Method Architecture managing partner to launch new architecture firm for indigenous communities

Jake Donaldson, the managing partner of Houston-based Method Architecture, will launch a new architectural firm in early 2022 that will focus primarily on tribal projects across the country.

Blue Arrow Architecture, an affiliate firm in collaboration with Method Architecture, will provide full-service architectural and interior design services for indigenous communities. Donaldson, the principal and majority owner of the firm, is a member of the Choctaw Nation. He said he is passionate about celebrating tribal culture and heritage through design.

“One thing that I’ve always known growing up and learning more about my family and culture and heritage is just this sense that there’s a lot of forgotten people and overlooked communities that really need a lot of support,” Donaldson said in an interview. “That was something I was personally very passionate and excited about: being able to bring tribal-focused architecture and design services directly to these Native communities versus being an afterthought of having the federal government swoop in.”

Donaldson, through Method Architecture, began working on projects with the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma nearly five years ago. After doing more work in reservations in North Dakota, South Dakota and New Mexico, he decided there should be an entity focused on Native Americans.

Method, a full-service architecture firm and a minority-owned business, will have a minority stake in Blue Arrow. With this relationship, Blue Arrow will be able to tap into the resources and employees at Method, according to Donaldson.

Donaldson said working with Native communities will be different than the work he’s done before since there will be more focus on preserving the culture and heritage unique to the 574 federally recognized tribes across the country.

“When we do a project with a Native American community or tribe, we spend like a ton more time on the front end … meeting with the local tribe and really getting a sense of the cultural significance,” Donaldson said. “Each tribe has different symbolism and cultural history, and all of that is really meaningful and impactful as it related to physical structures. So we have to be very culturally sensitive when we go into these new areas — really listen and engage with them and let that kind of lead us on the design path.”

Donaldson works to be an advocate for the Native community. He is helping lead the new Native American Business Association chapter in Houston and is excited for the opportunities that Blue Arrow can bring.

“My hope is that it’s not just about doing great architecture and making profit with Blue Arrow, but really serving those Native communities,” Donaldson said, “whether that’s through pro bono (work), supporting entrepreneurs, through mentorship as a business owner, or helping promote architectural, engineering, STEM programs through local colleges to encourage more Native Americans to choose this career path.”

This year, the Native American 40 Under 40 award recipients will be announced virtually through the National Center’s social media pages in the coming weeks. Additionally, award recipients will be honored at RES 2021. The 2020 class joins well over 400 previous winners that have been honored over the last decade. The full list of 2020 40 Under 40 award recipients can be found below.