Sam Olbekson, AIA, NCARB, AICAE, NOMA

Sam Olbekson is the Founding Principal and CEO of Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design, LLC, a 100% Native American-owned and operated multidisciplinary research-based planning and visioning design practice.12 He is a citizen of the White Earth Nation of Minnesota Ojibwe and has led the company in serving numerous communities and institutions across the United States.1

Professional Background

Olbekson founded Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design in 2010.3 The firm specializes in helping clients complete due diligence for successful planning and building projects through cultural visioning, pre-design planning, and long-range master planning processes.1 Under his leadership, the company has worked on projects ranging from small, culturally sensitive spaces in individual buildings to complex large-scale projects and community master plans.1

Expertise and Focus

Sam Olbekson's work is characterized by:

• A deep commitment to social equity, environmental justice, community-building, and cultural resiliency1
• Developing unique design strategies that are culturally appropriate, operationally efficient, and fiscally responsible1
• Prioritizing cultural, spatial, aesthetic, and sustainable design goals in projects1

Professional Affiliations

Olbekson holds several professional credentials and affiliations, including:

• AIA (American Institute of Architects)
• NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
• AICAE (American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers)
• NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects)2

His professional philosophy is encapsulated in his quote: "Justice and equity are part of any architecture worth doing."1