Wanda Dalla Costa
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Phone: 310-989-9060
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Mail code: 1605Campus: Tempe
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Wanda Dalla Costa, AIA, LEED A.P. holds a joint position at The Design School and the Del E. Webb School of Construction (Institute Professor and Associate Professor) as well as the honor of being a Senior Global Futures Scientist with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at GIOS. She is a member of the Saddle Lake First Nation and has spent 30 years working with Indigenous communities in North America. Dalla Costa teaches an interdisciplinary service learning studio at ASU, where students engage directly with local tribal communities. She started the Indigenous Design Collaborative to support student professional development. Her interests include human-centered design, participatory methodologies, Indigenous placekeeping and the vernacular intelligence of regional architectures. Her work was exhibited at the 2018 Venice Biennale as part of a group of 18 Indigenous architects (Unceded / Team Canada). Her company, Tawaw Architecture Collective (tawarc.com) is based in Tempe, Arizona.
- Honorary Doctorate, Athabasca University, Canada
- Master's degree. Design Research (City Design, Planning and Policy), Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
- Master's degree. Architecture, University of Calgary
- B.A. Sociology/Native Studies
Indigenous placekeeping, participatory methodologies, climate resiliency & passive design ialigned with regional Indigenous architectural precedents.
Book Chapters
• Dalla Costa, W. (2018 in press). “Teaching Indigeneity in Architecture: Indigenous Placekeeping Framework.” In Kiddle, R., Stewart. L.P & O’Brien, K. (eds). Our Voices: Indigeneity and Architecture, ORO Editions, New York, NY, USA: 146-153.
• Dalla Costa, W. (2018 in press). “Metrics and margins: Envisioning frameworks in Indigenous architecture in Canada.” In Grant, E., Greenop, K. & Refiti, A. (eds). Handbook of Contemporary Indigenous Architecture. 2017, Springer International, The University of Adelaide, Sydney, Australia: xx-xx.
• Dalla Costa, W. (2016) “Contextualized Metrics and Narrating Binaries: Defining Place and Process in Indigenous North America,” A Conference paper presented at Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), 2016 International Conference. Santiago, Chile.
Refereed Conference Publications
• Dalla Costa W.(2017). “Housing Equity and Heat Vulnerability: A Case Study for Indigenous Design and Construction.” In: M. Young (ed.), AMPS Proceedings Series 9. Living and Sustainability: An Environmental Critique of Design and Building Practices, Locally and Globally. London South Bank University, London, 08 – 09 February, 2017. pp: 543-554.
Invited Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications
“Contextualized Metrics and Narrating Binaries: Defining Place and Process in Indigenous North America,” Conference Paper for Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), 2016 International Conference, Santiago, Chile.
Conference Proceeding
• Dalla Costa, W. (2016) “Contextualized Metrics and Narrating Binaries: Defining Place and Process in Indigenous North America,” A Conference paper presented at Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), 2016 International Conference. Santiago, Chile.
Peer Reviewed Conference Presentations:
• Feb 8- 9, 2017: “Housing Equity and Heat Vulnerability: A Case Study for Indigenous Design and Construction.” Living and Sustainability: An Environmental Critique of Design and Building Practices, Locally and Globally. AMPS (Architecture, Media, Politics & Society), London, England.
• Oct 20-21, 2016: “Contextualized Metrics in the Built Environment; Critical Engagement in Indigenous North America”, Scholarship of Social Engagement Symposium, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS.
• June 29 - July 1, 2016: “Contextualized Metrics and Narrating Binaries: Defining Place and Process in Indigenous North America,” Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), Santiago, Chile.
Students reimagine ASU campus with designs that better reflect Native cultures (Oct 2018)
https://asunow.asu.edu/20181113-creativity-native-students-redesign-asu…
Community members offer input in Governor’s Sustainable Housing Plan (Nov 2018)
http://www.gricnews.org/index.php/grin-articles
Gila River Indian Community members see traditional house designs come to life (Sept 2018)
https://asunow.asu.edu/20180913-arizona-impact-gila-river-indian-commun…
ASU moving forward with GRIC housing study (Gila River News, July 2017)
http://www.gricnews.org/index.php/grin-articles/2017-articles/july-7-20…
ASU Del Webb School presents adobe brick designs for home building (Gila River News: March 29, 2017)
http://www.gricnews.org/index.php/grin-articles/2017-articles/april-21-…
New construction course strives to help tribal communities improve housing (Dec 20, 2016 ASU Inner Circle News)
https://innercircle.engineering.asu.edu/2016/12/20/new-construction-cou…
Awards:
• 2018 Leveraging a Residential Mockup to Engage Native American Students in STEM.” Grant by Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Co-PI’s: Kristen Parrish, Mounir El Asmar Received: $20,000.
