Let’s Work Together
It all begins with a conversation. Let us know how we can help. Use the form on this page to tell us what you need and we’ll eagerly engage with you and your project goals. Or give us a call. We’d love to talk with you.
Meet the Team
Sam Olbekson, AIA, NCARB, AICAE, NOMA
Founder and CEO
Sam is a citizen of the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe and an architect with over 25 years of design, planning, and cultural visioning experience, Sam serves tribal communities and Indigenous organizations by bringing a contemporary and forward-thinking perspective to the design and planning process.
With a sincere commitment to improving the lives of Tribal community members, Sam brings a wealth of experience and cultural knowledge to a wide range of community-oriented projects. He is committed to advancing the cultural preservation, economic growth, health, and well-being of Native communities through sound planning and practical design strategies that are beautiful, innovative, environmentally regenerative, functional, and culturally specific. He facilitates authentic and engaging community listening processes for and with Tribal community members in an inviting and welcoming environment where Indigenous values and goals can be voiced and heard.
Published nationally as a leader in contemporary Native American design theory and practice, Sam is known as a progressive and thoughtful design thinker on culturally significant projects and produces unique and inventive design solutions, responding to cultural tradition with innovative and contemporary design solutions without relying on stereotypical imagery. Sam is also passionate about serving his community. He holds leadership positions with a number of American Indian organizations and has received numerous recognitions for both design and community service.
Regine Kennedy, AICP, CIP
Director of Operations
Regine leads multi-disciplinary teams for planning, cultural resources, and interpretive exhibit projects. She pairs this with skilled experience in community engagement and facilitation, interpretive planning and writing, and exhibit development. She guides clients and their stakeholders in creating meaningful connections to sites, stories, and the natural world. She has effectively engaged a broad range of stakeholders, including several Native American tribes.
Regine is a trusted collaborator of community organizations; state, local, and Tribal governments; state and national parks; and heritage sites throughout the country. Her community-led approach is built on humility, kindness, and respect and project outcomes truly reflect community voices. She has presented on engagement and interpretation topics at several conferences and her work has won national awards.
Tisha Allen
Project Coordinator
Tisha is a cultural heritage planner with a masters in historic preservation and background in architecture. She is skilled at forging productive relationships with community stakeholders, as well as managing and implementing a broad range of design and planning strategies.
219 SE Main Street, #101
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 819-8968
sam.olbekson@fullcircleplanning.com