Archinect - News

NOMA summer programs saw 43 young professionals connected with architecture firms, fellowships, and grants

2024-09-10T08:00:00-04:00

National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) has concluded the sixth edition of its NOMA Future Faces initiative, which sees young professionals connected with industry summer internships. The 2024 edition saw 25 students and recent graduates take part in a two-month summer fellowship, undertaking design research, project work, and firm mentorship.

The fellowship was open to all members of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) with the purpose to “develop and propel forward the next generation of Black and minority architects who will be designing for the future.” Alongside the practice placement, each fellow also received a $2,450 relocation reimbursement and is eligible to receive a $1,000 licensure stipend once they become a licensed architect.

Meanwhile, the organization also recently oversaw the latest edition of the Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Professional Development Program (PDP), which seeks to support architecture stu...

NOMA announces its 2023 summer fellowship cohort by welcoming 13 architecture students and graduates

2023-07-21T14:15:00-04:00

Continuing to not only champion but provide pathways to academic and professional advancement, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) celebrates another fellowship cohort of young designers.

The NOMA Future Faces (NFF), formerly known as the NOMA Foundation Fellowship, recognizes 13 architecture students and graduates for this 2023 cohort as they engage in a two-month-long summer fellowship.

These fellowships are "hosted at leading architecture firms across the country where fellows engage in design research and benefit from firm mentorship," explains NOMA. "In an industry where only two percent of licensed architects in the United States identify as Black, the NFF plays a crucial role in providing valuable professional experience to underrepresented students."

The team at NOMA shared insight as to the fellowship's rebranding in 2023, explaining that the new name better highlights the program's mission and purpose to "develop and propel forward the next generation...

AIA announces $10,000 in contributions to the ACE Mentor Program

2023-05-02T15:57:00-04:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced a new $10,000 donation to the ACE Mentor Program in the interest of supporting its mission to provide valuable afterschool opportunities to aspiring architects in 37 states.

The AIA shares that more than 4,000 professionals participate in the program, which impacts more than 10,000 students nationally. The program was first launched in New York in 1994 and serves a student body that is comprised of approximately 70% people of color.

The program has been greatly expanded since then, joining with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) in 2021 in a strategic partnership that helped to further expand its offerings to students.

“The work that ACE is doing in high schools across the country aligns with our mission to provide not just inspiration, but equitable access to our field,” ACE’s C...

David Chipperfield's former staffers share their experiences working for the newest Pritzker winner

2023-03-10T06:00:00-05:00

Following this week’s announcement of David Chipperfield as the 46th Pritzker Prize laureate, we reached out to several of his former employees that now run their own firms and studios in order to get their thoughts and recollections on working for the architect as younger designers.

Chipperfield himself benefited greatly from his time in the offices of Richard Rogers and Norman Foster shortly after completing his studies at the Architectural Association (AA) in London and in advance of starting his practice later in 1985. Speaking to Guardian architecture critic Oliver Wainwright after the win, Chipperfield said: “In both those offices, they were quite obsessive about doing more than you’re asked to do.”

“My generation has always been about the product,” he added, “but I believe more than anything now that we need to focus on the process.”

Read about his influence shared by his protégés as to if (and how) their experience at DCA influenced their current practice and stylistic sen...

Students from NOMA's 2022 Foundation Fellowship cohort gain mentorship and work experience from 18 architecture firms

2022-08-04T14:10:00-04:00

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) celebrates its fourth class of architecture students chosen as this year's 2022 NOMA Foundation Fellowship (NFF) cohort. An initiative that provides mentorship and design research experience for young emerging professionals, the NFF has become an impactful program offered to underrepresented architecture students across the nation.

This year 20 architecture students were selected to be a part of the 2022 summer cohort. During the two-month summer fellowship, each student is hosted at a leading architecture firm nationwide. During the summer, student fellows "engage in design research and benefit from firm mentorship." NOMA shares, "NFF provides professional experience to underrepresented students to connect them to the profession and provide a pipeline to eventual employment, supporting the 2030 Diversity Challenge, which aims to increase the number of licensed Black architects."

Tiffany Brown, NOMA Executive Director shared,...

Tips for making the most of an architecture internship

2022-03-08T12:41:00-05:00

Architectural internships are a double-edged sword. At their best, an internship provides a valuable introduction to the profession for those at the beginning of their career; helping to inform complex decisions on their future development. However, at their worst, internships can also be a magnet for exploitation. In the broader U.S. economy, it is believed that 40% of internships are unpaid, as indicated in an NCARB poll from October 2021, which also found that 32% of respondents were recently offered or saw a listing for an unpaid internship.

To those who are successful in finding an architectural internship that respects their time and input, the role presents an opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills, build a resume, meet professionals and potential mentors, and even increase the chances of gaining a full-time position in the future. In order to help interns fulfill these goals, a broad range of academic institutions, experts, and Archinect’s own community, have shared...

