Smoke Signals

2010 InPro & NCAIED 40 under 40 award recepients

[October 6, 2010] – National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) has selected Michael Laverdure, director of the First American Design Studio, as the recipient of the 2010 “Native American 40 Under 40”. The recipients are “outstanding young Native Americans who have shown excellence in community and/or profession.”  Winners will be recognized at a special reception that will be held prior to the Indian Progress in Business Awards Banquet (INPRO 2010), on October 21, 2010 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Michael graduated in 1996 from North Dakota State University’s College of Architecture and is a licensed Architect. He also passed his LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accreditation exams and is also an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, located in North Dakota.

As design director of the First American Design Studio, Michael demonstrates a commitment in the principle that he contribute to the betterment of Native American communities. Under his leadership, the studio’s cultural design process has been tailored to exceed the expectations of clients.

“The Studio’s participation and commitment to their Native clientele is superior,” explains Michael Laverdure. My mother, Betty Laverdure told me, “Always use your talents for the betterment of the whole, before you think of your own needs. As you do good, good will come back to you.” This has taught me to become a designer who listens to clientele closely and then translate that into architecture. Listening, along with my heritage has given me unique insight into cultural design. It is also, coincidentally, in-line with the Studio’s belief of building sustainable communities and enriching them through architecture.”