Blogs
BUILDING THE VOICE OF NATIVE COMMUNITIES.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Groundbreaking Ceremony-Jack Candelaria Building Renovation in Albuquerque
Dyron Murphy Architects, P.C. (DMA) is excited to announce the commencement of the highly-anticipated renovation project for the Jack Candelaria Community Center Building. The groundbreaking ceremony, held yesterday, 12/5, marks the beginning of a [...]
John Marshall Health and Social Services Building Construction Update
As part of our on-call with the City of Albuquerque, DMA was tasked to complete a renovation of approximately 6,000 square feet of space at the John Marshall Health and Social Services building. The [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Fort Defiance Construction Update
The initial site clearing for the Navajo Tribal Utility Headquarters (NTUA) Fort Defiance District Office is progressing rapidly thanks to our team of contractors at LAM Corporation. Currently, the primary work underway is site [...]
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 [...]
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: [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Celebrating 20 Years of Dedication and Excellence – Oscar, Our Senior Project Manager
At DMA, there are individuals whose unwavering commitment and expertise have played an integral role in our success. Today, we proudly shine a spotlight on Oscar, our Senior Project Manager, who has dedicated an [...]
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 [...]
Beyond Green, Sustainable, and Net Zero to a Regenerative Design Approach
DMA has seen an evolution from our early work in 2003 with USGBC, utilizing LEED strategies in many of our project designs, to our current design work that is developed under the AIA’s 2030 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Jim and Greg go Hiking in Montana
Summer 2022 saw Greg and Jim’s 5th trip into the Beartooth Wilderness in southern Montana. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, which was designated in 1978, contains over 943,000 acres extending from Gardiner MT in the west [...]
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: [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
The Materials Matter: Interior Designer VS. Interior Decorator
When you hear the term “Interior Designer” many will jump to a vision of an HGTV host picking out furniture and assisting home remodelers on how to implement a trend or aesthetic into their [...]
Render Vs Reality
Architectural visualization technology has ascended, playing an important role in the art of communicating form and space in architecture. Also known as Building Information Modeling (BIM), a part of the design process, leading to [...]
DMA Celebrates 21 Years in Business
As an Architectural Planning & Design Firm of diverse creators and community advocates. DMA is committed to the significance of what we build. Our designs support tradition propelled by modern solutions. 2022 marks 21 [...]
Q&A with Lizette Trevizo
Q: What made you want to pursue architecture? A: Watching my parents’ house be built at a young age. To me it was fun to go in the house during different construction phases, and [...]
Community Design
There may be times when architects or designers find their best inspiration for their work within themselves, bringing out ideas they are most familiar with, or maybe found past successes with. However, the act [...]
Q&A with Perla Palomino
Q: What made you want to pursue architecture? A: I love problem solving using a creative approach and architecture is one of the few career choices that allows you to combine your artistic and [...]
Q&A with Hannah Sahr
What is it about interior design that interests you most? I love that design can be such a humbling tool to help people- I’m really interested in how design supports an identity and place. [...]
An Excerpt on Climate Change and its Effect on the Navajo Nation – Beyond Green
This excerpt was taken from The NM Political Report. For the full article click HERE The Navajo Nation Mario Atencio, who is Diné [Navajo] and a board member of Diné C.A.R.E. (Citizens Against Ruining [...]
American’s with Disabilities Act Celebrates 31 Years
ON THIS DAY IN LAW - The Americans with Disabilities Act came into effect 31 years ago on July 26th. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities [...]
Navajo Housing Authority in Littlewater is Complete
Dyron Murphy Architects and Arviso Construction Company just completed the Littlewater, NM demo/rebuild housing for the Navajo Housing Authority. There are a total of 20 units including 3 accessible units. All are completed and [...]
Importance of Reducing Embodied Carbon in Buildings – Beyond Green
Topic: Embodied Carbon- Why it's important for Architects and Project Owners to consider embodied carbon in buildings during the planning, design and construction process. Definitions: Embodied Carbon is most simply stated as the CO2 [...]
The Thoreau Veteran’s Center Construction Update
As of June 2021, Construction is at 34% and moving quickly at the Thoreau Veterans Center site on the Navajo Nation. With the steel structure, joists, roof deck and building concrete installed, the next [...]
DMA staff share their thoughts
Do you ever wonder what it's like being an architect and using one's creativity and experience to turn a vision into a reality? Our staff have worked on multiple project types like community centers, [...]
What’s up at DMA’s Beyond Green?
What’s Up at DMA’s Beyond Green? Since uploading our Sustainable Action Plan back in October to the AIA 2030 Commitment Program we have been busy. For one thing we uploaded our first project successfully [...]
Electric Vehicle Charging Station at DMA
As part of our AIA 2030 Commitment, Dyron Murphy Architects has completed the installation of a Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station at our office. It went live at the end of December 2020 [...]
2001- Year one at DMA
Starting a business from scratch isn’t easy. So much to consider: hiring attorneys, accountants, consultants….finding a place to hang your sign….but when you start fresh, you make decisions that are yours and you own [...]