• 2017 Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute (AHDLI) Collaborative Action Grant. Granted by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. Received: $5,000.
• 2018 Indigenous Placemaking for ASU Campuses and Sun Devil 365. Applied project.
• 2018 Upper Fruitland Chapter of Navajo Nation, Cemetery Design. Role: Project Lead. $49,000.
• 2016 - 2018 Gila River Indian Community Sustainable Housing Initiative. Activities to date include: Design-Build of Shade Structure/Adobe bench (2018); Community Engagement & Survey (2017); Construction Feasibility Report (2017); Design study (2016), Adobe Block Demonstration (2016). Role: Project Lead.
• 2017 Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute (AHDLI) Design Leadership Mini-Grant. Granted by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. Received: $1,000.
• 2017 - 2018 Tuba City Chapter of Navajo Nation: Equestrian Learning & Education Center. Design Feasibility Report as part of CON 494/598. Role: Project Lead. Received: $23,224.
• 2017 Buckminster Fuller Catalyst Program. “Climatic, Culture and Economic Resiliency through Indigenous Architecture.” Role: Project Lead. Team members: Steve Tepper, Bryan Brayboy.
• 2016 Tolani Lake Chapter of Navajo Nation: Affordable Housing Design & Project Delivery. Design Feasibility Report as part of CON 494/598. Role: Project Lead. Received: $10,000.
Courses
2026 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 792 | Research |
| CON 680 | Practicum |
| CON 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 799 | Dissertation |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 795 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| DSC 523 | Resource Driven Const & Design |
2025 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 592 | Research |
| DSC 517 | Indigenous Placekeeping & Env |
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 792 | Research |
| CON 680 | Practicum |
| CON 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 799 | Dissertation |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 795 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 592 | Research |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 792 | Research |
| CON 680 | Practicum |
| CON 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 799 | Dissertation |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 795 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 592 | Research |
2023 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 792 | Research |
| CON 680 | Practicum |
| CON 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 799 | Dissertation |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 795 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 592 | Research |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 792 | Research |
| CON 680 | Practicum |
| CON 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 799 | Dissertation |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 795 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
| DSC 590 | Reading and Conference |
2021 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 792 | Research |
| CON 680 | Practicum |
| CON 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 799 | Dissertation |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 795 | Continuing Registration |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 599 | Thesis |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 595 | Continuing Registration |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| CON 593 | Applied Project |
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
2020 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CON 590 | Reading and Conference |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics |
| DSC 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 598 | Special Topics |
| AIS 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 494 | Special Topics |
| CON 598 | Special Topics |
Conference Presentations:
• “Story, Landscape and Place-Making: Contextualizing Indigenous Knowledge within Indigenous Architecture” Native American & Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA). Vancouver, BC, June 22 - 24, 2017.
• “Architecture as Storyteller,” Western Social Science Association (WSSA), San Francisco, CA, April 13-15, 2017.
• “Housing Equity and Heat Vulnerability: A Case Study for Indigenous Design and Construction.” Living and Sustainability: An Environmental Critique of Design and Building Practices. AMPS (Architecture, Media, Politics & Society), London, England, Feb 9-10, 2017.
• “Helping Communities Find Voice and Healing through Planning,” American Indian Studies Association Conference (AISA), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, February 2-3, 2017. Co-presenters: Michelle Hale and Elroy Keetso.
• “Indigenous Placekeeping Framework: Critical Engagement in Indigenous North Americat”, Lawrence, KS, Oct 20, 2016. Scholarship of Social Engagement Symposium, University of Kansas. Lecture synopsis: Cause and effect in Indigenous architecture.
