Sam Olbekson AIA, CEO Full Circle Indigenous Planning and Design
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Bio: SAM OLBEKSON, AIA, NCARB, AICAE, NOMA

Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design | Founding Principal & CEO

As an Indigenous architect with over 25 years of design, comprehensive planning, and cultural visioning experience, Sam serves tribal communities and Indigenous organizations by bringing a modern and forward-thinking Native 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 as a lead designer on a wide range of mixed-use, urban design, residential, institutional, hospitality, landscape, educational, and community-oriented projects. He is committed to help advance the cultural preservation, economic growth, health and well-being of Native communities through sound planning and practical design strategies that are beautiful, innovative, sustainable, functional, and culturally specific.

Published nationally as a thought leader in contemporary Native American design theory, Sam is known as a progressive and skilled design thinker on culturally significant projects and produces unique and inventive design solutions that respond to cultural tradition in innovative and contemporary ways 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.