“As a monumental celebration and reflection on the culture of the Mvskoke people, the Citizen Services Building tells the story of past, present, and future generations of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation through geometry, nature, and symbolism.” This statement has informed the design of every aspect of this project.  As descendants of mound-building ancient civilizations, the mound symbolizes the connection to mother earth and serves as a place of remembrance, reverence, and respect. Ancient mound geometry serves as the lower central organizing thought for the Citizen Services Building and each of the planned buildings that will follow on campus. The tribe is referred to as “Creek” due to the location of their ancestral homelands along the creeks of Georgia, Alabama, and Southern Tennessee. The tribe’s post-removal settlements in Oklahoma are similarly located along bodies of water. These rivers, or ‘creeks’ represent home for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

The exterior of this building reflects the tribe’s heritage and their connection to nature through the use of natural, rough-cut stone, and brushed limestone. Water motifs appear in the immediate landscape as well as the tribal band which wraps the top of the building. Expansive glazing provides unparalleled views and access to natural daylight throughout. This combined with a contemporary metal panel system compliments the more natural material palette and represents the Nation’s future-leaning outlook and growth.

The interior design creates a unique experience that specifically represents the Mvskoke people and their culture by honoring traditional finishes and utilizing natural materials with an emphasis on symbolic Tribal elements. Historically, the Mvskoke people settled upon water, which is reflected through the floor finishes, color scheme, and feature walls on each floor of the building.

The Tribal Capitol Complex and specifically the Citizen Services Building will serve as the headquarters for the Nation and will provide a centralized access to tribal government and essential services provided to tribal citizens. The building provides access to services such as Citizenship, CDIB, Realty, children, family, and elder services. Some of the tribe’s governmental services will also be housed in this building, including offices of many of the Cabinet Secretaries and offices of the Principal Chief and Second Chief.