Century-old Adah Robinson House, designed by revolutionary architect Bruce Goff, continues to astonish
In the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two remarkable architectural and design masterpieces stand as a testament to the unique collaboration between Adah Robinson and Bruce Goff.
The Adah Robinson House, now known as The Oath Studio, stands as a remarkable archetype of early modern architecture. A two-year-long restoration under the ownership of Rod Yancy, the founder and CEO of Oath, has preserved its history and ensured its legacy for future generations. The interior design, featuring pieces from brands such as Herman Miller, Thayer Coggin, Dunbar, Gianfranco Frattini, Louis Poulsen, and Reggiani, breathes new life into the space, while maintaining period-appropriate finishes and furnishings.
One of the most striking features of the Adah Robinson House is its two-storey great room with an overlooking balcony, original art deco light fixtures, geometric terrazzo floors, and two otherworldly fireplaces. The removal of wood panelling around a fireplace revealed original plasterwork in a bold fang-like motif, showcasing the house's unique charm.
The Boston Avenue Methodist Church, a 20th-century variation on a gothic theme, is another testament to their collaboration. A 250ft tall art deco tower, fluted walls of Indiana limestone, and a design that drew on Robinson's artistic vision, make it a landmark building that remains celebrated today.
The collaboration between Robinson and Goff resulted in the design of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church. Adah Robinson, not a trained architect, conceived the initial concept, decor, and color scheme for the church. She then brought in Goff to draft the detailed architectural plans. The church, completed in 1929, received critical acclaim and Robinson was publicly credited as the 'creative mind' behind the design, while Goff felt his contributions were overshadowed.
Bruce Goff and Adah Robinson had a mentor-student and professional collaboration relationship. Adah Robinson, Goff’s high school art teacher, recognized his talent early on and commissioned him at age 19 to design her studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which became her residence and a creative salon.
Their partnership blended art and architecture, but tensions existed over credit for the church’s design. Nonetheless, their collaboration produced a landmark building that remains celebrated today, with Robinson's portrait displayed in the church lobby.
Bruce Goff's work throughout the US continued to push the creative boundaries of the time, and he was never driven by clout or status, committing his life's work to middle-class patrons. Tulsa-based interior designer Justice Quinn was called upon for the restoration project of the Adah Robinson House, aiming to bring back period-appropriate finishes and furnishings.
In 2022, Rod Yancy, the founder and CEO of Oath, purchased the Adah Robinson House, turning it into a charitable event space and a personal retreat. The Adah Robinson House also includes a two-storey great room with an overlooking balcony, original art deco light fixtures, geometric terrazzo floors, and two otherworldly fireplaces, making it a unique and beautiful space for events and personal use alike.
[1] Teresa Holder, That Damn Art Woman [2] https://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/adah-robinson-house-restored-to-its-original-glory/article_7c13b3a8-e81b-548b-8f3a-c8388b44d7e4.html
The interior design of the Adah Robinson House, now known as The Oath Studio, reflects a harmonious blend of modern and period-appropriate finishes, showcasing pieces from renowned brands like Herman Miller and Louis Poulsen. As a testament to Robinson's artistic vision, this home-and-garden transformation embodies an inspiring lifestyle amidst architectural masterpieces.
In addition, the Boston Avenue Methodist Church stands as a symbol of the collaboration between Robinson and Goff, whose work combined art and architecture, leaving a lasting impression on 20th-century American lifestyle and home-and-garden design.
