Jason Pugh and Kimberly Dowdell. Image courtesy of NOMA

National architecture organizations have expressed their efforts towards inclusivity, equity, and diversity. One organization, however, continues to embody those values by leading from example and creating moments for individuals to be involved and amongst people whose multifaceted backgrounds add to the strength of the future architectural academia and professional practice. The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) has continued to push through and establish themselves as a group that reflects a different leadership type towards efforts of advocacy, diversity, and inclusivity within the profession. 

"I think that everyone approaches the "doing" of architecture in their own way," explains current NOMA President Kimberly Dowdell. "NOMA celebrates the various ways in which our members contribute to our collective built environment. At the end of the day, architects are called upon to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Our members do this in nearly every way imaginable." 

Leading into the upcoming 2020 NOMA Conference, Archinect connected with current NOMA President Kimberly Dowdell and incoming NOMA President Jason Pugh to discuss the organization's growth, their hopes towards elevating design justice, and the importance of the upcoming NOMA conference.

What these professionals recognized was the desperate need for an organization dedicated to the development and advancement of minority architects...

NOMA, A Brief History

NOMA's beginnings started as a response to what the industry lacked at that time, representation and mentorship for minority architects. In 1971, after attending the AIA National Convention in Detroit, twelve African-American architects gathered together to form an organization that would lead the industry to reflect the architecture community positively. According to NOMA, "What these professionals recognized was the desperate need for an organization dedicated to the development and advancement of minority architects [...] These African American architects wanted minority design professionals to work together to fight discriminatory policies that limit or bar minority architects from participating in design and constructions programs."

These African American architects wanted minority design professionals to work together to fight discriminatory policies that limit or bar minority architects from participating in design and constructions programs.

Fast forward to the present, 2020 reflects examples of progress but also displays moments where the core values of what it means to be an architect today are challenged. As of September 2020, NOMA has grown into an organization with over 1900 members with active professional and student chapters across the country. In-person conferences were abruptly put on hold this year due to COVID-19, and as a result, the conference format experienced changes. The conference planning team and co-chairs June Grant, NOMA, RA, SF NOMA President, and Rod Henmi, NOMA, FAIA, LEED AP, created a way to make this an opportunity to break down physical barriers and invite the world to experience what NOMA has to offer. When asked about the upcoming conference and its digital format, Dowdell shared her thoughts. "I'm excited about being able to connect with NOMA members and guests from across the country and around the globe through the convenience of our new online conference platform. 

While it's certainly disappointing that we are unable to convene in person this year due to COVID-19, the silver lining of going digital is the heightened access that our students will have to our content, eliminating their concerns about raising money for attending an in-person conference. This format also offers all of our attendees a wonderful way to connect with us on their schedule, accessing our on-demand content when it is most convenient for them. This is especially valuable for licensed architects who will be able to earn continuing education learning units during the conference to maintain their credentials."

While it's certainly disappointing that we are unable to convene in person this year due to COVID-19, the silver lining of going digital is the heightened access that our students will have to our content, eliminating their concerns about raising money for attending an in-person conference. - Kimberly Dowdell

Following her statement, incoming NOMA President Jason Pugh shared what the conference would be like for someone who hasn't attended before. "The annual NOMA conference is like a family reunion more than anything, even for first-time attendees. Both professionals and students are welcomed with open arms and able to connect with a wider network of architects, planners, educators, and activists from across the entire country. Granted, this year will be different with the new virtual format, but the NOMA conference planning team has been amazingly resourceful and creative as they pulled together to pivot, adapt, and respond to challenges due to the global Coronavirus pandemic."

The annual NOMA conference is like a family reunion more than anything, even for first-time attendees. Both professionals and students are welcomed with open arms and able to connect with a wider network of architects, planners, educators, and activists from across the entire country. - Jason Pugh

Unpacking the 2020 NOMA Conference

What has the architecture industry learned and unlearned in the past year? Everyone can agree that 2020 has brought a wave of stress, uncertainty, and loss. Despite a tumultuous year, organizations have responded and mobilized towards establishing ways for the industry to change and grow for the better. 

Dowdell and Pugh have worked together with NOMA's members and conference organizers to create an environment that would reflect an in-person event's spirit and energy. To learn more, we asked both Presidents a few questions to unpack the conference and its goals.

I was intentional about naming my platform for 2019-2020 ALL in for NOMA in an effort to not only highlight the importance of Access, Leadership, and Legacy but also to be clear about the fact that all people are welcome to join our ranks. - Kimberly Dowdell

What do you hope conference participants gain from this conference? What are the desired takeaways? 

Pugh: The conference serves as an opportunity for us to reaffirm our core values and passions, which initially led us into this field, and recharge our corporate batteries, which can quickly drain throughout the year as we navigate through a tough industry with minimal diversity and minority representation. 

Dowdell: It would also be incredible if people found opportunities to meet new mentors and mentees in this digital environment. We're not sure how the interactions will play out since this is our first attempt at facilitating a digital conference. Still, my hope is that it fosters connections that otherwise would not have been possible, further demonstrating the power of the NOMA network.

Many architects we've spoken with are not aware that NOMA's conference, and organization, is open to everyone, not just minorities. Can you talk about the value of joining NOMA for those that don't identify as a minority? 

Dowdell: I was intentional about naming my platform for 2019-2020 ALL in for NOMA in an effort to not only highlight the importance of Access, Leadership, and Legacy but also to be clear about the fact that all people are welcome to join our ranks. Sure, NOMA was founded by twelve Black architects in 1971, which was largely because they could not find a place where they felt like they were seen or where they felt like they belonged. At NOMA today, it is important that everyone knows that we see you and that you belong in this profession. There is a saying that you can't be all things to all people, and to some extent, that is accurate.

