Architecture has the power to shape how people experience a space, but for Tawaw Architecture Collective, it is also about shaping connection, curiosity and cultural understanding.
The Indigenous led architecture and design research firm received the ATB Financial Indigenous Entrepreneurship Award at the 2025 Calgary Small Business Awards, recognizing the collective’s impact through architecture that celebrates culture, community and connection. Led by Founder and Principal Wanda Dalla Costa, the firm has built a reputation for creating spaces and experiences deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge, storytelling and research.
Founded in 2010, Tawaw Architecture Collective takes its name from the Plains Cree word “tawâw” which translates in English to “there is room,” reflecting both Wanda’s Saddle Lake Cree Nation roots (located in central Alberta) and the collective’s approach to creating spaces grounded in belonging. Wanda describes the practice as “more of a design research firm than a pure design firm,” with projects focused on uplifting the beauty within Indigenous culture and bringing that visibility into built environments.
That work continues to gain recognition on a national scale. In April, the firm was announced as the design architect for the permanent home of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg, in partnership with the University of Manitoba.
Designing with culture at the centre
Wanda’s journey into architecture was not something she originally planned for herself.
“Unlike most who dreamed of becoming an architect since they were small, I did not,” she said. “Architecture wasn’t even in my purview.”
After completing a degree in Native Studies and Sociology at the University of Alberta, Wanda travelled overseas on what was supposed to be a six-month backpacking trip. Instead, the experience turned into seven years travelling through 40 countries.
Through those travels, she began noticing how culture was reflected and celebrated within cities and built environments around the world.
“I was seeing visible culture,” Wanda said. “Culture was not downplayed. It was actually celebrated.”
That realization ultimately inspired her to create a firm focused on bringing culture into architecture and design.
“I came back and thought, I need to open up a firm that explores how to bring culture back to built environments,” she said.
Today, one of the things that continues to motivate her most is learning about the communities Tawaw works alongside.
“I love the research,” Wanda shared. “I want to delve into the cultural history of every community we work with.”
She also believes architecture can help create opportunities for understanding and conversation.
“I think it’s really important to create that curiosity for non-Indigenous people,” she said. “So they will ask, ‘What’s that? What does that mean?’”
A meaningful recognition
Winning the ATB Financial Indigenous Entrepreneurship Award was a proud and emotional moment for the team.
“That award recognized that all of the hard work that not only myself, but many people within our firm put in, is being noticed,” Wanda said.
As a smaller firm working within a competitive industry, the recognition carried additional meaning.
“We’re this little, tiny firm with two little offices really trying to change the way architecture is done,” she said.
She added that despite being a smaller firm without the same resources as larger organizations, Tawaw continues to see growing demand for the kind of “deep work” the collective specializes in.
“Organizations are telling us they need the kind of depth that Tawaw brings to the field of architecture,” Wanda said.
Jump in and take the risk
As applications open for the 2026 Calgary Small Business Awards, Wanda encourages business owners to approach the process honestly and authentically.
“When you are genuine and you really believe in whatever it is that you built, it will come across,” she said.
She also encouraged entrepreneurs not to let perfection hold them back from starting or applying.
“You need to just jump in and take the risk,” Wanda said. “Don’t worry if the website is perfect or the name is perfect. Just jump in and fix it as you go.”
For Wanda, honesty and passion are often what resonate most.
“Small businesses are so critical,” she said. “I think it’s important that honesty is conveyed.”
To learn more about Tawaw Architecture Collective, visit: tawarc.com.
The 2026 Small Business Award applications are now open. Apply today: calgarychamber.com/small-business-week/calgary-small-business-awards/.
