The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Southwest Regional Headquarters – Building 1, is a Level 4 security facility that follows the latest GSA standards for anti-terrorism/force protection design. The program includes office, training, law enforcement and conference center for various BIA divisions.

The site design orients the building to create a secure plaza and parking court, minimize west exposure, maximize views of the Sandia Mountains, and to create the first phase of a major campus master plan which integrates landscaping, views, buildings and parking to create a safe and pedestrian friendly environment. The project has numerous LEED driven sustainable design features such as sunshades, energy efficient HVAC, rainwater recovery, and healthy/recycled content interior materials.

Studio Southwest Architects worked closely on the project to represent the All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC) in planning, negotiations with the Government and close coordination with the selected contractor, Opus West. The project was a design-build, fast track project, which resulted in a move-in only 10 months after beginning construction.