Archinect's Internship Watch: Resources for searching paid internship opportunities

2021-11-29T09:11:00-05:00

Talk of architecture internships has been an ongoing discussion at Archinect. With the rise in fair and equitable work practices for designers at various levels, we've frequently opened our platform to organizations and individuals aiming to shed light on best internship practices, specifically paid internship opportunities.

In December 2019, former Archinect team member and contributing writer Sean Joyner outlined in Archinect's Guide to Job Titles the position of Intern. "Internships act as a salient supplementation meant to deepen the practical education of the up and coming pupil, with an aim for growth and development. But what exactly does an intern do? What do firms look for in an intern? And what characteristics make up a good internship?"

Feix & Merlin Architects. Photo by Ellen Hancock

Firms have been teaming with organizations to increase access and work opportunities for students, specifically students from marginalized groups. While the needle is moving, addressing equi...

NOMA's Foundation Fellowship nurtures the next generation of architects and designers through mentorship and professional development at 19 architecture firms

2021-07-08T14:15:00-04:00

Mentorship opportunities for young architects and design professionals have been an ongoing mission for The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Now in its third iteration, NOMA announces 24 architecture students who will be part of the 2021 summer cohort for the NOMA Foundation Fellowship (NFF).

This two-month research fellowship will take place in person and virtually at 19 leading U.S.-based architecture firms. NOMA shares: "The NFF 2021 cohort will engage in design research and benefit from firm mentorship." In addition, NOMA has worked hard in building partnerships with various architecture firms that have collaborated with the NFF to provide professional experience to underrepresented students. This fellowship allows students to connect with the profession by establishing a pipeline for eventual employment once the fellowship ends.

In February 2021, NOMA announced its list of Winter Fellows consisting of ten students who were placed at ten design firms. Includ...

Perkins&Will and Harvard GSD launch pilot program to support and mentor young Black designers

2021-02-22T13:27:00-05:00

Firms and architecture institutions continue to join forces as they build more robust pipelines for Black designers and designers of color. With organizational giants like NOMA and design equity leaders continuously expanding on this initiative to elevate and mentor students and future designers, firms like Perkins&Will and institutions like Harvard GSD have developed a pilot program of their own.

On February 18, 2021, an announcement was made launching the "Black in Design Mentorship Program." The idea for this pilot program was initially developed during the 2019 Black in Design Conference alongside Perkins&Will professionals. According to the firm, "the mentorship program will fill a critical educational and career gap in the design profession by fostering meaningful and lasting relationships starting as early as high school."

To learn more about the program, Harvard GSD grad and Perkins&Will principle Brooke Trivas shares in a statement, "Design firms have a responsibility to be...

Ten architecture students from five HBCU's have recently been appointed to NOMA's 2021 Foundation Fellowship cohort

2021-02-13T11:45:00-05:00

Ten architecture students from five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are selected to be a part of NOMA's 2021 Foundation Fellowship (NFF). In 2020 NOMA announced the fellowship's inaugural cohort that consisted of 30 students from over 20 architecture schools across the United States.

The fellowship's mission was to provide professional experiences to underrepresented students through mentorship and direct collaboration with architecture firms. With the number of licensed Black architects slowly but steadily increasing, the fellowship allows students to stay engaged within the profession and provide a direct pipeline towards future employment opportunities.

Jason Pugh, newly appointed 2021-2022 NOMA President, shared his response to the recently announced student fellows and the schools participating. Pugh, proud HBCU alum who graduated from Howard University, shared in a statement, "HBCUs continue to provide opportunities to expand an educated Black middle clas...

The Importance of Positive Leadership and Mentorship in Architecture

2020-11-10T14:51:00-05:00

The architecture and design industries are complex and multi-disciplinary. While a degree provides a solid basis for practice, recent graduates and junior designers are still years away from obtaining a full understanding of the skills required to be competent professionals. This panel will take a look at the importance of mentorship in the profession, providing an insightful discussion with experienced mentors about what it takes to help steer the next generation of leaders.

How does a young designer find a mentor?

Should your mentor come from a similar background?

What does a mentorship look like during the work-from-home world that the pandemic has brought us?

Join us as we look at these questions and more during our special discussion tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11th, from 1-2 pm EST / 10-11 am PST, featuring a panel of industry leaders and mentors.

Distinguished panelists include Alan Maskin, Principal / Owner at Olson Kundig; Jonathan Moody, CEO at Moody Nolan; Donna Sink, A...

AIA teams up with National Girls Collaborative to build new educational pathways to architecture for girls

2018-03-01T14:33:00-05:00

In their latest effort to advance diversity and equity in the architecture profession, today the AIA and the National Girls Collaborative announced their new partnership to create new pathways for girls to achieve educational goals that will prepare them for future careers in the architecture and STEM fields.

Based in Seattle, the NGC teams up with organizations around the U.S. that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers. The group also runs The Connectory, the largest directory of youth-focused STEM programs in the country.

“Architecture represents an innovative blend of design and crucial STEM skills,” said Karen Peterson, the National Girls Collaborative CEO, in a statement. “Thanks to this partnership with AIA, we are looking forward to engaging more girls in architecture activities and career paths.”

