Tom Wilson Retires After Nearly 45 Years

Tom Wilson first began leading the formerly named Architectural Design Group in the late 1970’s, transforming the once interior design firm into a robust architectural and interiors firm throughout the 1980’s. He not only navigated the economic ups and downs through the 80’s and 90’s, but he also continued to nurture and grow the firm. Upon taking over the Bricktown Ballpark Project in the 1990s, ADG became a household name in the Oklahoma City architecture world. He then created a Program Management team that assisted the MAPS projects for decades (and still does to this day), and solidified ADG as a full-service design firm.

Tom also managed the 20+ year project that eventually became known as the First American Museum, working closely with the architect-of-record for the museum, Blatt Architects. In 2022, knowing his retirement was coming soon, Tom orchestrated the merging of ADG and Blatt Architects, creating a life-long legacy of ADG Blatt. On June 29, Tony Blatt, Jason Cotton, JC Witcher and Julie Blatt had the pleasure of presenting an official citation from Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt that reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Tom Wilson, the former President of ADG|Blatt, has helped to change the landscape of Oklahoma City through his commitment to excellence in architecture for the last 40+ years; and
WHEREAS, Tom stepped up to bring the design of the now iconic Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to life, overcoming many obstacles and putting aside profit in favor of public benefit; and
WHEREAS, Tom led teams of professionals to provide consultation and support to the MAPS office from Maps for Kids to MAPS4; and
WHEREAS, Tom helped Gary Brooks and others realize a dream of restoring the beauty and legacy of the First National Bank building; and
WHEREAS, Tom’s professional expertise and personal generosity for decades to organizations such as United Way and Allied Arts has left a lasting legacy in Oklahoma City.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DAVID HOLT, Mayor of The City of Oklahoma City, do hereby commend Tom Wilson for his lasting contributions to Oklahoma City, and congratulate Tom on his retirement after 45 years leading ADG|Blatt.