Stories of Our Clients
From the very beginning, our clients have been at the center of our story. Their ideas challenged us to think differently, and their trust gave us the chance to grow. Each project became a shared vision that we built together. These relationships continue to inspire the places we create today. These stories highlight some of our clients from recent years. There are hundred more throughout our history who have inspired and encouraged us. To all of our clients, past, current and future: Thank you for letting REES be a small part of your story.
Places That Heal and Inspire
Bethany Children’s Health Center (BCHC) dreamed of more than just expanding their facilities—they envisioned a place where healing met hope, joy and imagination. As demand for outpatient services grew, so did waitlists. Children across Oklahoma needed care, and a new Outpatient Tower was the answer.
This project wasn’t just about a clinical layout or efficiency. It was about an experience. What could the space say emotionally, not just functionally? What would a child feel walking through its doors?
To bring this vision to life, BCHC partnered with REES and Storyland Studios, known for creating immersive environments. To explore possibilities, REES took a trip to Orlando. We toured Disney locations like Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. We observed theming concepts at Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort that offers Disney vacations to critically ill children and their families at no cost. Angela Rapihana reflected, “It was amazing to see how everything was designed to be immersive. Every detail was intentionally designed around a child’s experience. Even the ice cream stations were built to be within easy reach of a child’s outstretched hand.”
… here, they get another chance. Bethany’s approach is holistic and full of hope. The new tower makes it possible to bring that care to even more kids.
Kathy Potts
This mix of research and fun left the team inspired to design a healthcare facility unique to Oklahoma.
The four-story, 210,000-square-foot tower draws on the iconic imagery of Route 66. Each floor represents a stop along the legendary highway—from Tulsa to desert landscapes, ending at the Santa Monica Pier. Characters based on Route 66 monuments, such as the Blue Whale of Catoosa, help children navigate through each destination representing milestones in their healing journey. Outside, a four-story caterpillar named Kal climbs up the building’s exterior, standing tall as a roadside attraction of its own.
Inside, the tower houses cutting-edge therapy and rehabilitation spaces, a custom wheelchair design lab, physician offices and specialty services. The ground floor will be a place for community support services, featuring a multipurpose room that doubles as an immersive theater experience and a conference center for collaboration and training. “Bethany Children’s Health Center is the largest inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the state, with children coming in from all over the country,” said project manager and planner Kathy Potts. “Some of these children have been told there’s nothing more that can be done. But here, they get another chance. Bethany’s approach is holistic and full of hope. The new tower makes it possible to bring that care to even more kids.”
Together, we were able to create this beautiful building that is supportive, safe and light. Hearing stories of recovery and life-changing moments was incredibly impactful.
Katie Archer
Doors That Open to Brighter Futures
ReMerge, a pretrial diversion program for mothers facing non-violent felony offenses, helps break the cycle of incarceration through mental health and substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, wellness education and financial literacy. In 15 years, they’ve had over 200 women graduate, prevented nearly 1,500 years of incarceration and positively impacted 535 children. ReMerge’s spaces didn’t always reflect or support their incredible mission. Their first office was what was available at the time—a basement accessed through a back-alley door. It was an intimidating start for women often still wearing bright orange from jail.
Through listening sessions with staff and participants, REES partnered with ReMerge to design a new facility that doubles capacity and inspires hope. Expansive glass floods the building with light. A warm palette creates a calming atmosphere, and art from local female artists lines every hallway. The facility fosters community and healing with a large kitchen, open dining, therapy rooms, a wellness center, private counseling rooms and adjacent clinics.
“Together, we were able to create this beautiful building that is supportive, safe and light,” Katie Archer reflected. “Hearing stories of recovery and life-changing moments was incredibly impactful.”
ReMerge is a place of transformation. Since our partnership first began, ReMerge has changed us for the better, too. REES has celebrated graduations, led ReMerge Education Trainings, joined in on CLAPS (Celebrating Life’s Achievements, Progresses and Successes), eaten many a Catalyst Cookie (ReMerge’s social enterprise program) and supported countless events.
Every time we step through ReMerge’s doors, we’re reminded that our work is not just about buildings. It’s about people, their stories and the brighter futures they can help create.
Design That Enhances Lifestyles
When Legacy Partners came to REES with a new development in the Las Colinas area, our team knew this was more than a multifamily project. It was an opportunity to create something distinct on one of the region’s most visible lakefront sites.
Designing 880 Lyn, an upscale multifamily development, meant navigating a complex location, a competitive market and the challenge of standing out among a growing number of nearby developments. The site came with constraints, but it also offered the team the chance to design a community that truly connects to its surroundings. “I asked the client what style he preferred, and he said… ‘whatever you want..!’ Wow, that was a bit of a shock. We gave them a Modern Miami look, which was formal, but comfortable on the water, and distinguished but not stuffy,” shared lead designer, Gary Pitts.
I asked the client what style he preferred, and he said ‘whatever you want…!’ Wow, that was a bit of a shock.
Gary Pitts
REES designers oriented the building units and amenity spaces to emphasize the lakeside views. “In order to maximize the usable square footage of this site, we pushed the boundaries of the building right up to the lake shore which had a unique shape. The focus of the unit design was to capture the views of the lake with large windows, giving you the feeling of being on a cruise ship when you’re in the living areas,” said architect Kendall Macon.
At 880 Lyn, residents live well, gather often and enjoy the outdoors as part of their daily rhythm. Amenities are equally intentional including a resort-style pool, a two-story fitness center with floor-to-ceiling glass, co-working lounges, a demonstration kitchen, a private party suite and more. Lake-level amenities link directly to the promenade, providing access to walking trails and entertainment. “We even developed a dock on the walkway around the lake that anyone in the area can enjoy,” shared Kendall.
880 Lyn stands as more than a lakeside property. It’s a thoughtfully crafted community, shaped by its setting and built to elevate the everyday experience.
