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Indigenous Placekeeping Framework (IPKF) Process TM
ᒫᒪᐃᐧ [mâmawi] Go further, together.

The goal of our work is to increase authentic representation, ensure functionality of cultural spaces, and expand cross-cultural dialogue through architecture. This process has been used with government organizations, universities, and consultant firms to re-think colonial systems and structures that impede Indigenous architecture’s potential to create culturally sustainable design concepts.

Vision

TAWAW Architecture Collective uplifts Indigenous culture and community through human-centered design. Renowned for their research-backed methodologies, mentorship programs, and advocacy for a world where Indigenous voices and values are heard—TAWAW is building a better tomorrow for future generations.

Mission

TAWAW Architecture Collective advocates for Indigenous representation in North American architecture and increased diversity in the practice of design, to promote the resilience and visibility of our culture and communities.
Indigenous Placekeeping Framework

phase 1 Indigenous start-up​

Phase one, Indigenous Start Up, establishes alignment with local indigenous protocols and processes, including metrics of success to maximize project outcomes.

phase 2  place-based research​

Phase two, Place-Based Research, increases cultural fluency before the project begins through the compilation of contextual and historical information.

phase 3 community-led teaching​

Community-Led Teaching, also known as Engagement, provides an opportunity for the community to teach the design team about local history, values, and understandings of place and culture.

phase 4 co-design​

Co-Design, phase four, challenges power structures in architecture through an equitable design process, where community members become collaborators.

phase 5 storytelling​

The final phase, Storytelling, records and celebrates the journey by producing Indigenous-centric media. We produce storybooks, graphic illustration, videos and data visualizations
collaborate with us
projects
Awards

Honorary Fellow


The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is proud to announce that Wanda Dalla Costa, a prominent Indigenous voice and practitioner in North American architecture, has been awarded honorary fellowship for 2022. Wanda Dalla Costa is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation and was the first First Nation woman to become an architect in Canada. Her firm, Tawaw Architecture Collective, is based in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the director and founder of Arizona State University’s Indigenous Design Collaborative, a community-driven design and construction program that brings together tribal community members, industry and multidisciplinary teams of university students and faculty to co-design and co-develop solutions for tribal communities. Dalla Costa is a prominent Indigenous female voice within the architectural profession–specifically within the academic sphere in North America.
Awards

YBCA's 100 Honorees: Wanda Dalla Costa


Indigenous Design Collaborative's founder and design director Wanda Dalla Costa was recognized as YBCA 100 list of change makers and cultural activists working at the intersection of art, social change and civic life.
Awards

Trailblazer Award: Wanda Dalla Costa


Presented this year as part of NZ20, the world's largest net zero conference and expo, the Trailblazer Awards celebrate leaders who are building a net zero future through their work in the carbon, energy, water, waste, transit and/or policy sectors.
Awards

St. Lawrence Center Competition Award 2023

Awards

Jeff Harnar Award
Unbuilt Architecture 2021

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