Perspectives for the Path Ahead

Sih Hasin is a Navajo concept that speaks to hope, vision, and the path forward. It reminds us to look ahead with confidence and purpose. This space is where we share ideas, stories, reflections and insights shaped by experience and grounded in the belief that meaningful work continues to grow.

Celebrating DMA’s 23rd Anniversary

Celebrating DMA’s 23rd Anniversary

As DMA approaches its 23rd milestone, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been on since opening our doors in 2001. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege to work with a variety of clients, tackle exciting projects, and establish enduring...

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Celebrating Elysia: Winner of DMA’s Art Contest

Celebrating Elysia: Winner of DMA’s Art Contest

In the vibrant world of art, there are creators who not only paint on canvas but also weave stories, emotions, and perspectives into their masterpieces. In the heart of our recent Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Student Art Contest, Elysia Escobedo emerged as...

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Hopi Healthcare Center Construction Update

Hopi Healthcare Center Construction Update

Construction for the addition and renovation of the Hopi Healthcare Facility is a little less than 10% complete. For the new addition, contractors have the excavation of the crawlspace completed, footing excavations are currently underway with about 10% of footings...

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Celebrating Creativity and Collaboration

Celebrating Creativity and Collaboration

In acrylic paint, I have captured the vividness of IAIA's sunset view in the painted piece “You Can Start Here.” The colorfulness and ambiguous figure represent the ambition of all Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) members. The opportunity to become who you...

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Q&A with Danielle Begay

Q&A with Danielle Begay

Danielle Begay is one of our newest interns. She graduated from UNM with her bachelor's degree in Architecture. DMA looks forward to having her here to gain experience designing for local communities. Q: What inspired you to pursue architecture? A: I was inspired by...

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Q&A with Tahlee Vargo

Q&A with Tahlee Vargo

Tahlee Vargo is one of our newest interns. He graduated with his Master's degree in Architecture and is looking to gain experience designing for Navajo communities.  Q: What inspired you to pursue architecture? A: Growing up I always found an interest in building...

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Q&A with Briana Garcia

Q&A with Briana Garcia

  Q: What inspired you to pursue architecture? A: I have always had a love and interest in design. I always knew I wanted to pursue something that allowed me to use my creativity. I gained a huge love for architecture throughout high school and was inspired to...

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Hopi Healthcare Expansion Breaks Ground

Hopi Healthcare Expansion Breaks Ground

It was a beautiful day in Polacca Arizona for such an auspicious ceremony. The Hopi Tribe and the Indian Health Service have reason to celebrate as they embark on a groundbreaking journey towards improved healthcare services. With the upcoming expansion and renovation...

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IAIA Hogan Pathway Construction Update

IAIA Hogan Pathway Construction Update

Watch as our vision for a connected campus comes to life! We're excited to see the progress on the Institute of American Indian Arts' Hogan pathway and courtyard, which will create a cultural connection with the East Hogan and continues to respect the original design...

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NTUA Ft. Defiance District Office Construction

NTUA Ft. Defiance District Office Construction

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Fort Defiance District office is about to start construction sometime this summer! Similar to the design of the Headquarters building, spaces were created to continue the interaction between various users. Cultural elements such as...

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Architectural Views from Sweden

Architectural Views from Sweden

Over the past week, our Student Intern Alonda Azurdia visited Sweden with the UNM School of Architecture to give students the opportunity to engage with Swedish culture, architecture, urban planning, and housing. The main focus was to visit potential sites for the...

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Thoreau Veteran’s Center Nears Completion

Thoreau Veteran’s Center Nears Completion

The Thoreau Veteran's Center is getting closer to completion! This week the final inspection was completed with the Navajo Nation Fire Chief, and the next step is a certificate of occupancy. The building is expected to open April 2023 to serve both Navajo and...

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A New Beginning for Tonalea Chapter

A New Beginning for Tonalea Chapter

The re-development of the Tonalea Chapter Replacement Facility shone as a true testament of persistence for community leadership. Mr. Colbert Dayzie, former Vice President of Tonalea Chapter, led early design efforts on behalf of the Chapter, along with other chapter...

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Q&A with Alondra Azurdia

Q&A with Alondra Azurdia

Q: What inspired you to pursue architecture? A: I chose architecture because of the way it impacts our communities. Architecture is a tool to connect people and places, it offers opportunities for positive environmental, economic, and social impact. I love how it is...

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Chinle Warrior’s Home Breaks Ground

Chinle Warrior’s Home Breaks Ground

On October 19, 2022, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Chinle, Arizona, near the site of the Chinle Nursing Home for the long-anticipated Chinle Warriors Home, or “Nabaahii Bi’Ghan”. This facility is intended to serve Navajo veterans in an extended care facility...

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Navajo Nation Roadmap to EV Charging

Navajo Nation Roadmap to EV Charging

In July of 2021, Dyron Murphy Architects developed a charging network plan that covered the Navajo and Hopi Reservations. This exercise was intended to assist our office in prioritizing which projects would benefit from EV Fast Charging based on their location and...

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Jim and Greg go Hiking in Montana

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Work-Place Safety Myths

Work-Place Safety Myths

Safety is nothing to take for granted, but too many organizations don’t pay enough attention to it because of myths and misunderstandings. The OSHA Education Center website highlights some all-too-common misconceptions about workplace safety: Safety training is too...

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The Materials Matter: What is FF&E Specifications?

The Materials Matter: What is FF&E Specifications?

"A key role for an Interior Designer is FF&E specification. FF&E stands for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. FF&E should meet safety codes and standards for flammability, toxicity and slip resistance." (i) There is more to FF&E than meets the eye....

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Earth Day at DMA

Earth Day at DMA

Every year for Earth Day our firm makes an effort to connect with nature in one way or another. This year we thought our office could use some natural decor so we decided to celebrate with a plant potting party. Not only do plants in a workspace add to the decor but...

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