Meet Dawson Danner, Scholarship Recipient

It is that time of year again, when we at Flex-Ability Concepts celebrate the accomplishments of a student at the University of Oklahoma’s (OU’s) Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. The recipient of the latest scholarship is Dawson Danner, a May OU architecture graduate who was drawn into the profession by participating in and observing the careers of his father, Russell, and his grandfather, Jack.

Danner notes, “When I was young, I would hang out in my grandfather’s garage. My grandfather was an engineer and had an awesome workshop of all different machines, gadgets and mechanical contraptions of his own invention. It grew my interest in building and creating things. My dad has a dental practice that has helped me understand the importance of client interaction and relationship building.”

As an Oklahoma City native, Danner chose OU because of his love of campus and the OU traditions.

“The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture at OU has been instrumental in shaping me into a future architect through studio classes, history and theory courses, and the mentorship of the faculty,” Danner says. “I have had some great professional relationships with many faculty members that have helped catapult me into my professional development.”

Danner is particularly interested in creating experiences and immersive spaces, such as zoos and theme parks. He says he likes the idea of submerging someone so far into a space that they forget that they are in a man-made place. Danner notes, “In the particular case of a zoo, not only is it good for the animal to be fully immersed in what feels like their natural habitat, but it also gives the guest a brief sense of the natural world that is worth protecting.”

He draws his motivation from his own trips. Danner has visited 35 zoos in 20 states and three countries. Traveling has opened his eyes to many different walks of life.

“I really enjoy studying history and applying that knowledge or theory to something I can see in real life,” Danner says. “Traveling has certainly given me a new perspective on life and architecture in general. It has given me an appreciation for discovery, learning and human interaction unlike ever before.”

Danner describes his architectural style as rooted deeply in research, thoughtfully tailored toward the user, with a pinch of whimsy and out-of-the box ideas. While he did not know about Flex-Ability Concepts prior to the scholarship process, he says, “I have learned that curves are realistic and affordable and they can be used efficiently in many designs.”

In his downtime, Danner can be found watching movies, golfing and enjoying musicals. He has a twin sister, Holly, and they share a birthday with their mom, Melinda. Danner plans to move to Louisiana with the full support of his family. He notes, “My family has helped me discover my creativity, channel that into my schoolwork, as well as helped me to prepare for a career post-graduation.”

This is the 24^th year that Flex-Ability Concepts has offered the scholarship to OU architectural students. Frank Wheeler, an owner of Flex-Ability Concepts, adds, “We cannot wait to see the spaces that Dawson develops and to support him as he creates movement, function and flow in all types of facilities.”

Best of luck to Dawson Danner! Animals and humans alike are lucky to have you as an architectural creator and advocate.