Monday, September 14, 2009

Duluth architects build business with Indian clients | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth architects build business with Indian clients | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

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Duluth architectural firm is betting on the future of its business with American Indian tribes.

Already, tribal customers account for about one-third of DSGW Architects’ business, according to Randy Wagner, an architect and partner in the firm. But he sees potential for more work catering to American Indian clients.

Toward that end, DSGW launched the First American Design Studio this year, creating a special division within the company focused on meeting the needs of American Indian clients.

Wagner said DSGW has been taking on American Indian projects for more than 20 years. He now credits that business for softening the blow of the recent economic downturn.

“With the economy like it is, our work has certainly slowed down, but we’ve maintained much of our tribal activity, and that’s certainly helped us weather these tough economic times,” he said.

The firm hired Mike Laverdure, a 37-year-old member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota, last year to help it develop even stronger ties with American Indian clients. Laverdure has worked in the industry for a decade and is in the final stages of being certified as an architect. Laverdure believes he will become the first member of his tribe ever to achieve that distinction



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