On March 22, the NGC will host a one-hour webinar on how architecture and design programs around the U.S. can use The Connectory. It'll also be pos...

Understanding the Role of an AXP Supervisor

2017-11-06T09:00:00-05:00

By: Holly Williams Leppo, AIA, NCIDQ-certified, LEED, AP

This post is brought to you by PPI

AXP candidates will work with a variety of professionals throughout the first few years of their architectural careers, but the most influential advisors will be their AXP Supervisor and AXP Mentor.

An AXP Supervisor is the person who is responsible for direct oversight of the candidate’s day-to-day work. In a smaller firm, this may be the principal architect and candidate’s employer; in a larger organization, it may be a licensed architect serving in a project or team manager role who is overseeing the candidate’s daily efforts. The AXP Supervisor must have the authority to assign tasks that will allow the candidate to obtain experience across the AXP practice areas. A Supervisor may only sign off on work that he or she has personally overseen. Therefore, candidates may have more than one AXP Supervisor during their training – for example, if they change jobs, or are assigned to different wo...

David Chipperfield selects Simon Kretz as his 2016-17 Rolex Arts protégé

2016-05-24T17:20:00-04:00

Swiss architect Simon Kretz is the lucky protégé who will get to work with David Chipperfield in a year-long architecture mentorship from the 2016-17 Rolex Arts Initiative. The prestigious philanthropic program allows rising young artists worldwide to team up with globally esteemed professionals in their respective disciplines in Architecture, Film, Dance, Literature, Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre. Imagine exchanging ideas with figures like Peter Zumthor, Kazuyo Sejima, or Álvaro Siza, who have all been previously appointed as the architecture mentor.

In selecting his protégé, Chipperfield conducted one-on-one interviews with the three finalists, which included Kretz, Luis Callejas of Colombia, and Anna Puigjaner of Spain — who in fact, won the 2016 Wheelwright Prize just last week.

Gaining experience in Zurich-based firms as well as big-name practices like OMA Rotterdam, Kretz co-founded Christina Nater und Simon Kretz Architekten in 2010 and then he became founding partner of Chri...

Episode 2 of "Archinect Sessions" podcast out now!

2014-10-16T19:35:00-04:00

"Archinect Sessions" is a weekly podcast discussing recent news items and happenings on the site. Hosted by Archinect's founder and publisher, Paul Petrunia, alongside Editorial Manager Amelia Taylor-Hochberg, the podcast pulls on the expertise of special weekly co-hosts, whether other Archinectors or players within the architecture community at large.

Co-hosts Donna Sink and Ken Koense join us for our second episode, to discuss licensing and IDP issues at NCARB, the value of mentorship in the profession, and the latest news on the Moriyama RAIC International Prize. We also spoke with Archinector Terri Peters about her coverage of the Moriyama Prize, and have a special bonus interview (available below) with Haley Gipe, Assoc. AIA, who's involved with the renaming issue through NCARB and AIA.

To listen to the "Archinect Sessions" podcast:

iTunes: Click here to subscribe, and click the "Subscribe" button below the logo to automatically download new episodes.
Apple Podcast App (iOS): cl...

Nicholas Grimshaw to offer mentorships to emerging architects in Manchester’s NOISE Festival 2014

2014-06-18T21:02:00-04:00

Every year since 2005, the Manchester-based NOISE Festival gives thousands of aspiring architects the opportunity to get their portfolios recognized by some of the design industry's most well-known names. The nationwide Festival, which takes places online and through exclusive events, showcases undiscovered talent in over 14 categories including Architecture, Design, Illustration, Games, Fashion, Music, Fine Art, and Film.

Among the panel of noteworthy Curators who will judge the submissions, British architect Nicholas Grimshaw of Grimshaw Architects is this year's Architecture Curator. He'll be offering a one-on-one mentorship to five entrants whose submissions he rates the highest.

If you're eager to join, do it now -- it's free and open to all ages! The deadline has been extended to July 6, 2014.

Head over to Bustler to find out more.

Peter Zumthor selects Paraguayan architect Gloria Cabral as Rolex Arts Initiative protégée

2014-05-28T20:09:00-04:00

Peter Zumthor has chosen Paraguayan architect Gloria Cabral as Architecture protégée for the 2014-2015 Rolex Arts Initiative. In each of the program's seven artistic fields, mentors selected three to four finalists, who were originally chosen from a total of 154 nominated applicants. Each mentor met and interviewed their finalists and selected the person he or she felt would gain the most from the one-year mentorship.

Zumthor, the 2009 Pritzker Prize laureate who was appointed as this year's Architecture mentor, will collaborate with Cabral for one year. She was selected out of four other Architecture finalists announced this past April.

Peter Zumthor named as architecture mentor for Rolex Arts Initiative 2014-2015

2013-10-29T13:39:00-04:00

Swiss architect Peter Zumthor was announced last week as the architecture mentor for the Rolex Arts Initiative, where seven major artists in their respective fields will collaborate with seven young, emerging talents for the year 2014-2015.