At NOMA today, it is important that everyone knows that we see you and that you belong in this profession. There is a saying that you can't be all things to all people, and to some extent, that is accurate. 

What I hoped to accomplish by articulating our openness to everyone was to get a broader spectrum of members together to talk about how to ensure that no group of people will ever feel left out again. There is a focus on the issues facing Black architects because that is where we're seeing the greatest disparities. Ideally, our non-Black members will learn more about these issues and help us address them, which actually helps all minority groups and ultimately everyone. 

What I hoped to accomplish by articulating our openness to everyone was to get a broader spectrum of members together to talk about how to ensure that no group of people will ever feel left out again. 

I like this concept of solving the greatest challenges first to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Prior to ADA, spaces were designed with little consideration for those in wheelchairs or with varying other different needs relative to access. Today, virtually all buildings can easily accommodate wheelchairs, which actually makes buildings more accessible to everyone. By focusing on helping those who need the greatest level of support, all people are better served. Architects who are currently viewed as Minorities face unique challenges that I think we would all like to see fade away. We need our White colleagues to not only understand what the challenges are, but also to join in the movement to eradicate them. #ALLinforNOMA

The voices of Black and Minority architects has greatly amplified this year, as the nation looks inward at years of systemic racism. What do you hope this increased awareness will bring to the profession? 

Pugh: At the end of the day my hope is that it honestly brings REAL CHANGE. Real change in the way we attract, mentor and support the next generation or minority architects and designers. Real change in the way firms recruit, retain and elevate their black and brown professionals. Lastly, real change in the way we engage, partner and support our clients to collectively serve marginalized and underserved communities. 

Dowdell: In addition to change in service to achieving sustainable progress, it is vital that we open up lines of communication between different groups to foster discussions that didn't necessarily exist before. 

Design Justice, The Future of Architecture, and Mentorship

Many know that NOMA advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the profession, but what does the organization stand for in terms of how we "do" architecture? Some might call this "Design Justice"? 

Dowdell: Some are working to advance design justice, while others are more focused on corporate interiors, residential design, adaptive reuse, airports and public art. What is most critical to our profession and ultimately to our society is that the authors of the future of the built environment represent the communities that they serve. When an architect gets involved in a process or a project, the world should be a better place because of their contributions.

Together Kim and I have worked in lockstep over the last year to ensure the new programs created during her administration will continue on and be expanded in creative ways to meet the needs of our valued members and reinforce the value in being a part of NOMA. - Jason Pugh

Jason, what do you hope to accomplish and carry-on as the newly appointed president?

Pugh: One of the main goals for the next two years is to build upon the great work and progress Kimberly and the current National Board and staff have accomplished during her tremendously impactful administration. Together Kim and I have worked in lockstep over the last year to ensure the new programs created during her administration will continue on and be expanded in creative ways to meet the needs of our valued members and reinforce the value in being a part of NOMA. We want to find ways to bolster the programs and initiatives launched by both the National Executive board and our local NOMA chapters to date, and ensure it dovetails with our expanded platform to Educate, Elevate, and Empower our membership base and chapters across the country.

What do you want to tell students and emerging professionals navigating through this profession? 

Pugh: Stick with it! I know the educational requirements, multiple degrees, internships, and licensing exams can feel overwhelming, especially for young students when compared to their peers in other disciplines and industries. But I promise you the impact architects and planners have on our communities and the built environment as a whole is immeasurable and truly rewarding. 

Dowdell: Find a mentor and be a mentor. There is always someone ahead of you and behind you who can both support you and use the support that you have to offer. Identify your tribe and build a strong network, leveraging NOMA as your professional support system. No one achieves success all alone. Ask for help when you need it and offer help when you can. 

President to President

Concluding the interview, we asked both Dowdell and Pugh to reflect on their work within NOMA and what they hoped for each other as they one leaves, and one enters a new chapter in their professional careers. "One of the interesting things most people don't know about this tall order to serve as the President of NOMA is that it's actually a six-year commitment to the national Executive Board as opposed to just a two-year term, which in and of itself is a long time when compared to AIA's one-year term." shares Pugh. "The six years dedicated to NOMA first start with two years as President Elect, followed by two years as President, and then two final years under the next administration as the Immediate Past President. That said, although I'm sure Kim is counting down the days until she's able to pass the leadership reins over to me, she will still be within an earshot of my administrative team and I look forward to her ongoing counsel and valued input." 

Dowdell expresses that she encourages Jason to reach out to her and past presidents for support and advice. "Definitely pace yourself and don't feel like the weight of the entire organization is on your shoulders. You have a board and a staff that is committed to seeing you succeed, just as they were with me. Set realistic goals for yourself and for NOMA during your team and regularly monitor your progress towards those goals. Be sure to delegate responsibilities to others as much as you can because people will be reaching out to you for new things to consider and take on very frequently. Most importantly, take good care of yourself and your family so that you'll be able to strike the right work/NOMA/life balance."  

After connecting with Dowdell, Pugh, and other NOMA members, its easy to identify that the organization is more than just an organization and their conference is more than just a conference. NOMA's goal is to bring people together and build up a sense of support and accountability towards what it means to be a minority architect by honoring the past, putting your best efforts for the present, and paving the way for the future. 

The 2020 NOMA conference takes place virtually from October 14th through October 18th. Their fantastic line-up of speakers, seminars, panel discussions, competitions, and parties should not be missed. To learn more about the conference and how to become a NOMA member, click here.