2021 Professional Awards
of the Potomac Chapter ASLA

National Native American Veterans Memorial

Rhodeside Harwell

Jurors felt the power of this impressive site. They appreciated the native and natural materials used in the project and applauded the thoughtful detailing and rich symbolism used throughout the site.

Merit Award in Design Built

The Memorial is set on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. The memorial was designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, honoring traditions from a broad array of native cultures, including American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native veterans.



The approach walk leads to the Warriors’ Circle of Honor, a 12-foot-tall, stainless-steel circle set atop a carved stone drum with a gently flowing pool of water.


The design features several motifs. Battle streamers on hand-crafted lances reflect sacred colors, and Eagle feathers honor heroic battlefield deeds.


Stone paving along the accessible approach walk echoes the patterning of the original Museum’s paving. The winding guardrail’s radiating pattern is reminiscent of a drumbeat. 



Visitors to the memorial are embraced by nature, with native hardwoods, constructed wetlands, and a view of the U.S. Capitol.

Project Team

Client:
Smithsonian Institution

Memorial Concept:
Harvey Pratt

Memorial Architect:
Butzer Architects and Urbanism

Architect of Record:
Quinn Evans

Landscape Architect:
Rhodeside Harwell

Civil Engineer:
A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc.

MEP Engineer:
Mueller Associates

Structural Engineer:
McMullan & Associates, Inc.

Lighting Designer:
Fisher Marantz Stone

Fountain Designer:
Waterline Studios

Security:
GHD, Inc.

Audio Visual:
Convergent Technologies Design Group

Flame Specialist:
Image Engineering

Arborist:
Pitchford Associates

Photographers:
Alan Karchmer and Matailong Du for NMAI

Congratulations to Rhodeside Harwell.



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