Client: Navajo Nation Office of Diné Youth

Location: Shiprock, NM

Size: 22,170 SF

DMA completed a master plan for the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development for a series of new facilities to serve Navajo youth in the Shiprock, New Mexico area. The underlying concept of the proposed facilities was to provide coordinated one-stop services to Navajo youth that are aimed at empowerment and enrichment. The site and facility are contemporary in spirit and mindful of the cultural heritage and uniqueness of the Navajo people. The project embodies promotion of the importance of life
and growth through counseling, youth activities, and programs.

The site was designed with sustainable principles, utilizing runoff for irrigation of a multi-use field and an outdoor cultural space for the public visitors. At the east entrance of the central courtyard, a Native garden serves as a learning tool to introduce youth to traditional plants and their importance within Navajo culture. The design included administrative offices for youth counselors and staff; activity, fitness and technology rooms; a food court and full-size gymnasium.

Key Staff
Dyron Murphy
Vanessa Garcia
Andrea Moore
Armando Romero
Logan Piburn