J. SCOTT WINCHESTER
AIA, NCARB
Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering
SAY IT LOUD - MICHIGAN Exhibitor
Michigan Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am proud of my ability to work with people in tribal communities. I've learned about indigenous communities across the US and helped 7GAE create thoughtful and collaborative designs for clients that respect and honor their respective cultures.
J. SCOTT WINCHESTER, AIA, NCARB
Bio:
Scott has over 40 years of architectural experience and is a proven leader in culturally sustainable design practices and comprehensive community engagement. A citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Scott is responsible for tribal client relations, planning, business development, and project management at 7GAE. Scott has specialized in designing healthcare, educational, and justice facilities using his unique perspective on the value of cultural reflection and sustainability.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a child growing up during the space race, I was intrigued by all the technological and scientific advancements. I became interested in making scaled drawings of buildings and once I learned to do that, I knew I wanted to be an architect.
What do you do?
I’ve worked on projects across the US designing justice, education, healthcare, and cultural facilities. Now a Tribal Elder, I work today as a tribal liaison, facilitating with tribal clients to ensure that their outcomes are culturally responsive.
What excites you in the work you do?
I love making connections with people – listening to clients and understanding their perspectives, learning why they feel a certain way, and collaborating with them to create a solution and an end result that meets or exceeds their needs.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I watched my father (former chairman for the Pokagon Band) work to give back to the tribe. He inspired me to take the skills as an architect to join 7GAE and to help tribal communities provide their citizens with healthcare, housing, and education.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am proud of my ability to work with people in tribal communities. I’ve learned about indigenous communities across the US and helped 7GAE create thoughtful and collaborative designs for clients that respect and honor their respective cultures.
Featured Project Name:
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Health Services and Family Wellness & Activity Center
Featured Project Location:
Dowagiac, Michigan
Featured Project Completion Date:
2015 (initial project) and 2018 (expansion)
Role in Featured Project:
Senior Project Manager and Tribal Liaison
Featured Project Description:
This facility was designed to ensure that Pokagon Band tribal members were provided with a facility to more than just
serve medical needs, but also provide social, community, and healing support beyond what a typical health clinic might
offer. It was designed to evoke the natural environment to emphasize the connection to Pokagon culture while
promoting healing. The LEED Gold-certified facility features a medical clinic, dental suite, pharmacy, behavioral health
suite, and fitness center.
