PRINCIPAL | AIA, OAA, AAA, LEED A.P.

Architect Wanda Dalla Costa (she/her) is an advocate for Indigenous peoples. She is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Northern Alberta Canada. Her role at Tawaw is to oversee Indigenous methodologies and architectural spatial innovation. Her belief in the power of architecture to contribute to the well-being and belonging of user groups, inspires her to ‘productively disrupt’ all prototypes for cultural inclusion. Her aim is to embed lifeways, worldviews and identity into every project. With a passion for design and a keen interest in the potential of Indigenous knowledge to contribute to global transformation, she works at all scales, from custom interior elements to Indigenous landscapes.

Before forming Tawaw Architecture Collective in 2010 she worked in Calgary for over a decade building high rise residential, commercial projects, and designing culturally-driven buildings for nations across Alberta and British Columbia.

Wanda is a graduate of University of Calgary (Masters of Architecture), Southern Institute of Technology (Master of Design Research in City Planning and Policy) and University of Alberta (Bachelor of Arts). She also received an Honorary Doctorate in 2023 (Athabasca University). In 2022, she was recognized as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada, in 2019, she was recognized as a YBCA 100 recipient by the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, a list which celebrates people, organizations, and movements shifting culture through ideas, their art, and their activism. Wanda enjoys spending time with her family, traveling the world and competitive billiards.

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Claudio Vekstein is an award-winning architect and educator whose career spans continents, cultures, and decades of committed public practice. Originally from Buenos Aires, he brings over 25 years of experience designing civic, cultural, and educational projects that prioritize social and spatial justice. Claudio is Program Head and Professor of Architecture in the Master of Architecture program at Arizona State University, where he leads studios focused on architecture as a tool for transformation and equity.

Prior to joining Tawaw, Claudio founded and directed Opera Publica, a practice rooted in radical public architecture, producing internationally recognized works including the Memorial Space to the Farmers’ Revolt and the Montessori School in Luján. His projects have been exhibited at multiple Venice Biennales and honored with distinctions such as the Baukunst Architektur Preis in Germany and the Public Practices Award in Argentina.

Claudio studied architecture at the University of Buenos Aires and earned his Master of Architecture from the Städelschule Art Academy in Frankfurt under Enric Miralles and Peter Cook. His work continues to be grounded in deep cultural inquiry, poetic materiality, and the belief that architecture can—and should—serve the public good.

DESIGN MANAGER | Intern Architect, AAA, M.Arch

Ryan Blaney brings over a decade of experience in architecture and design, grounded in a commitment to social and environmental sustainability. As Design Manager at Tawaw Architecture Collective, he merges systems thinking with a hands-on approach—coordinating resources, guiding teams, and fostering collaboration with diverse communities and stakeholders.

His work spans from visionary concepts to the construction of transformative urban and community-based projects, including Indigenous housing, cultural spaces, and mixed-use developments. Ryan’s leadership style emphasizes mentorship, team culture, and the importance of engagement throughout all project phases.

He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Calgary, with additional studies in Barcelona, and is a registered Intern Architect with the Alberta Association of Architects. At Tawaw, Ryan aligns his design practice with his personal values, contributing to architecture that supports cultural resurgence, collective well-being, and ecological responsibility.

STUDIO MANAGER | 2019 AIA Henry Adams Medal Recipient, M.Arch, NCARB

Born into a family of architects, designers, and artists in Iran, Mehdi Taghavi brings nearly two decades of international experience in architecture and engineering. Having launched his career in Dubai, Mehdi has since contributed to large-scale commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects across the Middle East, Central America, and North America.

As Studio Manager at Tawaw Architecture Collective, Mehdi draws on his technical expertise and collaborative leadership to guide projects from design through construction. He is especially passionate about creating human-centered spaces that reflect history, culture, and a strong sense of place. His approach integrates practical design with sustainable strategies and a deep respect for community narratives.

Mehdi holds a Master of Architecture from NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego and a BS in Architectural Engineering from Ajman University in the UAE. A recipient of the AIA Henry Adams Medal and multiple design awards, he brings both excellence and humility to his work. At Tawaw, he values the opportunity to mentor emerging designers while learning from Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of building.

Outside the studio, Mehdi enjoys boxing, mountain biking, camping, and hiking with his wife, daughter, and their dog, Fifi.

Engagement Specialist + DESIGNER | M.Arch, BEnvD, BSc

Mamie Griffith is a Dene/European architectural designer whose work is rooted in the prairie landscapes she calls home. With over a decade of experience, Mamie brings a unique interdisciplinary approach that blends architecture, landscape, project management, and Indigenous design consultation. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Dalhousie University, and a Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University.

Her practice is grounded in collaboration, community engagement, and the respectful representation of Indigenous cultures in the built environment. Mamie is passionate about co-creating spaces that are inclusive, healthy, and grounded in the cultural identities of local Indigenous communities. She works closely with Indigenous-led organizations to translate community visions into thoughtful, human-centered design outcomes.

At Tawaw Architecture Collective, Mamie’s role bridges engagement and design—ensuring that each project reflects the values and voices of those it serves. She aspires to one day bring her work to the Northwest Territories, collaborating with her Dene community on her ancestral lands.

Engagement + Planning Specialist

Edward Samson brings over 30 years of experience in planning and community development, with a career rooted in advancing social and economic equity for Native communities. His work spans every phase of planning—from concept and predevelopment through implementation and construction—and is grounded in deep relationships with tribal nations, nonprofits, public agencies, and advocacy groups at local, regional, and national levels.

With degrees in Economics and Environmental Planning from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Edward specializes in collaborative approaches that build capacity, bridge communication gaps, and connect communities to meaningful resources. His recent work focuses on affordable and culturally responsive housing for Native and underrepresented communities, recognizing that health, education, and housing are deeply intertwined.

At Tawaw Architecture Collective, Edward contributes his expertise in strategic visioning, land use planning, and engagement, helping guide projects that honor Indigenous knowledge and promote community-led development.