Henderson Architect, Inc.

Scope Of Work

The client needed a complete face-lift inside and out for their 1980’s style building. They desired a design that would convey the story of the California Indian in a contemporary facility – reinforcing the idea that the California Indian has not disappeared, but is here and very much part of the present, and future, of California.

Our design included a massive earth plaster wall to be lined with Edward Curtis Native American Portraits running on an angle through the building defining the lobby space and creating a procession from the exterior through the building and exhibits.  The signage wall extending from the temporary exhibit into the lobby grabs the visitor’s attention and pulls them deeper into the facility.

The many “Green” elements incorporated into the design include the adaptive reuse of the structure itself. The facility will also exceed codes for energy efficiency and use recycled glass terrazzo floors to represent the different Indian tribes from different regions. Bamboo flooring, officially harvested using sustainable practices, is throughout. Future plans include recycling water for irrigation and bioswales to treat storm water on site.