Designing with Purpose.

Grounded in Native American wisdom.

First American Design Studio is a Native-Owned architecture and design firm that leads with Love, Respect, Wisdom, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. We design for the next decade—not just day one.

More Than a Studio.

A Way of Building That Honors the Seven Teachings.

First American Design Studio (FADS), is Native American owned, bringing something few others can: the perfect harmony of cultural understanding and architectural expertise. We do more than design—we listen deeply, collaborate intentionally, and create spaces that reflect the communities they serve for generations to come.

Cultural Understanding & Architectural Expertise

We do more than design—we listen deeply, collaborate intentionally, and create spaces that reflect the communities they serve for generations to come.

Our process is grounded in the Seven Teachings of the Anishinabe. 

  1. Plan with love
  2. Detail with respect
  3. Design with wisdom 
  4. Envision with bravery
  5. Evaluate with honesty
  6. Celebrate with humility
  7. Build for the moment of truth

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing it right. We help you:

  • Create new opportunities while reducing barriers to access.
  • Increase impact while eliminating inefficiency.
  • Build lasting spaces while cutting unnecessary complexity.
  • Elevate culture while protecting what matters most.
  • Deliver experiences that matter while saving energy, time, and cost.
  • Accelerate community progress while mitigating risk.
  • Optimize your investment while relieving long-term burdens.

This is how we define value. This is why Native American design, when done with heart, strategy, and deep-rooted understanding, changes everything.

Through our partnership with DSGW, which brings over 85 years of experience and a trusted record of delivery, we can scale our impact. Together, we’ve delivered award-winning cultural centers, healthcare clinics, schools, housing, and civic buildings that not only serve a function—but honor a people.

Design Rooted in Culture & Built for the Future

We’re creating spaces that are built for people

Our Pillars:

  • Cultural & Civic Design
  • Healthcare for Native American Communities
  • Education & Learning Environments
  • Sustainable & Regenerative Design

Featured Projects

Each one reflects the Seven Teachings and delivers measurable outcomes.

Four Winds Alternative and CTE High School

Sky Dancer Casino & Hotel

MHA Nation Cultural Interpretive Center

More Than Form

Design is Identity, Legacy & Value

We don’t just build buildings—we create environments that respect the land, honor culture, and position communities for long-term success. Design isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a long-term investment.

  • We listen first
  • Stay true to our promises
  • Bring Native American worldviews to the forefront of design.

Through collaboration, cultural fluency, and a legacy of trust, we deliver architecture that reflects the soul of the people and places we serve. We stand beside you from the very first conversation to years after the ribbon is cut.

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