Gathered as One People

Tulalip Administration Building

Tulalip, WA

Unified Parts

The administration building consolidates 21 departments and services that were previously distributed across the reservation. For the first time, the tribe has a single building housing tribal services, council and administration.

Grounded in Place

The design process incorporated the voices of diverse stakeholders, from tribal council to staff and community members, in order to build a centralized home that meets current and future needs, and dramatically improves interface for tribal members. Sustainable strategies, such as ground source heat pumps, daylighting, and natural cooling, have halved the energy consumption of tribal government.

Many Voices, One Vision

The building lays across a ridge that divides meadow from forest, with a narrow floorplate to optimize daylighting, ventilation and panoramic views of Tulalip Bay. Forested setbacks and extensive raingardens protect the Battle Creek watershed. Extensive use of cedar and Tulalip artisanal elements connect to forest and culture.