2023 Indigenous Architecture Forum: Finding Pathways to Regeneration

Patricia Algara, ASLA, Principal & Co-Founder, BASE Landscape Architecture, is a recognized leader in coalition building and community-driven design. She creates landscapes that immerse children and families of all backgrounds and abilities in learning, exploration and play. Patricia was born to a bilingual/bicultural family in central Mexico. She has engaged Spanish-speaking communities as collaborators in projects from master plans to urban agriculture initiatives. Her community involvement and advocacy expand the boundaries of traditional landscape architecture. Patricia earned a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, and holds a Bachelor of Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona.

Tamarah Begay, AIA, Principal-In-Charge, is the founder of Indigenous Design Studio + Architecture (IDS+A), a 100% Native American Woman-Owned architectural and planning firm. As a member of the Navajo Nation, Ms. Begay is the first Navajo woman registered architect and has accumulated over 15 years of experience working in Native American tribes with connecting culture, language, and tradition through design. Another focus of Tamarah’s is educating clients on the importance of embracing Indigenous values of design and planning. She is committed in supporting minorities in particular Native Americans in architecture & planning and other related fields, through business opportunities and professional development.

Kimberly Butt, AIA, NCARB DBIA, Principal, TreanorHL, is a preservation architect, architectural historian and principal at TreanorHL. Fascinated by the stories historic structures and cultural resources represent, Kim helps building owners and stakeholders seize the opportunity to protect and enhance their properties. With more than 22 years of experience, she guides her clients through the historic preservation process to develop architectural solutions that respect the history of both people and place while preparing for the future. Kim has documented, evaluated, restored, and rehabilitated historic buildings throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.

Gregg Castro, Culture Director, The Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, Ramaytush Ohlone, T’rowt’raahl Salinan, Rumsen, has been involved in preservation of his cultural heritage for nearly three decades, for both his late Mother’s rumsien Ohlone heritage, and on his late Father’s side, the since ended ‘Salinan Nation Tribal Council’ (serving two terms as Tribal Chair) and currently the non-profit organization, Salinan T’rowt’raahl. Gregg is a member of the Society for California Archaeology (SCA).  Gregg is a Co-Facilitator for the annual California Indian Conference, a 30+ year gathering about California Indigenous heritage. Gregg is a writer and activist within the California indigenous community, on issues regarding cultural preservation, protection, education and traditional practices.

Ursula Currie, AIA, Senior Associate, Perkins&Will, a dedicated architect and advocate for the design industry, she is the current President of the AIA East Bay Chapter and has been an active Board member since 2020. Ursula’s professional experience includes managing and designing architectural projects for Institutional clients such as: Department of General Services; University of California, Berkeley; National Institute of Culture, Lima; and UNICEF, Malawi. She also has extensive aquarium experience serving clients such as The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Toledo Aquarium in Ohio, and the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, she earned her Architecture Degrees at Dundee University and the Glasgow School of Art, Scotland.