• “Contextualized Metrics and Narrating Binaries: Defining Place and Process in Indigenous North America,” Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), Santiago, Chile, June 29, 2016. Lecture synopsis: Defining Indigenous architecture.
• “Indigenous Design Symposium: Fostering the Co-Production of Knowledge,” American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers (AICAE), Phoenix, AZ, Apr. 29, 2016. Lecture synopsis: The co-production of knowledge in higher education.
• “Indigenized Construction and Economic Development: Equipping Indian People with the Tools Needed to Built the Communities they Desire,” Construction in Indian Country (CIIC), Phoenix, AZ, Apr. 27, 2016. Co-presenters: Michelle Hale and Jerome Clark. Lecture synopsis: Indigenous metrics and opportunities in Construction.
• “Community Innovations and Indigenous Materials,” Construction in Indian Country (CIIC), Phoenix, AZ, Apr. 26, 2016. Lecture synopsis: Indigenous materials, local initiatives and opportunities.
• “Indigenous Innovation Opportunities in the Built Environment,” National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) Conference, Las Vegas, NV, Mar 24, 2016. Lecture synopsis: Indigenous metrics and opportunities in Construction.
• “Indigenous Urban Planning, Design, Architecture & Construction: Equipping Indian People with Tools Needed to Build the Communities They Desire.” American Indian Studies Association Conference (AISA), Phoenix, AZ, Feb. 4-5, 2016. Co-presenters: Michelle Hale, Jerome Clark, Chandler Willie. Lecture synopsis: Indigenous metrics and opportunities in Construction.
• “Indigenous Architecture Process and Principles: A Case Study of the K-3 Aboriginal Learning Center,” Construction in Indian Country (CIIC), Phoenix, AZ, Apr. 20, 2015.
Other Research activities to consider
- 2018 Venice Biennale, Team Canada. Unceded is a team composed of 18 Indigenous Architects from across North America, led by Douglas Cardinal and co-curated by David Fortin and Gerald McMaster. Dalla Costa is one of the Exhibiting Indigenous Architects for Unceded. https://www.unceded.ca/
- American Institute of Architects (AIA), Registered Architect (Arizona & California)
- PhD Committee for BriAnn Laban, University of Hawaii at Manoa: “A Hopi House Design Guideline: Incorporating Culture into Design” (2018).
- 2017 - 2020 Project Assistant: Selina Martinez (BSD 2017, The Design School, ASU).
- 2018 - 2020 Project Assistant: Rhonda Harvey (The Design School, ASU).
- 2018 - 2019 Project Assistant: Neegin Saatchi (Construction Management, ASU).
- 2016 - 2018 Research & Teaching Assistant: Brianne Arviso (PhD Candidate 2020, Construction Mgmt, ASU)
- 2018 Project Assistant: Chandler WIllie (BSD 2016, MUD 2017, The Design School, ASU).
- 2016 Project Assistant: BriAnn Laban, (PhD Candidate 2018, U of H).
- 2010 - current, Director of Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc. (TAW), Phoenix, AZ (www.TawArc.com).
- 2006-2010, Project Manager, Zeidler Partnership Architect (ZPA), Calgary, AB.
- 2002 - 2005, Designer, Project Lead & Marketing, Perkins + Will Architects (PW) & Formline Architects (FA) (formerly Waugh & Busby Architects), Calgary, AB.
- Creative Placemaking and Equitable Communities Initiative (ASU), Advisor (2018 - present)
- Projecting All Voices (ASU), Advisor (2018 - present)
- Indigenous Task Force, Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC), Member (2017 - present)
- Indigenous Task Force, RAIC, Chair, Education Committee (2017 - present)
- Native American Connections, Board Member (2016-2017)
- Construction in Indian Country (CIIC), Faculty Member (2016 - present)
- American Indian Council of Architects & Engineers (AICAE), Board Member (2015 - present)
- American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES), Member (2015- present)
- U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, Team Canada (placed 6th). Role: Cultural Advisor. Title: TRTL or Technological Residence Traditional Living (First Nations housing).
Architect, AIA (registered in California and Arizona)
Director, Tawaw Architecture Collective www.tawarc.com
- Member, Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC) Indigenous Task Force
- Member, American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers (AICAE)