We are a collection of design firms who have committed to supporting communities by providing professional services. In a nutshell, we exist to create cultural sustainability through distinctive solutions for every client, culture and community we serve. To accomplish this, we look for intelligent, hard-working, imaginative, collaborative professionals who take pride in the work that they are a part of and will help make our clients’ projects successful. We understand that we are a direct reflection of our team members and we promise to help you grow along with our family of companies. Whether you’re seeking an internship, your first job, or a position that requires years of experience, if you are looking for a company who values you as not just employee who will provide work output, but as an integral member of the Bodwé family, we are looking to add you to our team.
“My internship experience was amazing. I learned so much and everything I worked on was new to me, which I loved. Everyone in the office was eager to help and approached me with a positive attitude. All team members were so great about answering questions, being helpful and guiding me. I loved, LOVED working on projects and being able to experience that connection to clients. That doesn’t always happen for internships in this industry and it meant so much to me that I was included and felt valued.”
- Former WBK Engineering Intern
As a tribally-owned family of companies, our portfolio reflects the needs of the communities and cultures we serve. “We focus our work on six market sectors, including Indigenous design, community building and development, public municipal projects, transportation infrastructure, and projects for an array of federal agencies.
As a collection of design professionals, we have experts in all sorts of fields who are ready to help. We pride ourselves on our depth of knowledge and collaborative nature. If you join our team, you’ll have opportunities to learn everyday. Our areas of expertise include:
• Planning & Master Planning
• Housing & Residential
• Mixed Use Development
• Commercial & Retail
• Gaming & Hospitality
• Office & Administration
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Education & Research
• Arts & Culture
• Parks & Recreation
• Historic Preservation
• Environmental Management
• Utilities & Communications
• Roads & Highways
Bodwé is the Professional Services Group of Mno-Bmadsen, the non-gaming economic investment enterprise of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Mno-Bmadsen, which means “the good path,” was formed in 2012 from the Tribal mandate to diversify business interests, revenue streams, and wealth for future generations. Under Mno-Bmadsen, the companies of Bodwé work to better serve the Pokagon Band and its people, building up its resources for continued growth and sovereignty. Bodwé Group is comprised of Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering, WBK Engineering, The Steelhead Engineering Company, and Blue Star Integrative Studio. Keep reading to learn more about each of the companies that comprise Bodwé.
Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering (7GAE) has established a tradition of sustainable solutions inspired by our Indigenous lineage and the understanding that today’s generation is responsible for the prosperity of generations to come. Our collaborative, inter-disciplinary skillsets include research, planning, architecture, engineering, and interior design with a human-centered approach to creative solutions for built environments. We partner with purpose and intention alongside our clients on Tribal, federal, and community projects.
Blue Star Integrative Studio was founded on belief in the power of place that comes from a long-term relationship between people and the land. Blending this with an integrated design practice using appropriate technology, we explore the challenges of today while bringing to life beauty, safety, comfort, and durability. We work with Indeginous, public, and private clients, holding high standards for ourselves as well as the people and the projects we engage, from architectural and interior design, to way-finding, signage and graphics, to development consulting and master planning.
The Steelhead Engineering Company brings efficiency and sustainability to building systems that move and manage energy and environmental conditions. Our focus includes plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, as well as passive and renewable energy, steam and condensate, wastewater treatment, and more. We are inspired by the water clans of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Like the fish and turtle clans, we are responsible for caring for dynamic natural elements, and ensuring that energy and environmental resources are in right relationship with people.
WBK Engineering is a team of civil engineers, structural engineers, wetland scientists, land planners, ecologists, and infrastructure specialists. We work with clients to develop and implement a shared vision through service and stewardship, bringing a high degree of expertise and sustainable infrastructure solutions to municipal, public, private, and Tribal projects. Our civil engineering, planning and environmental resources professionals are dedicated to shaping and restoring the land in ways that are respectful and protective of our natural abundance.
When it makes sense based upon the needs of our clients, we are ready to work across all four companies, providing a full-service approach with expertise specific to each project. An example of this synergy is highlighted on the following pages.
A team led by 7GAE, and including all Bodwé sister companies (the Steelhead Engineering Company, WBK Engineering, and Blue Star Integrative Studio) completed the design of 10-unit family-focused apartment complex for the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. The 14,000-squarefoot facility will feature the apartment units, conference room, central courtyard, community gathering areas and community kitchen.
Project management for this effort was provided by Blue Star Integrative Studio with support from a 7GAE led design team.
One design challenge the team faced was how to make the apartment complex open and welcoming while maintaining one point of entry for security purposes. A solution was created to address this challenge by designing a large, enclosed courtyard to maintain a sense of community while ensuring site security. Site design was led by WBK Engineering.
Another challenge involved funding. The client wanted to maximize the number of units while maintaining a reasonable budget. The design team developed a phasing plan that allows the client to include future units while maintaining the desired budget.
Sustainable design elements were incorporated into the design, including the use of clerestory windows to allow heat gain during winter months and shade in the summer. Additional utilization of energy-efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems and appliances, as MEP design was provided by the Steelhead Engineering Company.
This project is a true example of cross-portfolio collaboration, from the project proposal through eventual construction administration. All Bodwé sister companies have significant involvement in this effort and are equally invested in providing the highest level design solution to the Ho Chunk Nation of Wisconsin.
Being able to give back to the communities that we work in, and to Tribal communities across the country is an incredible privilege and is at the heart of our corporate mission across the Bodwé portfolio of companies. We go above our typical project work to volunteer in our respective communities to make a difference. Whether it’s volunteering at tribal events or mentoring local students, we’re always looking for ways to support communities as a team.
In the AEC industry, having a team of collaborativeminded staff who are eager to mentor the next generation of technical professionals is vital. We understand that we are all successful when there is an active focus on learning. We know that your experiences and inquiries can provide valuable insights and innovation is spurred by this style of open-minded cooperation.
We understand that you are not just employees. Our culture is familial and we will spend time together as a family does. We know how important it is to have positive relationships that often extend beyond the four walls of an office. We will learn together at conferences, participate in community events together, and take time to celebrate our successes together throughout each year.
An employee’s ability to perform at a high level is directly correlated to their ability to balance their personal and professional lives. To that end, we have made major commitments to our corporate culture to benefit employees both in and out of the office. These include flexible work scheduling, hybrid work opportunities, 6-weeks of paid parental leave, and generous PTO policies across the corporation, with unlimited PTO for all salary employees. These new assurances to our staff are prime examples of forward-thinking family-friendly flexible work environment we are committed to providing to our team members.
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Interested in learning more about career opportunities? Visit our website and click on the ‘careers’ link to see open positions. bodwegroup.com/careers
600 East Michigan Ave. Suite B Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 269.927.0144 bodwegroup.com
600 East Michigan Ave. Suite B Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 269.927.0144 7genae.com
320 S. Boston Ave. Suite 1710 Tulsa, OK 74103 918.359.5641 bsi.studio
259 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 407 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 269.585.2255 steelheadmep.com
116 W. Main Street, Suite 201 St. Charles, Illinois 60174 630.443.7755 wbkengineering.com
3463 Magic Drive, Suite T15 San Antonio, TX 78229
68 E. Michigan Avenue Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 269.224.3182