NOMAarizona
5-Star Chapter of the Year 2022
The Arizona Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects
Find Events
JOIN OUR CHAPTER
NOMAarizona
The Arizona Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects
Attend Event
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
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...
Multistudio + NOMA AZ announce Amineh Warrayat Scholarship
NOMA AZ in partnership with Multistudio is offering the Amineh Warrayat Memorial Scholarship which is intended to honor Amineh’s work and her impact made on communities through design and engagement as a young architect-in-training. This scholarship is intended to...
Tracing Architecture Live Podcast Session at Multistudio on “Decolonizing Architecture”
During our August chapter meeting hosted at Multistudio, NOMAarizona collaborated with the Tracing Architecture podcast for a live recording of an episode. This episode is part of their AIA College of Fellows Emerging Professionals Component Grant series. The topic...
Coffee Talk #3
Thank you to everyone that attended our 3rd Coffee Talk on Saturday June 25th at Xanadu Coffee Co where we discussed not only what firms can do to cultivate minority, women, and LGBTQIA+ staff into more leadership roles, but also the devastating news that came out on...
Project Pipeline
June 6-9, 2022 NOMA AZ recently participated in the Roosevelt School District Middle School Everyone Can Create Summer Camp. This is the second year NOMA joined the camp and due to the popularity of last year’s architecture camp, the district asked NOMA AZ to put on a...
Tour of the Gila River Community project
Thank you to the Gila River Indian Community for welcoming us to tour their facility earlier this month and shout out to James Wesala from Merge Architecture Group for guiding a wonderful tour.
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)