148: Pre-engineered Metal Buildings | Hualapai Tribal Program

In this episode, Cherise is joined by Hannah Hackathorn and Benjamin Ayers, both Co-Directors and Principals at Mancini Duffy in their Phoenix office. Mancini Duffy has offices in NYC, New Jersey, Washington, Arizona, and Florida. They discuss the Hualapai Tribal Program in Arizona.

The Hualapai Tribal Program is a comprehensive design and construction initiative that redefines civic, cultural, and community infrastructure for the Hualapai Tribe in northwestern Arizona. Encompassing 34 distinct projects and utilizing PMB–or pre-engineered metal buildings–the program is conceived not only as a delivery of essential facilities, but as a coordinated architectural statement—one that integrates cultural resonance, contemporary function, and environmental responsiveness.

Click here for the extended length interview on YouTube

Rendering/Drawing Credit: Mancini Duffy

Hannah Hackathorn, Co-Director and Principal, Mancini Duffy

Hannah Hackathorn is the award-winning Co-Director and Principal of Mancini's Phoenix studio, where she's leading a new era of workplace design that challenges the status quo and reimagines how spaces are delivered.

With over 20 years of experience and a portfolio that includes TikTok, Loreal, Justworks, and Roche, Hannah is a passionate advocate for design-build and a driving force behind smarter, faster, more integrated project delivery. Her mission goes beyond form and function. She's focused on creating spaces that genuinely impact people, support culture, and elevate how we work and connect.

Her work has earned top industry honors and been featured in publications like Work Design Magazine and Designwell. Hannah is building the future of the workplace, one project at a time.

Benjamin Ayers, Co-Director and Principal, Mancini Duffy

Benjamin Ayers, AIA, NCARB is an award-winning architect with more than 22 years of experience leading civic, cultural, workplace, healthcare, and education projects. His work has received over 30 design awards including three National AIA Design Awards.

Known for his process-driven design approach, he excels at integrating innovation, sustainability, and client vision to deliver transformative projects that enrich communities.

A leader in both practice and community, he currently serves as Chair of the City of Mesaâs Planning and Zoning Advisory Board and has held multiple leadership roles with the American Institute of Architects.

Beyond practice, he has taught design studios at Arizona State University and participated as a juror and lecturer nationally, shaping the next generation of architects. He is committed to building lasting partnerships, advancing design excellence, and contributing to the growth of vibrant, resilient communities.

Project Name and Location: Hualapai Tribal Program, Arizona

The Hualapai Tribal Project is a multimillion dollar initiative to bring infrastructure, cultural, and community development to the Hualapai Tribe in Arizona.

This complex program features 34 individual projects including the design and construction of a new Tribal Administration Building, a multi-use recreation park, and a Veterans Memorial Park, as well as upgrades to roads, utilities, and water infrastructure.

The desire of the Tribe was to create a space that had a strong visual impact while still showcasing their culture and heritage. They also wanted a state of the art facility that had all of the technology required for this type of facility. The new Hualapai Tribal Administration Building embodies both cultural storytelling and pragmatic problem-solving.

Unique Aspects of the Project:

Cultural Resonance:
Building design, orientation, materials, and colors reflected Hualapai heritage, their ceremonial activities, and traditions. Sited on a green field hillside along Route 66, the Hualapai Tribal Administration Building serves as a visible beacon for the community with its elevated position and scenic views.

Compressed timeline:
Federal grant funds had to be spent within the year, giving the design team under six months to finalize a contract and design.

Remote location:
Northwestern Arizona's distance from materials and labor hubs significantly increased costs.

Project Team List:

Design Team (Administration Building):

Architect: Mancini
Civil Engineer: DOWL
Landscape Architect: Colwell Shelor
Structural Engineer: PK Associates
Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing Engineer: IMEG

Construction (Administration Building):

General Contractor: SEMA and Kitchell

Project Suite Team:

Project Management: Atkins Engineering
Engineering / Infrastructure: Consor
QAQC: VRX
Cost Estimator: Rider Levett Bucknall

Owner:

Auni Hariri, CFO, Hualapai Tribe

Podcast Production: Gabl Media