A Recap of 2020 at DMA
Adjusting to the Pandemic Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has been a serious challenge to many, including first responders and health providers. We salute their commitment to helping those fight this deadly [...]
Specifying Good Sustainable Products – Beyond Green
What products are we specifying to go in to our sustainable buildings? Recently, one of our long time product reps came by the office with some exciting new products to show us. After presenting [...]
Delaware Nations Child Development Center Nears Completion
The Delaware Nation Childhood Development Center, at Anadarko, Oklahoma, is nearing construction completion, scheduled for September 2020. The Nation had been delayed by land issues within the City of Anadarko, thus delaying the project [...]
Supporting Navajo Communities During the Pandemic
Despite the recent impacts of COVID-19, our team of professionals here at Dyron Murphy Architects continue to remain focused on our goal of supporting Navajo communities. It is important that we begin to explore [...]
How the Architecture and Engineering Community is helping Building Owners and Managers open their buildings safely as the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to move around the globe. – Beyond Green
Most building owners and managers want to take a proactive approach when planning to open up their facilities after being shut down. Essential businesses that have had to adapt to the pandemic on the [...]
The Positive Effect Covid-19 is appearing to have on the Global Climate – Beyond Green
You’ve probably seen the stories from around the world, where air pollution in places like Beijing have cleared so much that images taken from space show the resulting improvements, waterways in Venice are now [...]
A Green New Deal – Beyond Green
Author: Jim Houser, AIA Recently someone asked if I could talk about what’s in the Green New Deal. Well, the Green New Deal, if implemented, might give us a fighting chance to actually start [...]
Introducing “Beyond Green”
Its 2020 and DMA is proud to introduce a brand new blog post we are calling Beyond Green. As 2019 came to a close, we as a firm, committed both to our clients and a [...]
Celebrating DMA’s 19th Anniversary
Dyron Murphy Architects (DMA) is celebrating its 19th anniversary today. The firm was founded in 2001 by Dyron V. Murphy, AIA, NCARB, James P. Houser, AIA and Greg Comer (retired), who set out to [...]
Thinking of MLK
There's something we don't talk about enough when it comes to fighting climate change: Climate change disproportionately affects communities of color -- and we need to make environmental justice for those communities a priority. [...]
2019 Institute of American Indian Arts Gala
The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) held their annual Gala this past week at the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe. This event draws in local community members, students and staff, alumni, artists, [...]
Blanding Health Center Grand Opening
The Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) Inc. Blanding Healthcare Center celebrated its grand opening on Friday July 26th. The event brought together hundreds of local residents, community members, and representatives from Blanding and across [...]
Dennehotso Market Opens for Business
The Dennehotso Market is now complete and open to the public, serving as a central hub for community connectedness. The community celebrated by attending a commemorative grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony! The Dennehotso [...]
Nursing Home Design Trends
Architectural design for senior living and nursing home facilities has had to continuously adapt over the years to promote a high quality standard of living and to provide for dignified care for an aging [...]
Integrating Artistic Features within Architecture
The integration of artistic features within architectural design enhances the built environment in a unique way, helping to make it more relevant to its users and visitors. At DMA, our projects seek to reflect [...]
Bringing Architecture to Life After Dark
Exterior lighting plays an important role in our DMA designs. It is common for people to think of facility lighting strictly related to function, but the proper use of lighting can actually complement the [...]
NHCC Campus Master Plan
DMA is in the process of providing a detailed Campus Master Plan and Assessment Report for the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC). We are currently working to assess the existing campus in order to [...]
NTUA Headquarters Nears Completion
The construction work on the new Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Headquarters complex is nearly complete after several months of dedicated planning and building efforts. Crews are currently working on finalizing interior finishes including the clay plastering, [...]
IAIA Black Box Theater
The incorporation of intricate design features and state-of-the-art technology within the new black box theater at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Multipurpose Performing Arts and Fitness Center, enhances the new performance space. The [...]
Bringing the Blanding Health Center to Life
Navajo Health System (UNHS) Blanding Health Center recently kicked-off construction activities with a groundbreaking ceremony in March and earthwork starting the first week of April. The new 42,000 SF health center will feature 32 exam [...]
Montezuma Creek Health Center Construction Update
Construction is progressing rapidly at the Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) Montezuma Creek Health Center. The new facility will bring a much-anticipated, modern look, as well as expanded health services to Montezuma Creek. With the exterior [...]
Q&A with DMA | Featuring Chelsea Shendo
Our Administrative Assistant, Chelsea Shendo, is always taking on new responsibilities and working hard to support DMA! Chelsea completed an internship with DMA while in school working towards receiving her A.A.S. in Architectural/Engineering Drafting [...]
Behind the Design | IAIA Lloyd Kiva New Welcome Center
Lloyd Kiva New, (Cherokee, 1916-2002) was a primary figure in the establishment of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Initially, New envisioned a “design laboratory” that taught young [...]
