Arizona Chapter of the American Concrete Institute – Excellence in Concrete Award, 2014

After years of planning and preparation, construction began on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s new Xalychidom Piipaash Nyvaash – “The Peoples House.” Having a place where traditional Piipaash (Maricopa) funerals could be held has been a goal in the Community for more than 30 years.

The 13,000 square foot facility is composed of two buildings: the Cry House, which measures 5,500 square feet, and an 8,000 square foot dining hall that can seat 300 people. The Cry House will host both traditional and Christian funerals for Community members.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, DWL’s Peter Pascu provided some design details on the project and explained what the Community has to look forward to when the Cry House is finished. “The entire project is designed to consist of materials that are reflective of the Community culture and values – materials that are sustainable, durable and low maintenance. For example, the red color is based on the pottery colors used by the Maricopa.”

The 5-acre project is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2015.

source: Au-Authm Action News

After nearly three years of planning, Infinity Hospice Care has opened a new facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. DWL designed the new, two building project with an understanding of the needs of hospice patients and their families. The 9,616 s.f. hospice facility features 12-bed private rooms, a nurse station, patient exam room, kitchen and meditation room. An adjacent 9,015 s.f. single-story administration building houses a variety of offices and meeting spaces for hospice staff.

According to Infinity Hospice Care president, Mary Bertram, the inpatient facility offers a homey atmosphere. The rooms and hallways are full of natural light, medical equipment is hidden, and a tranquility garden out back allows patients to look at native plants and flowers. The facility also caters to patients’ families. A family room allows children to play and “feel normal,” and patients and visitors can eat home-cooked meals in a private dining room.

source: Las Vegas Review-Journal

pictured l-r: Peter Pascu (DWL), Mary Bertram (Infinity Hospice), Sean Warfield (DWL), and Ellen Tehan (DWL)

A licensed pilot who helped her father build an aerobatic biplane, Kukla’s passion for aviation informed her career choices from an early age. She became the youngest principal at DWL in 2005 and is the only female architect among the firm’s managing partners.

Read full article: ENR Southwest’s Top 20 Under 40
source: Blair Scott, Sapakie Polly. “ENR Southwest’s Top 20 Under 40” ENR Engineering News-Record Jan. 17, 2011: Pages 8,9, 11. Print & Online.