Thank you for all the years!

The Office’s favorite photo. Note the mullet.
Partners John Ward, Rick Lueb and Anthony McDermid in the early ‘90s.

35 years ago, a Minnesota guy and a British expat shook hands without any formal agreement in place. That handshake between John Ward and Anthony McDermid, respectively, would 'TAP' into more than any could have foreseen at the time.

Together, they launched The Architectural Partnership (TAP) in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City and have spent the past 35 years turning a dream into reality. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary at TAP, we can't help but reminisce on what John and Anthony have built, both literally and figuratively. 

Pairing their different backgrounds and skills only strengthened TAP from the beginning, because their shared vision included blending multiple disciplines, styles and talents and grew a name that would be inclusive and allow for growth without being designed or constrained by the past. This collaborative, inclusive approach has led to a vast portfolio of projects across not only the United States, but the world, including monumental, historic projects, place-making master plans, dream-building projects with local municipalities, schools and nonprofits, and everything in between. 

We’ve seen the landscape around us change drastically, and been fortunate to have played a part in much of that change. 

Apart from designing beautiful buildings, TAP has built a collage of wonderful relationships. We’ve made deep connections with civic leaders, business owners, contractors, engineers, and friends from all walks of life. We’ve also been blessed with an immense amount of talented employees, many of whom grew with TAP and continued to flourish in their own endeavors. 

And now, we have a core team poised to lead the charge in the next 35.

Lastly, this is as much a letter to you, our clients and our community as it is to our wonderful founders. Without you, TAP would not be what it is today. 

Thank you for supporting us and allowing us to be a part of your team. You’ve given us the opportunities to dream alongside you and chase your goals hand in hand. We can’t wait to see what the future brings to us, our city, our state, our friends and neighbors.

Whatever the future holds, we'll build it together.

Cheers to another 35!

The TAP Team