NOMAarizona
5-Star Chapter of the Year
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
NOMA Arizona Awarded Large Chapter of the Year at 2022 NOMA International Conference in Nashville
Our chapter is proud to announce that we were awarded Large Chapter of the Year at the 2022 NOMA International Conference in Nashville, TN !ππΏππΎππ½ππΌππ»π Additionally, founding member Gary Nelson received the prestigious...
10 Action Points for Real Change in the Design and Construction Industry
Request an in-person or virtual presentation of these points at your firm/organization by contacting president@nomaarizona.org 1. Acknowledgement of historic and current systemic and institutional racism and gender inequality in...
Coffee Talk #4 – Decolonization
Following the August chapter meeting where our friends at Tracing Architecture recorded a live podcast session with a panel to discuss Decolonizing Architecture: Regaining and Reincorporating the Erased Cultural Knowledge into Design and Design Education we decided to...
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
James Wesala
Gary J. Nelson
Saad Elaqad

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)