Sam Olbekson, Founder and CEO
Welcome.
Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design is a 100% Native American-owned and operated, multidisciplinary research-based planning and visioning design practice. We help our clients complete the due diligence necessary for successful planning and building projects through a thoughtful cultural visioning, pre-design planning and long-range master planning process. From small, culturally sensitive spaces in individual buildings, to complex large-scale projects and community master plans, Full Circle strives to help each community and organization develop unique design strategies to create culturally appropriate, operationally efficient, and fiscally responsible design solutions based on careful planning for long term growth and success.
Led by founder and CEO Sam Olbekson, citizen of the White Earth Nation of Minnesota Ojibwe, Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design has served numerous communities and institutions across the country to develop planning and design visions that prioritize cultural, spatial, aesthetic, and sustainable design goals. A deep commitment to social equity, environmental justice, community-building, and cultural resiliency is at the root of the projects we put our hearts into.
Core Values
COMMUNITY
Supporting communities to envision and shape their own environment
CULTURE
Contemporary design approach rooted in cultural tradition
ENVIRONMENT
Responsibility to the earth and natural resources
GENERATIONS
Mindfulness that the decisions we make today impact generations to come
Impactful design to help communities thrive.
At Full Circle, we believe architecture is a powerful expression of Native American cultural identity and a critical component of sovereignty and self-determination. Like other cultural and artistic traditions, architecture and place-making reflect a community’s values and beliefs, and informs our quality of life. Buildings and communities designed to reflect and honor culture can transmit vital knowledge and customs from one generation to the next. We work with Tribal communities, institutions, and developments to ensure that projects meet both the specific functional and aesthetic needs of a development, but also meet the broader goal to provide better environments for Native community members to thrive. Design should be fun, inspiring, educational and beautiful, promoting our rich cultures in daily life.
VISION
Thriving, Healthy Communities Connected To Culture, Nature, and Beauty
We are committed to help advance the economic growth, health and well-being of communities through sound planning and practical design strategies that are innovative, beautiful, sustainable, functional, and culturally specific.
MISSION
To (Re)connect People To Culture and Nature Through Innovative, Impactful, and Beautiful Design
We strive to help build culturally rich, thriving communities through innovative, thoughtful, and inspiring design solutions and to expand access to high quality design to underserved communities.
GOALS
To Build a Design Practice Focused on Social Equity, Environmental Justice, and Community-Building
The relationship between design, health, equity, community-building, culture, justice, economic opportunity, infrastructure, and many other societal factors are all inextricably linked. We are deeply committed to promote social equity, environmental justice, and sustainable community-building through thoughtful community-minded design.
“Justice and equity are part of any architecture worth doing.”
— Sam Olbekson, Founder and CEO
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
sam.olbekson@fullcircleplanning.com
Phone
(612) 819-8968