REES Raised the Woof at Art Unleashed
REES had double the fun at Art Unleashed, a doghouse building competition in Oklahoma City. The firm sponsored two design-build teams, partnering with Manhattan Construction and Nabholz Construction. Each team brought thoughtful details and plenty of personality to the paw-some event hosted at OAK OKC. The event auctioned off ten custom-designed dog houses created by local builders and designers, with proceeds benefitting the Oklahoma Humane Society.
MeowWoof – REES + Manhattan Construction
Why choose between cats and dogs when you can design for both? MeowWoof is a clever dual-structured pet house that celebrates harmony between furry friends. The build features a modern farmhouse aesthetic with black-and-white tile showcasing silhouettes of cats or dogs, depending on the side you’re viewing. The flip-top roof can sit in a traditional triangular position or prop up as a lookout tower.
The doghouse portion includes a cozy bed, porthole window and tennis ball hooks featuring logo-stamped balls from the project partners. Connected by a turf ramp, the adjoining cat house features a sharp roofline, a chimney-style scratching post and a motion-activated laser for play. MeowWoof earned one of the event’s two People’s Choice Awards, proving that great design can delight pets and their people.
The Leash Loft – REES + Nabholz Construction
Sleek, interactive and full of character, The Leash Loft is all about comfort, usability and playful charm. With no “bad side”. This all-angle doghouse includes a turf ramp to a rooftop perch and interior windows for light and ventilation. The project team incorporated their logos stamped onto dog tags.
Additional features include an automatic ball launcher, toy chest, water bowl tucked beneath a window and a customizable panel for planters, hooks and other pet-friendly additions. Leashes stretch across the façade, nodding to the event’s “Unleashed” theme while adding a clever visual element. The Leash Loft got the highest bid of the auction, raising $1,200 for the Oklahoma Humane Society.
More Than a Build
Both REES teams focused on functionality, creative storytelling and long-lasting materials. Ideas were shared between groups to ensure each doghouse brought something unique to the event. Art Unleashed: A Christmas in July Showcase at OAK OKC celebrated pets, creativity and community. Alongside the doghouse auction, the festivities included a Reindog parade, photos with Santa in beachwear and a holiday ice cream collaboration.
Art Unleashed reminded everyone that when it comes to making a difference, teamwork really is the best breed.
This event is one of the many ways REES is supporting the community in celebration of the firm’s 50th Anniversary year. As REES reflects on our first 50 years of design excellence, the firm remains focused on building a better future, both through the spaces it creates and meaningful community service.
