NOMA 2026 · The Leading Edge

Building Resilience Where Cultures, Coasts, and Communities Meet.

The NOMA Annual Conference is more than a gathering; it is the heartbeat of a movement. For over five decades, we have convened to celebrate excellence, challenge the status quo, and build the infrastructure for a more just profession. Join us as we continue this journey of transformation.

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) is a nonprofit serving as the premier advocate for equity and inclusion within architecture and design, representing a growing collective of students and professionals. NOMA's mission is to ensure every voice has the power to shape the built environment. Since its founding in 1971 to support the pioneering few Black licensed architects, NOMA has evolved into an essential anchor of over 4,000 members of all origins, working tirelessly to increase the representation of underrepresented groups through advocacy, professional development, and design excellence. NOMA empowers its members to shape a more equitable profession that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

1,500+Annual NOMA Conference Participants
 
4,000+NOMA Members
 
47+Professional NOMA Chapters
 
130+NOMA Student Chapters
 
1,500+Annual NOMA Conference Participants
 
4,000+NOMA Members
 
47+Professional NOMA Chapters
 
130+NOMA Student Chapters
 
A Welcome Letter

Welcome to The Leading Edge!

NOMA South Florida is thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant city for NOMA's 55th Annual Conference. Facing challenges like rising seas, equitable development, and housing affordability, we lead with creativity and collaboration—because resilience here means investing in people, empowering communities, and ensuring design uplifts everyone. This year's theme, The Leading Edge, pushes boundaries in technology, leadership, and resilient design, honoring a city whose transformation has always been driven by diverse voices.

As you explore South Florida, immerse yourself in our neighborhoods—from the creative energy of Wynwood and the historic streets of Overtown to Little Havana's rhythms and our coastal beaches. Thank you to the SoFloNOMA Chapter, our local AEC community, and our partners for making this moment shine.

On behalf of SoFloNOMA, welcome to The Leading Edge.

Cheers,

Amanda Barton, NOMA, AIA

Vice President, HKS Inc.
SoFloNOMA Vice President & Conference Chair

Amanda Barton, SoFloNOMA Vice President and Conference Chair
 
announcing

Our 2026 Keynote Speaker

 

One voice shaping the future of design, justice, and community. Join us in South Florida as she takes the main stage at The Leading Edge.

Wanda Dalla Costa, Opening Keynote Speaker
Opening Keynote
Thursday, October 15 · 9:15 AM

Wanda Dalla Costa

Trailblazing Architect · Educator · Champion of Indigenous Place-Keeping

Wanda Dalla Costa has spent nearly three decades co-designing with Indigenous communities across North America, working to ensure the built environment reflects the knowledge, practices, and aspirations of the people it serves. Her career offers a model for culturally responsive, community-driven design practice.

 
 
 
 
Our Collective

Members Come From Every Design Discipline

NOMA's growing collective represents every voice across the built environment — from students to seasoned professionals, educators to economic officials. Our members come from a wide range of design disciplines, including:

Architecture, Engineering & Planning Students of Architecture Interior Designers Urban Designers Building Operations & Maintenance Landscape Designers Green & Sustainable Designers Revitalization & Economic Development University Faculty & Recruiters Emerging Professionals
NOMA Annual Conference gallery — session moment NOMA Annual Conference gallery — attendees engaging NOMA Annual Conference gallery — conference floor
NOMA Annual Conference gallery — networking NOMA Annual Conference gallery — community moment NOMA Annual Conference gallery — networking