NOMAarizona
5-Star Chapter of the Year 2022
The Arizona Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects
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NOMAarizona
The Arizona Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects
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JOIN NOMAarizona
Our Strength is Our Diversity
The Arizona Chapter of National Organization of Minority Architects.
Serve as mentors, educators + volunteers
Our strength is our diversity
In this video, founding member Gary Nelson discusses how our chapter got started
“NOMA in one word means to me: Oasis. It is a place where I can 100% be myself, 100% keep it real”
NOMAarizona Latest News
The Amineh Warrayat Scholarship is accepting applications!
The Amineh Warrayat Memorial Scholarship, in collaboration with NOMAarizona and Multistudio, aims to celebrate the legacy of Amineh Warrayat. This scholarship recognizes her impactful work in community design and engagement as a young architect-in-training. It seeks...
NOMAarizona Executive Board Elections
We are seeking dedicated and passionate members to join our Executive Board. Open positions include Vice President, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. Your leadership can make a significant impact on our community. Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future of our...
Advocacy, Activism, and Architecture with Carlos Murrieta
Tune in to hear Carlos share about his career journey on the MAC & Bleu podcast where he opens up about lessons learned along his path to Leadership. Carlos is not only the current AIA Phoenix Metro President, but also a founding member and former President of...
Dunn Edwards Facility Tour – March 2024 Recap
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended the Dunn-Edwards Corporation Facility Tour last month. Also, we extend our sincere thanks to Jeff Scooby for helping us organize the tour along with a lunch and learn on “Paint Ingredients and Performance...
Why diversity in architecture matters for communities—and the bottom line
Diversity in architecture enriches communities by incorporating varied perspectives, cultures, and experiences into built environments. By embracing diverse architectural practices, communities foster inclusivity, social cohesion, and resilience! In an article by Taz...
An Interview with Omar Bailey, President of NOMA Arizona
Original article by AIA Arizona
Omar Bailey, AIA, NOMA, Senior Architect, Associate at Shepley Bulfinch in Phoenix, has begun a two-year term as the 2024-2025 president of the Arizona chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). He succeeds Maurita Harris, AIA, NOMA, who is now Past President. Bailey has been with Shepley Bulfinch in Phoenix for nearly five years after extensive experience in practice in both Chicago and San Francisco. A native of Brooklyn, Omar earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech. In this interview, Bailey describes his early inspiration, his current work, his outlook on leading NOMA Arizona, and describes the influence of his mentors.
10 Action Points for Real Change in the Design and Construction Industry
Acknowledgement of historic and current systemic and institutional racism and gender inequality in the United States.
This is the most important, the other 9 points will not matter unless there is acknowledgement (much like an addict that needs to realize their addiction before recovery).
No longer use the phrase “politically
correct”
It’s about doing the right thing and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Develop strategies.
Instill hiring & recruiting practices that are more obiective for initial consideration, reach out to more diverse schools/ programs to recruit qualified staff that also increases diversity.
A no tolerance policy of racial/sexual/LGBTQ/religious disrespect and harassment.
Consequences not ;ust for staff but also clients, consultants or upper management (e.g. a principal). It should no longer be tolerated due to revenue, bringing profit or clients to the firm, a current practice in some firms.
Allow open dialogue, encourage listening and understanding
This will be uncomfortable for some staff. Firms must take the initiative to become more educated on the challenges of minorities & women not just in the profession but also in their communities.
Eliminate subjective promotions and partnerships.
Provide actual identified measurable metrics and paths towards upper management and leadership for all staff.
Mentor all staff that have expressed interest in “next levels”.
“If they see or hear something, say something!”
Each staff members should be their brother and sister’s keeper regarding any observation of disrespect due to race, gender, religion or sexual orientation inside and outside the workplace.
Treat people as YOU want to be treated. “
NOMAarizona is deeply saddened by the rising acts of verbal abuse and physical violence against our sisters and brothers in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We firmly stand in solidarity with our AAPI community against all types of intolerance, racism and gender inequality.
Members of NOMAarizona
#ourstrengthisourdiversity
Thank you to our Advocate Sponsors
Thank you to our Partner Sponsors
Thank you to our Ally Sponsors
Gary J. Nelson
James Wesala
Thank you to our Partner with the
Amineh Warrayat Scholarship
Your Donations Make a HUGE Impact
K-12 Initiatives
A variety of programs for students, Kindergarten to 12th grade, to learn about design and different career paths connecting them with architects and designers.
Scholarships
Financial support for local architects and design students to continue their education and professional growth, including their path towards licensure.
ARE Prep
Seminars that prepare Associates for the Architectural Registration Exams.
Educational Events
Chapter Meetings, Discussions, and Community activities that focus on justice equality through design.
NOMAS
Mentoring partnership with Arizona Student Chapters (ASU, U of A)