Over a century since its construction, the revolutionary Adah Robinson House designed by Bruce Goff continues to captivate
In the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands a testament to a unique collaboration between two visionaries - architect Bruce Goff and his high school art teacher, Adah Robinson. Their partnership, which began when Goff was commissioned to design Robinson's studio at the age of 19, culminated in the creation of the Adah Robinson House, a remarkable archetype of early modern architecture.
The collaboration resulted in the design of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, a 20th-century gothic-themed structure with an art deco tower. However, Goff felt his architectural contributions were undercredited publicly, as Robinson was often given the credit for the design.
The Adah Robinson House, now known as The Oath Studio, reflects this collaboration, blending Robinson's artistic influence with Goff's innovative architectural approach. The residence, which later expanded into Robinson's primary residence, exemplifies their creative synergy, fostering a community space that marked an important beginning in Goff's career and impacting residential architecture in Oklahoma.
The two-storey great room with an overlooking balcony, original art deco light fixtures, geometric terrazzo floors, and two otherworldly fireplaces are some of the standout features of the Adah Robinson House. One of the fireplaces, after the removal of wood panelling, revealed original plasterwork in a bold fang-like motif.
The restoration of the Adah Robinson House, conducted over a two-year period under the supervision of Tulsa-based interior designer Justice Quinn, has preserved history and breathed new life into this architectural gem. Quinn aimed to bring back as many period-appropriate finishes and furnishings as possible during the restoration. New elements, such as ceramic sconces, built-in seating and bookshelves, a bar, stained glass doors and windows, and even design pieces from brands like Herman Miller, Thayer Coggin, Dunbar, Gianfranco Frattini, Louis Poulsen, and Reggiani, were also incorporated.
Architect Philip Doyle also contributed to the restoration of the Adah Robinson House. This joint work between Robinson and Goff features one of the first recorded sunken conversation pits in American design.
Bruce Goff, a midcentury architect, had his first apprenticeship at the age of 12 and designed his first home by age 15. His work throughout the US pushed the creative boundaries of the time, using salvaged and cast-off materials in unique ways. Goff committed his life's work to middle-class patrons, such as artists, teachers, and farmers, across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois.
In 2022, Rod Yancy, the founder and CEO of Oath, purchased the Adah Robinson House. The Adah Robinson House, now under Yancy's stewardship, is beginning its latest chapter as a charitable event space and a personal retreat. The house stands as a reminder of Goff's groundbreaking modernist architecture and the creative partnership that shaped it.
Frank Lloyd Wright, a renowned architect, admired Goff's work as an adolescent but did not encourage him to attend architecture school. Despite this, Goff's impact on residential architecture in Oklahoma and beyond is undeniable. The Adah Robinson House, a pivotal work in his career, continues to inspire and captivate visitors today.
The Adah Robinson House, now under Rod Yancy's stewardship, is being transformed into a charitable event space and personal retreat, showcasing the impact of Bruce Goff's unique interior-design on lifestyle, particularly in home-and-garden settings. The restoration, led by Tulsa-based interior designer Justice Quinn, features period-appropriate finishes, furnishings, and even design pieces from notable brands, embodying a fusion of Robinson's artistic influence and Goff's innovative architectural approach.
