The master plan, which outlines the growth and development of Cherokee, North Carolina, the tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), received the 2020 Honor Award in the Analysis and Planning category from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The Honor Award is the organization’s highest accolade.

Johnson Architecture and the Knoxville office of landscape architecture firm IBI Placemaking worked with EBCI to establish a multiphase cultural corridor plan for the community that provides tourists and residents places to congregate, recreate and reconnect with the Cherokee heritage in a contemporary way.

“We were inspired by the EBCI’s rich and storied history and the Cherokee culture that lives on today,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “Collaborating with EBCI and IBI Placemaking, we created a master plan that celebrates and strengthens the Cherokee community and amplifies the sharing of stories and culture with visitors.”

The EBCI's economy focuses primarily on cultural tourism.

“The EBCI is a unique native people’s community, and we were committed to ensuring that the community and culture would flourish and remain vibrant for generations to come,” said Bill Bruce, associate director and principal-in-charge for IBI Placemaking in Knoxville. “As landscape architects, we focus on the people who will enjoy the outdoor spaces we create, and we consider it an honor to help share the story of Cherokee, North Carolina.”

The North Carolina chapter’s professional awards are presented annually to recognize the state’s best landscape architecture projects and the businesses and organizations who create them.