Tribal

Honoring Culture Through Design Services for Tribal Nations

Tribal Nations plan with future generations in mind. Contributing to that vision requires respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to Native American communities. AHBL is honored to work alongside Tribal governments, planners, and community leaders to pursue their goals.

Working alongside many Tribes over the years has taught us the importance of taking the time to understand the governance, cultural priorities, and regulatory frameworks at play in matters of economic development, infrastructure improvements, and essential community services.

With integrated expertise across civil engineering, structural engineering, landscape architecture, land use planning, and land surveying, our team excels in aligning project goals with Tribal strategic plans, engaging stakeholders throughout the process, and navigating permitting and policy requirements unique to Tribal lands and their cultural resources. Once project goals are set, our design teams turn project objectives into reality balancing function, ease of maintenance, incorporating sustainable design methods.

Explore Our Work
Tribal Projects We Deliver

It starts with a deep respect for Native American history and cultural heritage. AHBL collaborates with Tribal communities on infrastructure planning, engineering services and design for a wide range of projects. This breadth of expertise addresses the intricate demands of Tribal development, from fundamental infrastructure to administrative and community buildings.

Our experience includes:

  • Coordination for NEPA compliance and environmental assessment processes
  • Infrastructure planning for housing, education, and administrative buildings
  • Master planning and feasibility assessments
  • New facility construction and renovation and expansion of existing structures
  • Redevelopment and sustainability initiatives
  • Site development for community-serving facilities
  • Stormwater design and water quality improvements
  • Water, sewer, and wastewater system upgrades

We understand the importance of reliable infrastructure on Tribal lands and work closely with Tribal governments and stakeholders throughout planning, design, and implementation.

See the Vision Come to Life

  • Chehalis Tribe of Indians Health Clinic Addition

    Rapid structural design supporting tribal healthcare resilience

  • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Tobacco Outlet

    Innovative engineering design for multi‑lane drive‑through retail facility in Ridgefield

  • Muckleshoot Casino Resort

    New resort hotel with views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountain range

  • Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Community Center

    Inclusive gathering space that honors heritage and ongoing traditions

  • Nisqually Indian Tribe Health and Wellness Center

    The Nisqually Indian Tribe took a holistic approach when programming its $22 million health center

See More Tribal Projects

How We Collaborate With Tribal Communities

Working together with Tribal Nations requires trust, long-term continuity, and an understanding of federal and Tribal regulatory environments. We partner with each unique community to help move projects from concept to construction, with clarity and respect at the forefront.

Collaboration With Tribal Governments and Stakeholders

We engage directly with Tribal Nations, program managers, and project partners to understand goals, cultural considerations, and community priorities. Our approach emphasizes active coordination and consistent delivery, keeping all parties involved as the project proceeds.

Agency Coordination and Regulatory Alignment

Tribal infrastructure projects can involve collaboration with federal partners such as Indian Health Services and the Environmental Protection Agency. AHBL ensures compliance with NEPA, environmental review processes, and technical standards required for funding and approvals.

Clear Documentation for Funding and Construction

We prepare plans, reports, and related documents that assist with funding applications, permitting, bidding, and construction.

Planning for Long-Term Stewardship

AHBL is a key contributor to the success of Tribal programs through planning tools, system evaluations, and infrastructure strategies that help address long-term needs in water systems, transportation networks, community facilities, and natural resource protection.
  • Our Services
    Our Core Services

    AHBL provides integrated services around the planning, engineering, design, and long-term operations in support of numerous Tribal nations so that these critical initiatives move forward with careful consideration, honoring each Nation’s processes, priorities, and cultural resources.

    • Civil Engineering
    • Structural Engineering
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Land Use Planning
    • Land Surveying
  • Civil Engineering

    We provide civil engineering for the types of projects common to Tribal land initiatives and infrastructure, such as water systems, stormwater improvements, roadway design, wastewater upgrades, drainage systems, and site development. Our team helps Tribal Nations modernize infrastructure, assess alternatives, and coordinate with federal and regional agencies.

  • Structural Engineering

    Our structural engineers provide designs that honor the natural heritage of these culturally significant structures using sustainable materials and expressed heavy timber construction where appropriate. We provide resilient design for housing, healthcare centers, education facilities, entertainment and hospitality structures.

  • Landscape Architecture

    AHBL designs exterior environments that balance function, beauty, ease of maintenance, and long-term stewardship. Our work includes site layouts, pedestrian circulation, planting design with native and regionally appropriate species, stormwater-integrated landscapes, and design outdoor spaces that encourage community use, and respects natural heritage.

  • Land Use Planning

    Our planners work on zoning, permitting coordination, Tribal land use reviews, feasibility studies, and master planning and sustainability strategies for Tribal governments. We assist with agency coordination, environmental documentation, and regulatory alignment, including within NEPA and other federal processes.

  • Land Surveying

    Surveyors have an innate respect for the land, and the accuracy of their work is essential for roadway improvements, utility upgrades, and site development on Tribal lands. AHBL provides boundary and topographic surveys, utility research, construction staking, and mapping to help inform projects.