NAVAJO TRIBAL UTILITY AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS

Client: Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

Location: Fort Defiance, AZ

Size: 80,000 SF

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) Headquarters is a multi-story office building designed to house various administrative departments within the organization. A new customer service call center within the complex enhances the services provided by NTUA. A new cafeteria and kitchen are included for employees, as well as a new conference center which is available for community use. A training field and fleet vehicle parking were incorporated within the site development. Sustainable features are incorporated throughout the building.

The design draws inspiration from Navajo cultural elements and traditional building materials. The wood, stone and plaster materials used throughout the building spaces emulate a Navajo Hogan. A color palette of earth tones drawn from the surrounding geography seamlessly integrates the building into the natural environment. Traditional forms and colors throughout the interior become important design elements that weave together the various departments within the building.

The space planning and interior layout fosters human interaction and collaboration between departments that would otherwise function independently. Open spaces and meeting rooms are strategically placed at centralized locations to equalize access. Dedicated areas within each department provide space for focused work.

Key Staff
Dyron Murphy
Oscar Tovar