Tawaw Architecture Collective

23/10/2026

In 2015, I came to Construction in Indian Country to give a keynote. That visit led to a job offer, brought me to Arizona, and changed my life.

Today, I’m back for the 23rd annual conference with Robyn and Zane from Tawaw Architecture Collective. Seeing 400+ people gathered to discuss housing, infrastructure, and building in Indian Country is why I am in AZ.

A message from the opening keynote has stayed with me: respecting tribal sovereignty means respecting each Nation’s decision-making processes, listening early, and investing in local people, businesses, and skills that remain in the community long after construction ends.

The presentation on Sage Memorial’s tiny-home community on Navajo Nation was another highlight, exploring tilt up housing solutions to ensure essential care workers (rural medical staff) have housing.

Eleven years after that first invitation, I’m grateful to return every year.

10/08/2026

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08/06/2025

The author asks is the river alive… Indigenous people hold this belief. All living things in a total ecosystem perspective (including rivers) are treated equally. 🌍 ❤️

The author and naturalist visited three rivers (including one in Canada) to explore what it means to give the waterways the same rights as people

08/06/2025

“…. elevating Indigenous knowledge as a foundation for sustainable urban design. In a place like Phoenix—built in the desert and under pressure from climate change and growth at all costs… is vital”

“…. elevating Indigenous knowledge as a foundation for sustainable urban design. In a place like Phoenix—built in the desert and under pressure from climate change and growth at all costs… is vital”

19/05/2025

We are thrilled to share the results of the AIA Austin Design awards that our Principal Dalla Costa joined as a jury member. The commentary on all the projects can be found here:

2025 AIA Austin Design Award of Merit

23/04/2025

Finally, 3-D printed earth. I’ve been waiting years for this. ❤️ 🌍 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIoxL_-Pu45/?igsh=MTE1NXFkNXkxbDM4bg==

28/03/2025

Looking forward to seeing entries. The AIA Jury Includes myself, Ed Ogosta, and Hana Kassem (KPFA).The submissions are due Mar 31.

Ed Ogosta, AIA, LEED AP, is Principal of Edward Ogosta Architecture in Los Angeles. Since its founding in 2011, the office has received over thirty design awards and honors, including twelve AIA awards at the local, state, and national levels. In 2018, the office was chosen as the AIA Los Angeles Em...

21/03/2025

What does HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN look like when seen through an Indigenous lens?✌️🇺🇸 🌎

A new documentary profiles Indigenous architects and how they incorporate their communities into their designs. It features Wanda Dalla Costa, founder of the Indigenous Design Collaborative at ASU.

21/03/2025

It’s been released m in the USA! I’m excited to be part of a film exploring indigenous architecture and the profiles of six practitioners across Turtle island. Tonight is the free showing at 7 o’clock at the mix center in Tempe. Kiowa and Kiwa have guest appearances :-)

“My Elders taught me that we must celebrate the fact that we have survived the terrible atrocities committed against us by the immigrant cultures. We know that we have a powerful contribution to make to the human family. There is a prophecy that says, after our people have been practically annihi...

10/03/2025

The architecture of Seoul, Korea, including Zaha Hadid, one of the 25 most beautiful libraries in the world, and traditional temples.
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