Theodore S. Jojola

Dr. Theodore (Ted) Jojola is a Distinguished Professor and Regents’ Professor in the Department of Community and Regional Planning at the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning. He founded and directs the Indigenous Design + Planning Institute (iD+Pi), which focuses on culturally informed community development for Indigenous communities globally. His career spans over four decades, with leadership roles including Director of Native American Studies at UNM (1980–1996) and Visiting Distinguished Professorships at Arizona State University and Curtin University in Australia.

Education: B.F.A. in Architecture (UNM), M.C.P. in Urban Design (MIT), Ph.D. in Political Science (University of Hawaii), and postdoctoral training in American Indian Studies (UCLA) and Human Rights Law (University of Strasbourg).

Research Interests:

• Indigenous Planning frameworks prioritizing cultural sovereignty and decolonization
• Architectural design rooted in Pueblo and Indigenous traditions
• Data sovereignty and tribal governance systems
• Critical analysis of American Indian stereotypes

Recent Projects:

• Lead planner for Taos Pueblo’s comprehensive land-use plan (2013–2016)
• Authored/co-edited major works including Reclaiming Indigenous Planning (2013) and Contemporary Indigenous Architecture (forthcoming)
• Advocated for tribal infrastructure development through federal policy engagement

Awards include the 2015 NM APA Planning Award, 2014 Creative Bravos Award, and 2002 Regents’ Professorship. His work bridges academic research with applied community projects across the SW U.S. and internationally.

Service roles include advisory positions for Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, Zuni Public Schools, and non-profits like Tricklock Theatre. His teaching focuses on Indigenous design methodologies and planning for tribal nations.