RACE TO THE FUTURE? From Artificial Intelligence to Abundant Imagination

What does it mean to build justice into the very structures where we live, work, and gather? In this visionary keynote, Dr. Ruha Benjamin—Princeton professor and author of Race After Technology and Imagination: A Manifesto—invites architects, planners, and designers to examine how the built environment intersects with systems of inequality, surveillance, and technological bias.  As today’s political landscape brings renewed attention to civil rights rollbacks, discriminatory zoning practices, and the racialized deployment of surveillance technologies in public space, Dr. Benjamin draws from her groundbreaking concept of the "New Jim Code" to expose how architecture and design can unwittingly replicate systemic harm. Yet she also offers an inspiring framework for reimagining design as a tool of resistance, care, and collective liberation.
 

Heal Our Cities: An Intimate Conversation with the Family of Michael Brown

On Friday, October 10th, join President Bryan C. Lee Jr. with Cal and Michael Brown Sr. for a keynote luncheon exploring the vital role of community centers in today’s cities. Through personal stories and powerful dialogue, they will highlight how these spaces can heal, unite, and empower neighborhoods, serving as anchors of resilience and equity. Don’t miss this important conversation at the 2025 NOMA Conference in Kansas City.

NOMA was founded by architects who saw the need to advocate for the architecture and design industry to be more inclusive, cultivate emerging talent that is often overlooked, and create more equitable communities. We continue this fight for the profession today.

Over 60 sessions of premiere seminars, workshops & premiere keynotes present opportunities for CEUs, discussion, and education on relevant topics and projects across three days. Dynamic and engaging keynotes present on emerging trends and topics in the AEC fields.

Connect with firm leaders, emerging professionals, NOMAS students, and allied professionals that showcase diversity in the design field.

NOMA acknowledges outstanding projects by member chapters, firms and practitioners, finalists for the Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition, and outstanding achievements by NOMA Chapters and members at the Annual Awards Banquet. Elevation of the member work as best in the industry will be honored at the Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards.