Indigenous Design + Planning Institute | The University of New Mexico

Who We Are

We use culture and identity to inform community development as a tier-2 research center at the University of New Mexico in the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P). Created in 2011, iD+Pi has sponsored several projects around the state, country and the globe working in an interdisciplinary fashion with the three major programs in SA+P (architecture, planning, and landscape architecture).

Fostering sustainable communities among Indigenous populations guided by principles of social justice and distinguished by healthy environments, strong local economies, and thriving cultures.

3 Principal Areas

Academic

Provide coursework that combines Indigenous theory with design studio-based education.
Use curriculum and studios to emphasize how a tribe’s cultural values can guide the planning and design of places that are beautiful, healthy, and safe.
Engage students and faculty with a reciprocal degree experience to foster relevant tribal community development.

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Professional

Provide educational workshops in history, theory, and skill-building for professionals working in tribal communities.
Support certification maintenance units across architecture, planning, and landscape architecture while fostering sustainable communities among Indigenous populations.
Utilize resource networking opportunities through conferences, journal publications, and student internship placements.

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Tribal

Provide technical assistance to Indigenous communities through interdisciplinary studios and practicums.
Integrate learning-based techniques and workshops that are participatory and culturally responsive to educate and build local capacity.
Center a community process that is informed by local knowledge, tribal customs, and Indigenous values.

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Our Team

Dr. Theodore Jojola, Founder and Director

Enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, Dr. Jojola is a Distinguished Professor and Regents’ Professor emeritus in the Community and Regional Planning Program at the UNM School of Architecture and Planning.

Megan Joe, Education Specialist

Megan is Diné from Nakaibitó (Mexican Springs), New Mexico where she attributes her rural upbringing on the Navajo reservation with her urban connections in Albuquerque to inform her passion for tribal community development work.

Sharon Hausam, Program Coordinator

Dr. Sharon Hausam has served as a planning program manager for Tribes in New Mexico, taught in the UNM School of Architecture and Planning, and researched Indigenous participation and knowledges in planning processes.

Mary Jane Lueras, Program Manager

Mary Jane Lueras has 30+ years of dedicated service at UNM in administrative roles and academic human resources. Her deep institutional expertise is anchored by over 15 years within the Office of the Vice President, Faculty Contracts Office and the Psychology Department.

About Us

Our goal is to empower the next generation of architects, planners, and landscape architects in Indigenous design and planning. Our tribally based activities include both technical assistance and education to establish culturally responsive community development.

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