DSA Philosophy

Based upon dreams and values expressed by the community about what a proposed center should be or should provide, the expressions are organized into groupings of assocated sentiments or commonalities of values "reflecting" the voices of the community. These reflections offer a beginning in the interpretation of the feelings and emotions of the community, into purpose and meaning for the new center.

As Native Americans (who are involved in our respective tribal communities), the staff at D. Sloan Architects have a unique awareness and appreciation for Native American community needs. While our Native American cultures are diverse - different languages, customs, art and architecture - we have also shared many common visions, values and ideals. Traditionally, Native American communities have a very special relationship to the land and the built environment, and we want to build on this legacy.

Our project team understands there is reciprocal relationship between cultural ideas and the form and organization of the built environment. Ideas and values help shape the built environment and in turn the built environment reproduces and reinforces those ideas and values. We will organize space in such a way that it embodies and reinforces each tribal group's identity and traditions as caretakers. As designers, we honor this role. It is about being guided by our highest selves to find harmony and to see that our buildings harmonize with mother earth.