The National Organization of Minority Architects' (NOMA) National Conference invited its members (design professionals and students) from across the nation to participate in lectures, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. This year's sold-out conference, held in Portland, Oregon, welcomed "more than 1,550 NOMA members, allies and students," according to the organization. Participants from over 38 states and four countries, in addition to NOMA's newest chapter from the UK who attended the event.
Pascale Sablan, NOMA's 2023-24 President, shared, "NOMA Conference is a moment in time to reflect and recharge on our choices of why we were called to become architects. As architects, we're often seen as the creators of spaces and designers of buildings, but we are also the architects of change [...] Our role extends far beyond blueprints and structures; it encompasses the responsibility to shape the environments where people live, learn, work, and dream."
Individuals recognized at the conference also included newly licensed architects who were honored in a special pinning ceremony. NOMA Chapter and Individual awards were also highlighted, honoring a total of 14 professionals and chapters.
This year, the NOMA President's Award was presented to Tyrone Marshall, NOMA Atlanta, and the NOMA 2023 Member of the Year was presented to Ralph Raymond, NOMA Atlanta. Southern Florida NOMA chapter was awarded 2023 (Large) Chapter of the Year, followed by NOMA of Central Texas as 2023 (Small) Chapter of the Year.
2023 NOMA Phil Freelon Professional Design Award Winners
VISION CATEGORY
BUILT CATEGORY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION, RESTORATION, & RENOVATION
UNBUILT CATEGORY
SMALL PROJECTS CATEGORY
Student Awards
Each year, NOMA recognizes the leadership and progress of student-led chapters at various universities. This year 38 NOMAS chapters participated in the 2023 NOMA Barbara G. Lauri Student Design Competition. The competition brief invited students to "design a concept for the Williams & Russell Project, a restorative justice project that addresses systemic injustices against Portland’s Black community on land condemned by Prosper Portland and the City of Portland in the early 1970s for an expansion for Emanuel Hospital (now Legacy Health). The development needed to honor Portland’s Black community, create wealth, and carry on Legacy’s good health mission for the community all while creating a cohesive site encompassing mixed-income housing, commercial/retail tenants, and community spaces." This year's student competition winners are shown below.
NOMA 2023 NOMA Barbara G. Lauri Student Design Competition Winners
Learn more about this year's winners, projects, and previous awardees here.
2025 AIA COTE® Top Ten for Students Competition
Register by Wed, Apr 9, 2025
Submit by Wed, Jun 4, 2025
Architecture at Zero Competition 2024
Register/Submit by Mon, Dec 16, 2024
Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge
Register by Thu, Dec 12, 2024
Submit by Thu, Jan 23, 2025
MICROHOME Kingspan 2024/25
Register by Thu, Dec 5, 2024
Submit by Tue, Mar 18, 2025
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