the people who call a space home. Whether we're designing a downtown plaza or revitalizing a rural main street, we begin by asking: what makes this place special?
How Place-Inspired Architecture Strengthens Communities
1. Reinforcing Local Identity
Every community has a story. Through architecture, we can reflect that story back to the people who live there. That might mean preserving the facade of a historic theater, incorporating tribal patterns into a civic building, or using locally sourced stone that echoes the surrounding terrain.
Architecture becomes a visual and functional celebration of a community’s uniqueness. At Method Group, we avoid generic design. We aim for architectural storytelling that says, "This could only happen here."
2. Encouraging Social Interaction
Places designed with community in mind invite people to gather. Parks, plazas, markets, and community centers become anchors for connection and activity.
We design these spaces to:
Be inclusive and accessible
Encourage lingering and interaction
Connect seamlessly with surrounding neighborhoods
In Oklahoma's towns and cities, where social bonds are a bedrock of resilience, designing for interaction is critical.
3. Supporting Public Health and Wellbeing
The design of place directly impacts mental and physical health. Natural light, walkable layouts, ventilation, and access to green space are not just design choices—they’re public health strategies.
Our designs prioritize:
Air quality and natural ventilation
Biophilic design elements like gardens and natural materials
Pedestrian-first planning that encourages movement and outdoor engagement
From schools to libraries to senior living communities, we consider health a non-negotiable in how we shape space.
4. Sparking Economic Revitalization
Design has the power to revitalize struggling areas. A well-executed public plaza or a thoughtfully restored downtown block can:
Attract new businesses
Increase foot traffic
Spur investment and pride
We’ve seen firsthand how design catalyzes economic uplift, especially in smaller Oklahoma communities that are reclaiming their identities and futures.
5. Building Intergenerational Value
Architecture that values place isn’t built for today alone. It’s built to serve future generations. By incorporating adaptable design, durable materials, and community-led planning, we ensure our projects remain relevant and loved long after ribbon-cuttings.
We approach each building as part of a longer legacy.
Case Studies: The Value of Place in Action
Historic Tulsa Boys Home Redevelopment
Once a neglected property with deep local roots, this project revitalized a historic site into a mixed-use development that honors its past while serving contemporary needs.
Our team preserved key architectural features and integrated spaces for community services, retail, and residential use. The result? A place where heritage meets utility, and where the surrounding neighborhood feels reinvested in and respected.
Cains Coffee Building
This landmark was more than a warehouse—it was a symbol of Tulsa’s industrial past. We reimagined it as a creative coworking hub while retaining its character. From the preserved steel beams to the exposed brick walls, every detail reminds visitors of the building’s origin and evolution.
It’s now not only a workplace but a place of pride.
Downtown Revitalization in Rural Oklahoma
In towns across eastern Oklahoma, Method Group has been a part of Main Street transformations that breathe new life into neglected blocks. We work with city councils, business owners, and residents to:
Restore historic storefronts
Add pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
Integrate murals and public art reflecting local culture
These revitalizations have sparked festivals, pop-up markets, and tourism, all stemming from design that respected and elevated local place.
Method Group's Design Philosophy: Place First, Always
We don’t approach design with preconceived solutions. Instead, we engage in deep discovery to understand the context of each project. Our process includes:
Community Engagement
We listen before we draw. Through listening sessions, design charrettes, and surveys, we involve community members early and often.
Cultural and Historical Research
Understanding the past helps us design for the future. We dig into the stories, symbols, and traditions that define a place.
Environmental Harmony
Good architecture doesn’t fight the land—it flows with it. We study wind patterns, sunlight, topography, and natural systems to create buildings that belong.
Material Authenticity
Where possible, we use local and natural materials. It’s a decision that supports local economies and makes buildings feel grounded.
Long-Term Stewardship
We think beyond the opening day. Our designs aim to be maintainable, flexible, and loved for decades.
Designing for Placemaking
Placemaking is the process of designing public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and wellbeing. It turns a space into a place.
We embrace placemaking as a lens for:
Urban parks and greenways
Neighborhood community centers
University and school campuses
Arts and culture corridors
Our placemaking projects emphasize:
Equity and accessibility
Activation through events and partnerships
Safety through design (CPTED principles)
Seamless integration with mobility infrastructure
A Vision for Oklahoma Built on Place
Oklahoma is at a unique moment. Our cities are growing. Our towns are rebuilding. Our identity is being shaped anew by people who care about where they live and work.
At Method Group, we see architecture as a force that can either dilute or amplify this identity. We choose to amplify. We choose to co-create with communities and prioritize authenticity over trends.
We envision:
Libraries that become community living rooms
Town halls that reflect transparency and civic pride
Main streets where every building tells a story
Green corridors that reconnect nature and neighborhoods
When we value place, we value people. And when people feel seen, heard, and rooted, communities thrive.
Let's Build Meaningful Places Together
If you’re ready to create a building, park, or block that reflects your community’s unique character, Method Group is ready to partner with you.
Whether you're revitalizing a historic structure, planning a new civic space, or imagining the future of your neighborhood, our team brings the vision, expertise, and commitment to get it done—with place at the heart.
Contact us at info@method.group or call 918-623-5001 to start a conversation about designing a place that truly matters.