DSGW Architects creates First American Design Studio

By Konnie LeMay
Indian Country Today correspondent

DULUTH, Minn. – For more than 40 years, DSGW Architects in Duluth has worked with 15 Indian communities in four states on projects ranging from community centers to
clinics to casinos.
But this year, the firm – with the mission of “enriching communities
through architecture” – expanded its commitment to serving tribal interests by creating its First American Design Studio, headed by an Ojibwe designer.
Michael Laverdure of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota joined the firm in 2008. Partner Randy Wagner is working with and mentoring Laverdure on projects designed by the studio.
Laverdure joined DSGW about a year after he had competed against the firm for a project at the Peter Christensen Health Clinic on the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe
Reservation, where his sister, Dr. Adrienne Laverdure, works. DSGW won the contract.
Laverdure chuckled as he recalled his sister recommending, “You should call those guys that kicked your butt.”
He did just that; turns out DSGW was looking for the kind of expertise Laverdure could bring, and for the opportunity to organize an American Indianfocused
studio.
A job with the firm gave Laverdure the chance to do culturally meaningful designs and
to advance professionally. “Most of the work has been
with community-based projects,” said John Scott, a DSGW partner, of its involvement
with tribes. “They know we are going to listen first as we plan the overall approach for a successful project.”
Before moving to DSGW, Laverdure said the firm where he had worked decided not to
pursue tribal contracts. “If you don’t know how to work with tribes, it’s hard to do,” he said of the complications when working on tribal/federal projects or
of taking the time to listen to all local parties involved.
Laverdure said working with tribes was “exactly what I wanted to do.” His career choice reflected the teachings of his mother, well-known tribal Judge Betty Laverdure. “She said, ‘You always have to think of others before you think of yourself.’”
Laverdure graduated in 1996 from North Dakota State University’s College of Architecture and also attended Turtle Mountain Tribal College.

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First American Design Studio at DSGW Architects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT
John F. Scott, Partner
218.727.2626

Michael Laverdure joins DSGW Architects to lead design efforts
for DSGW Architects’ First American Design Studio

DULUTH, MINNESOTA [July 7, 2009] - DSGW Architects, a community oriented firm, welcomes Michael Laverdure to lead design efforts for the recently formed First American Design Studio. With over 12 years of experience and a demonstrated commitment in the principle that he contribute to the betterment of First American communities, Michael was a natural choice to be the design director of the studio.

Michael graduated in 1996 from North Dakota State University’s College of Architecture and is currently finishing his architectural registration exams. Once complete, Michael will be one of a select few Native American Architects in the country. He recently passed his LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accreditation exams and is also an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, located in North Dakota.

Over the last 30 years, DSGW Architects has provided services to over fifteen Native American Communities throughout the country. To sustain and focus DSGW’s collaboration with First American communities, DSGW has created the First American Design Studio within the firm that focuses on Native American community development. One of the guiding principles of the First American Design Studio is dedicated to the advancement of opportunities for Native Americans to become fully engaged in the design and construction of projects. In addition to Michael Laverdure, our team members include technicians and construction administrators who are enrolled American Indians of tribes located in the midwest.

“We are very excited to have Mike join our firm,” said John Scott, partner of DSGW. “He brings experience and creativity that will broaden the services DSGW offers through the First American Design Studio. This studio will allow us to become even more engaged and aid in the development of sustainable communities within tribal bands. Under Mike’s leadership, our cultural design process has been tailored to exceed the expectations of our clients.”

“DSGW’s commitment to First American communities caught my attention,” explains Michael Laverdure. “DSGW’s participation and commitment to their Native clientele is superior. My mother, Betty Laverdure told me, “Always use your talents for the betterment of the whole, before you think of your own needs. As you do good, good will come back to you.” This has taught me to become a designer who listens to clientele closely and then translate that into architecture. Listening, along with my heritage has given me unique insight into cultural design. It is also, coincidentally, in-line with DSGW’s belief of building sustainable communities and enriching them through architecture.”

Since the development of the First American Design Studio, DSGW has been awarded the opportunity to plan and design the following projects: University of Minnesota-Duluth American Indian Learning Resource Center (Duluth, Minnesota), Spirit Lake Casino Addition and Renovation (St. Michael, North Dakota), Bad River Health and Wellness Center (Odanah, Wisconsin), Lac du Flambeau Health Center and Dental (Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin), as well as the Ohkay Owingah Old Town Development in New Mexico.

About DSGW Architects
Established in 1938, DSGW is a Minnesota firm offering architecture, planning, and interior design services to communities of every size and character. Its 30+ member team has offices in Duluth, Virginia, Grand Rapids, and St.Paul. For more information, visit www.dsgw.com
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