At Method Group, we’ve seen firsthand how design can transform not just buildings—but entire communities. Nowhere is that transformation more critical, and more full of opportunity, than in rural Oklahoma. While large cities often capture the headlines, it's the small towns—rich in history, culture, and character—that form the backbone of our state. Through thoughtful, purpose-driven architecture and planning, Method Group is helping these communities reclaim their vibrancy, attract new investment, and build a sustainable future. This article explores how small-town design can drive big change, and how Method Group is leading the way.
Why Rural Oklahoma Matters
Over half of Oklahoma’s communities are classified as rural. These towns are home to families, schools, small businesses, and deeply rooted traditions. Yet many face mounting challenges:
Population decline and youth migration
Aging infrastructure and building stock
Limited access to healthcare and amenities
Economic stagnation and lack of job opportunities
Despite these hurdles, rural Oklahoma holds immense potential. With the right vision, strategic partnerships, and design leadership, small towns can experience a new era of revitalization—one rooted in local pride and designed for the next generation.
The Role of Architecture in Rural Revitalization
Architecture is more than construction—it’s community building. In rural towns, even a single well-designed building or public space can serve as a catalyst for renewal. At Method Group, our projects focus on four key impact areas:
1. Main Street Revitalization
The heart of any small town is its Main Street. Through restoration and adaptive reuse, we help breathe life into aging storefronts, historic buildings, and vacant lots. Our design strategies include:
Preserving architectural character while updating for modern use
Adding pedestrian-friendly infrastructure like lighting, benches, and bike racks
Integrating mixed-use developments to bring housing, retail, and community space together
These efforts restore not just buildings, but pride—and foot traffic—to the core of rural towns.
2. Community Anchors
Public spaces are vital in smaller communities, where shared experiences matter. We work with towns to design and renovate key civic anchors:
Libraries
Community centers
Health clinics
Parks and green spaces
These places foster interaction, provide services, and help residents feel connected. We design them to be flexible, welcoming, and deeply local in character.
3. Affordable and Sustainable Housing
Rural housing is often outdated, inefficient, or scarce. We collaborate with municipalities, housing authorities, and developers to create:
Reclaiming 2nd floor apartments and housing in main street districts
Energy-efficient homes using durable, cost-effective materials
Modular housing options that reduce construction time and expense
Neighborhood layouts that encourage walkability and safety
We believe everyone deserves a dignified home—no matter their zip code.
4. Education and Youth Engagement
Schools and youth centers are crucial in reversing rural brain drain. Our designs support:
Modernized learning environments with natural light, flexible classrooms, and outdoor learning spaces
Recreation facilities and sports complexes that bring people together
Opportunities for youth involvement in planning and design
By investing in youth spaces, we invest in the future of rural Oklahoma.
Case Studies: Small Towns, Big Impact
Downtown Redesign in Henryetta, OK
Once a bustling railroad town, Henryetta faced decades of economic decline. We partnered with local officials and business owners to:
Restore historic façades on Main Street
Create a pedestrian-friendly streetscape
Design a new public plaza for events, concerts, and community gatherings
The project led to new businesses opening downtown and boosted local tourism.
Community Hub in Okmulgee, OK
Method Group helped reimagine a vacant elementary school into a multipurpose community hub. The design includes:
A coworking space for entrepreneurs
A satellite health clinic
A learning center with internet access and educational programming
This one building now serves as a lifeline for families across the county.
Modular Housing in Pittsburg County
Working with housing nonprofits and the county commission, we delivered a series of modular homes for low-income residents. Each home was designed with:
Energy efficiency at the forefront
Durable materials to withstand Oklahoma weather
Design elements that fit the rural aesthetic
These homes offer stability, safety, and dignity to families who were previously underserved.
Method Group’s Rural Design Philosophy
We approach rural projects with a different mindset. These are not scaled-down versions of urban design—they are unique, contextual responses to local needs and character.
1. Deep Listening
We don’t show up with solutions—we start with questions. What does the community value? What stories does the land tell? What are the invisible barriers holding growth back?
Through town halls, surveys, and one-on-one interviews, we develop a deep understanding of place.
2. Honoring History While Planning for the Future
We don’t believe in tearing down the past. We see historic buildings, cultural sites, and community landmarks as assets to be preserved and celebrated.
Design is a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.
3. Flexible, Phased Implementation
We understand rural budgets are often limited. That’s why we design projects in phases, making them scalable over time. Whether it’s a new park or a full downtown redevelopment, we create blueprints that communities can grow into.
4. Partnerships Over Projects
Our rural work is never one-and-done. We build lasting relationships with towns, offering ongoing support and helping secure funding through grants, public-private partnerships, and state programs.
We’re collaborators, not contractors.
The Economic Impact of Design in Small Towns
Smart design doesn’t just look good—it works hard. Our rural architecture projects help drive:
Job creation: Through construction, maintenance, and new business attraction
Tourism growth: By enhancing walkability, aesthetics, and local experiences
Tax base expansion: As property values and economic activity increase
Community resilience: As buildings and infrastructure better withstand weather events and economic shifts
Investing in design is investing in economic development.
The Untapped Potential Ahead
Oklahoma’s rural towns are not in decline—they’re in transition. With strategic design and investment, they can be redefined as hubs of creativity, community, and sustainability.
At Method Group, we believe the future of rural Oklahoma looks like:
Walkable main streets with active storefronts
Green infrastructure integrated into civic spaces
Mixed-use buildings that support live-work-play lifestyles
Digital infrastructure that supports remote work and education
Architecture that tells a story, rather than erases it
These futures aren’t just possible—they’re already unfolding, town by town.
Let’s Design the Next Chapter for Rural Oklahoma
Whether you’re a mayor, a school board member, a business owner, or a lifelong resident—your town has a story worth telling through design. At Method Group, we’re ready to help you bring it to life.
Let’s talk about your goals, your challenges, and your hopes for what your community can become. With the right design partner, even the smallest town can make a lasting impact.
Reach out to Method Group at info@method.group or call 918-623-5001 to start building a future rooted in pride, place, and possibility.