Q&A with DMA | Featuring Daniel Feldbusch
Daniel Feldbusch has worked as a BIM/CAD Technician for 8 years at DMA! He works on all phases of our projects starting from the very beginning of the design, all the way through the end of [...]
To’hajiilee EMS Celebrates Grand Opening
“WHAT YOU’RE SITTING IN NOW IS HISTORY. IT’S THE FIRST STAND ALONE BUILDING FOR EMS ON NAVAJO.”The To’hajiilee community, Division of Public Safety and Department of Emergency Medical Service staff and supervisors, Navajo Nation President [...]
NTUA Headquarters Complex Office Building Breaks Ground
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority employees and board members gathered with members of the Fort Defiance community to break ground on the new headquarters complex Tuesday morning. The groundbreaking ceremony began with an opening prayer and [...]
DMA Awarded New Welcome Center for National Hispanic Cultural Center
DMA was recently selected to design the new Welcome Center for the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Welcome Center will be a centralized location for ticket purchases, event and exhibit information, and [...]
Montezuma Creek Health Clinic Breaks Ground
The Montezuma Creek Health Clinic, one of two new clinics for the Utah Navajo Health System, broke ground on Thursday, September 1st.The clinic addresses the region’s increased need for preventive and comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, [...]
Chinle Community Celebrates Grand Opening of Justice Complex
Haashkeeji Beehaz aanii Nihi diné’é Bee Baá AdahwiilyáThe Chinle community celebrated the grand opening of the newest Division of Public Safety Justice Center last Friday.Speakers, including representatives from the Navajo Nation Council, Division of Public [...]
Cottonwood Valley Charter School Celebrates Grand Opening
“We’re all in this together.”The theme for the grand opening of Cottonwood Valley Charter School (CVCS) in Socorro, New Mexico echoed across the newly completed courtyard on Wednesday. Teachers, administrators, board members and local leaders [...]
Exploring the Scope | Tribal Project Participation
Last week we introduced 10 factors influencing Native design right now. Today, we’re kicking off a series of in-depth discussions on these 10 things.Understanding the scope of a project would seem like the most primary [...]
10 Factors Influencing Native Design Today
The physical environments of indigenous communities tend to be harsher than an established metropolis or city might be. When rural communities are involved, the environment takes over as a very important factor. If a building [...]
5 Trends in Higher Education Design
Working within the fabric of college and university campuses is complex, and requires an understanding of trends in higher education as well as current use of existing space. The Dyron Murphy Architects (DMA) team is [...]
Active Learning Environments | A Design Trend Perspective
Flexibility. Collaboration. STEM. STEAM. Clusters. Neighborhoods. Pods. Connectivity. Integration.Design buzzwords can rise to notoriety almost as quickly as they become passé. Some stick around, evolving into monikers for trends that last a few years, and [...]
Preserving Culture Through Architecture
The preservation of important cultural artifacts, whether on display in a museum or carefully stored away in an archive or repository, begins with the special design considerations of an architect. Even the slightest error in [...]
Redefining the ‘C’ in C-Store Design
The Dennehotso community is creating vast capital improvement opportunities to engage current community members and attract future generations by creating a more sustainable, engaging community for those who call it home. The community has adopted [...]
Our blog has moved!
Are you looking for an older blog entry from the Dyron Murphy Architects archives? You can access past articles, newsletters, brochures and Student Architect Sketch Competition (SASC) updates on our old blog by clicking here. [...]
Conserving Resources, Protecting Budgets: The EcoHouse Study
Is it possible to design a highly-efficient, durable, and affordable house in a rural location? All too often, quality of design suffers due to budget constraints, and sustainability becomes an item buried on a long-forgotten [...]
Keeping Inventory: Assessing Your Facilities
Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time for spring cleaning. For many of our clients, the beginning of the year is also an ideal time to kick off a comprehensive facilities conditions assessment. [...]
Happy Holidays!
Yáʼátʼééh Késhmish dóó Baa Hózhǫ́ǫgo Nee Nínáadoohąh!Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year from the Dyron Murphy Architects team.
Landscape, Art, and Culture: Inspiring Local Architecture
The Navajo Nation Division of Transportation Office Complex (NDOT) draws inspiration from natural rock formations in the surrounding landscape as well as from traditional Navajo culture. The complex also integrates work from local artists, strengthening [...]
A School for the Community: Baca Dlo’ay Azhi
Community, culture and sustainability - our first project celebrating Native American Heritage Month is a true example of how design can be influenced by local culture to produce a beautiful and highly-functional facility. Baca Dlo'ay [...]
November is Native American Heritage Month
As a Native American-owned firm, Dyron Murphy Architects spends each day celebrating the unique and vibrant cultures of Native people across the country through our architecture. We are honored to collaborate with Native communities to understand their [...]
A Fresh New Space for CNM’s Ted Chavez Hall
When the Applied Technology faculty of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) realized that Ted Chavez Hall no longer fit their needs, they sought an architecture firm to re-design–and ultimately re-envision–their workspace.Dyron Murphy Architects (DMA) [...]