Centuries after its construction, the avant-garde Adah Robinson House designed by Bruce Goff continues to captivate yet another time
In the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Adah Robinson House is beginning a new chapter as The Oath Studio, a charitable event space and personal retreat for its new owner, Rod Yancy. This iconic building, designed by the renowned architect Bruce Goff, has a rich history that spans over six decades.
The Adah Robinson House, a testament to Goff's innovative style, boasts a two-storey great room with an overlooking balcony, original art deco light fixtures, geometric terrazzo floors, and two otherworldly fireplaces. One of the fireplaces, after the removal of wood panelling, revealed a bold and slightly ominous fang-like plasterwork motif, reflecting Goff's fearless use of unconventional designs.
The relationship between Goff and Robinson, his high school art teacher, was complex and sometimes contentious. Despite this, they collaborated on numerous projects, most notably the Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa. Robinson, who was not formally trained as an architect, was the creative mind behind the church’s design concept, decor, and color scheme, while Goff executed the detailed architectural plans. The church, a 20th-century take on Gothic architecture featuring fluted Indiana limestone walls and a 250-foot Art Deco tower, was completed in 1929 and is celebrated for its critical acclaim.
The Adah Robinson House itself is a significant architectural feat. Designed by Goff with input from Robinson and another architect, Joseph Koberling, it showcases early signs of Goff's innovative style and remains an important historic and architectural landmark today.
Tulsa-based interior designer Justice Quinn was called upon for the restoration of the Adah Robinson House. During the restoration, Quinn designed new elements, including ceramic sconces, built-in seating and bookshelves, a bar, stained glass doors, and windows. Quinn's interior design and sourcing for the Adah Robinson House include items from brands such as Herman Miller, Thayer Coggin, Dunbar, and others.
The restoration of the Adah Robinson House was undertaken while adhering to strict regulations due to its status on the National Register of Historic Places. Quinn's goal during the restoration was to bring back as many period-appropriate finishes and furnishings as possible. One notable feature of the house is the presence of one of the first recorded sunken conversation pits in American design.
Bruce Goff was inspired by the Native American communities he grew up around, which influenced his fearless use of color, materiality, pattern, and resourcefulness. This is evident in the Adah Robinson House, where Goff often incorporated salvaged and cast-off materials, such as coal, glass, and wartime scraps.
In 2022, Rod Yancy, the founder and CEO of Oath, purchased the Adah Robinson House. Yancy undertook a two-year-long restoration of the house, transforming it into The Oath Studio, a space for charitable events and personal retreat. The Adah Robinson House, during its time as a creative hub and architectural landmark, fostered a vibrant community of artists and intellectuals. Today, it continues to inspire and captivate visitors with its unique blend of art deco, Gothic, and innovative design elements.
References: 1. Tulsa World 2. Architectural Digest 3. The New York Times 4. The Boston Avenue Methodist Church 5. Bruce Goff 6. Adah Robinson
The restoration of the Adah Robinson House, a significant architectural feat designed by Bruce Goff, was carried out by interior designer Justice Quinn who incorporated period-appropriate finishes and furnishings, including items from brands like Herman Miller, Thayer Coggin, and Dunbar.
The Adah Robinson House, now transformed into The Oath Studio under the ownership of Rod Yancy, showcases an incredible blend of art deco, Gothic, and innovative design elements, continuing to foster a vibrant community and captivate visitors.
