Tamarah Begay

Tamarah Begay is the Principal-in-Charge and CEO of Indigenous Design Studio + Architecture, LLC in Albuquerque, New Mexico, an architectural and planning firm that works predominately with Indigenous tribes. Tamarah has over 13 years of experience with tribal work in public safety, judicial, residential, commercial, office facilities, educational facilities, public housing, healthcare, facility assessments, cultural centers, multi-purpose buildings, feasibility studies and master planning.

Tamarah’s long-standing commitment to community is reflected in several of her efforts, including; Continuously working to hire and retain Indigenous staff, initiating a professional student externship with Indigenous students from the University of New Mexico, an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico where she teaches a class focused on Navajo Design and Planning and Indigenous Design, joining the AIA Diversity Initiative, and consistently finding ways to work within Native American communities. Additionally, Tamarah is one of the founding members of the University of New Mexico’s Student Chapter of the American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers (UNM-AICAE). As a professional member, she also serves as the current President for the AICAE and continues to mentor Native American students in the field of architecture and related degrees.

As the first Navajo Woman licensed architect, Tamarah has more than successfully carved her pathway into a profession traditionally dominated by men and faced odds and challenges. However, despite the challenges, she has proven her excellence in leadership and has inspired a new generation of Native Americans within the design profession.