Designing a Luxury Penthouse Venue in OKC: An Interview with Brock Harrison
When you step into Slate at Founders Tower, you’re not just entering another event venue in Oklahoma City. You’re stepping into a historic penthouse venue with panoramic skyline views, designed with intention, artistry, and heart. The man behind that vision? Brock Harrison, founder of Harrison Fabrics and Design.
We sat down with Brock to learn more about his journey, his design philosophy, and what makes Slate unlike any other luxury event venue in OKC.
From Farm Roots to Interior Design
Brock grew up in Newcastle, Oklahoma, on a small farm. “I couldn’t wait to get out of there,” he laughs . After studying interior design at UCO, he launched his career with Drexel Heritage before building his own design business 13 years ago.
His early fascination with fabrics, textures, and craftsmanship shaped everything he does today. “My mom was always sewing curtains, painting, and making things beautiful with very little. That creativity informed my entire childhood, and eventually, my career” .
Inspiration on the Road
For Brock, travel is the ultimate creative spark. “Eating different food, going to different markets, exploring art galleries—it all inspires me. If you stay in your bubble, that’s the worst thing creatively you can do” .
That global perspective gave him the confidence to design Slate with bold textures, rich finishes, and a palette that feels modern, glamorous, and timeless.
Tackling a Penthouse Challenge
When Brock first saw the Founders Tower penthouse, he was struck by the sheer scale. “It was a big, open, blank space—and it was round, which is its own challenge. It had a lot of hard surfaces: stone, concrete, tile. The task was making it feel warm, inviting, and functional” .
He approached the project with two guiding principles: capture the 360-degree panoramic views of the Oklahoma City skyline, and create a space versatile enough for everything from intimate micro weddings in OKC to corporate meeting venues and elegant receptions.
Palette, Textures, and Finishes
Instead of following the trend of bright white venues, Brock went moody and bold. “If the space had been white, the view would’ve blended in. I wanted a rich, saturated palette that made the view pop. We landed on teal—it’s warm, inviting, and highlights the skyline beautifully” .
Textures became his playground: velvet and drapery panels softened the masculine bones of the penthouse, while brass, marble, wallpaper, and chandeliers added Hollywood-inspired glamor. “I always ask myself, where’s the glamor?” Brock says .
The result is a balance of masculine and feminine energy—one that elevates Slate into a luxury penthouse venue in Oklahoma City that feels both comfortable and unforgettable.
Designed for Versatility
Unlike many wedding venues in OKC that focus solely on ceremonies and receptions, Slate was designed with flexibility in mind. “I’ve personally used the space for a charity event, and it functioned perfectly. That versatility is what I’m most proud of” .
From affordable micro weddings to large receptions, graduations, and corporate events with skyline views, Slate adapts seamlessly, thanks to its indoor/outdoor event space flow and all-inclusive packages.
What Slate Means to Brock
When asked to sum Slate up in three words, Brock doesn’t hesitate: “Unique. Sexy. Diverse” .
For him, the project was more than just work. “It was fun—a labor of love filled with creativity and excitement. I think people feel that energy when they come in. My hope is that Slate inspires them, the way a great hotel does, to want that same sense of luxury in their own lives” .
Closing Thoughts
Slate at Founders Tower is more than a venue—it’s a design experience. With Brock Harrison’s vision, it’s become a historic venue in OKC where modern elegance, panoramic views, and elevated experiences meet.
Ready to see Brock’s vision come to life? Schedule a private venue tour at Slate today and experience Oklahoma City’s premier penthouse wedding and event venue for yourself.
