Early Childhood Education Facility–Makah Tribe

Akana developed a comprehensive Master Plan to guide the relocation of Early Childhood Education (ECE) facilities on the Makah Reservation. The plan addressed long-term demographic trends and enrollment projections to ensure the new facilities meet the community’s future needs while supporting cultural and educational priorities.

The process began with a thorough assessment of facility requirements through site inspections, review of existing studies, and best practice analysis. Community engagement was central to the effort, with staff, parents, teachers, and tribal members participating in meetings and outreach activities to identify priorities and evaluate options. Safety and compliance considerations—including fire and life safety, playground standards, structural and seismic integrity, accessibility, energy efficiency, and infrastructure—were key factors in shaping recommendations.

From this foundation, Akana developed a conceptual design centered on a “Learning Loop” concept. The final deliverable included enrollment projections, program narrative, conceptual drawings, cost estimates, and a funding strategy. Akana also prepared promotional materials and conceptual imagery to support the Tribe’s pursuit of construction funding. Completed in 2023, Akana served as prime consultant, providing architecture, civil and structural engineering, and landscape architecture services to deliver a plan that positions the Tribe for long-term success in early childhood education.