Members Archives - NOMA AZ

Advocacy, Activism, and Architecture with Carlos Murrieta

NOMAarizona — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:34:13 +0000

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 NOMA Arizona. He is a co-founder of Merge Architectural Group where he is committed to design excellence. You can watch the full podcast here.

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Why diversity in architecture matters for communities—and the bottom line

NOMAarizona — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:23:21 +0000

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 Khatri (@taz_khatri_studios), explore how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the AEC industry has evolved since George Floyd featuring our very own Gary Nelson as a subject matter expert.

DEI initiatives aim to address systemic barriers and biases, promote representation and belonging, and ensure that everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities.

An Interview with Omar Bailey, President of NOMA Arizona

NOMAarizona — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:26:57 +0000

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.

Tell us about yourself. What should we know about you, and how did you get your start in the architecture profession?

I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York, and had dreams of being a comic book illustrator. An uncle saw my passion and curiosity in drawing, and encouraged me to pursue architecture. During college at Virginia Tech, I learned the importance of mentorship and having a network. My brother was a software engineer with Intel in Portland and, one evening, he went to a NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) meeting and met a NOMA member, Prescott Reavis, and they sparked a conversation about how I was an architecture student looking for an intern position. Prescott happened to be there because his roommate at the time was an engineer and invited him along. My brother set up a meeting with Prescott and me, and we had a great talk that soon led to a summer internship for me. To this day, I don’t know where my architecture path would have taken me, but I had the pleasure of sitting side by side with Prescott Reavis and learned what it meant to refine your craft. Prescott is no longer with us, but his principles are always with me and I’m thankful every day for it.

What are the types of projects that you currently work on with Shepley Bulfinch? Describe a significant recent project that you worked on and why it is unique.

Currently, I am involved in our housing and mixed-use projects, each offering a significance beyond just structures within urban landscapes. What’s exciting to me are the urban revitalization endeavors, where neglected areas can be rejuvenated through our projects. What intrigues me about highrises is their capacity to foster community and connection vertically, while integrating with the local community.

One project that resonates with me is Moontower Phoenix, a multi-family high-rise recently completed at 811 N. Third Street near Roosevelt Row. A fundamental goal of LV Collective, the developer, was to blur the boundaries between public and private spaces, transforming the property into a node for the community. We crafted a lobby that coexists with the café on the ground floor. Every time I visit, whether it be morning or afternoon, offers a remarkable sight: both residents and members of the community engaging comfortably within the space, using it as a meeting point, study area, or workspace. Witnessing this interaction reinforces the meaningful impact our projects can have on fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.

If you would like to read the entire article, please click here.

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Founding Member, Sidney Smith, shares his Life lessons and Legacy

NOMAarizona — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 03:32:00 +0000

Original Article by HKS Inc.

Sidney Smith, AIA, Founding Member of NOMAarizona uses lessons from his past to build a new legacy as a black architect…

When Sidney Smith graduated from Florida A&M University at age 25 with a degree in architecture, friends in his hometown of Lynn Haven, Florida were shocked. Not because they didn’t think Smith was smart enough. They just hadn’t realized that he was attending college 95 miles away in Tallahassee because they saw him at home in Lynn Haven nearly every weekend.

Almost every Friday of his college career, Smith would pack his drafting board, design tools and tracing paper into his gold-rimmed 1988 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 and make the nearly two-hour drive back to Lynn Haven to spend time with his toddler son. The young single father would then wake early on Monday mornings for the return trip to campus in time for his 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. classes.

Although Smith hadn’t planned to become a father at that time, he said he didn’t get serious about life until his son, Khairi, was born.

Smith enrolled at FAMU so that he could earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree and still make those weekly trips home. He was determined to set a good example for his child.

“I made up my mind to graduate with honors, and I did,” said Smith, who graduated Cum Laude in 1995.

Smith has brought that same spirit of determination and devotion to his career at global design firm HKS, where in 2022 he was among the first African Americans to be named a Partner in the firm.

According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, people who identify as Black or African American make up less than 2 percent of licensed architects in the U.S. As part of HKS’ celebration of Black History Month, Smith, who has been co-director of the Phoenix HKS office since 2022, shared his journey as an African American leader in the field.

A descendant of Alabama sharecroppers, Smith inherited a strong work ethic and commitment to family life.

If you would like to read the entire article, please click here.

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