Rural Civic Center

Facilitated a participatory process to inform the planning of a rural justice center and civic campus, engaging residents, court staff, and justice-involved individuals to better understand barriers, needs, and opportunities within the existing system.

The work surfaced critical insights around accessibility, equity, and the emotional experience of navigating civic and judicial spaces—particularly for vulnerable and historically underrepresented populations.

These findings informed a series of strategic design directions, including trauma-informed environments, culturally responsive elements, and improved wayfinding and privacy.

The process helped shift the project from a purely functional facility to one that supports dignity, clarity, and a more equitable user experience.

Strategy and Research conducted included:

Stakeholder Interviews & Focus Groups – Engaging tribal leaders, youth, elderly residents, and underrepresented communities to identify priorities.
Workshops & Visioning Sessions – Collaboratively defining inclusive artwork, trauma-informed spaces, and enhanced wayfinding.
Public Input & Feedback Loops – Gathering insights on mental health resources, security improvements, and courtroom design.

Key Outcomes proposed for the architecture team:

• Culturally Responsive Design: The integration of tribal artwork, gender-inclusive spaces, and youth-led art initiatives.

• Community-Focused Spaces: The design team was able to plan for restorative justice, humane detention facilities, and accessible legal resources.

• Enhanced Navigation & Safety: Improved wayfinding, multilingual signage, and privacy considerations for vulnerable visitors.