The field of architecture thrives on the dynamic exchange of ideas and diverse experiences. An architect’s viewpoint is shaped by their global perspective, design training, and cultural heritage. As NOMA continues to expand its reach, our network now spans continents, advancing our mission to connect, advocate, and elevate design excellence within communities of color.

In this spirit of global collaboration, we are excited to welcome three groundbreaking West African practitioners who are redefining architecture across borders. They will share their insights on the shared experiences of designers from the global majority, the future of African design, and the potential for cross-continental connections. These leaders, through their roles as educators, researchers, advocates, artists, and architects, have elevated the profile of Black female architects on the international stage. Their diverse, multidisciplinary approaches reflect a unique diasporic aesthetic that enriches their design practices.

In 2022, Adams established Charm City Cultural Cultivation, a non-profit organization to support and encourage underserved communities in the city of Baltimore through activations and programming conducted by three entities: The Last Resort Artist Retreat, a residency program that subscribes to the concept of leisure as therapy for the Black creative; The Black Baltimore Digital Database, a collaborative counter-institutional space for collecting, storing, and safekeeping the data of local archival initiatives; and Zora’s Den, an online community of Black women writers started in January 2017, which has since expanded to in-person writing workshops, a writers’ circle, and a monthly reading series that strive to promote instruction, support, and social engagement. 

The NOMA conference is organized by NOMA National staff and volunteers, as well as the BMore NOMA chapter. Over 50 educational sessions are offered, featuring a variety of areas of interest for all experience levels and disciplines in the diverse field of architecture. Designers and researchers in the field of architecture, urbanism, landscape design and urban planning submitted proposals for the development of initiatives and design works that make a meaningful contribution for the central theme of the conference. Sessions are reviewed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for continuing education credits, including required Health Safety and Welfare (HSW) designations.

DESIGN

The track will focus on new, award-winning and legacy design projects executed by NOMA members and other professionals that express innovative design strategies in sustainability, material usage and/or technical expertise that was used in an innovative manner. Projects that have had a positive impact on the community that they serve should, along with LEED, BREEAM, Living Building Challenge and WELL buildings will be considered a part of this track.

TECHNICAL

The track will focus on new products and design techniques that introduce and review technical skills, materials, and systems that span all skill levels.

COMMUNITY & JUSTICE

The track will focus on public and civic projects that benefit communities through social and environmental justice and social responsibility. Topics that are tailored towards housing discrimination, education, home equity, environmental justice, and sustainable design will be considered.

The track will be geared toward starting a firm, marketing, firm growth, investing in the future, and succession planning. Seminars that discuss access to capital, recruitment strategies, purchasing, and policies that positively impact people working in the built environment will be considered. This track will also include the development of emerging professionals including internships, ARE, AXP, mentorship, and aide in career growth.

 HEY SMALLTIMORE!

Known as a big city that can feel small, Baltimore is a city where everyone knows everyone, with locals affectionately giving the city the nickname “Smalltimore”. These interactions often begin at public markets and rowhouse stoops, serving as focal points for connection and innovation that have challenged the status quo locally and consequentially, nationwide. This track will feature individuals, projects, and organizations alike that have come together at various scales, outside of traditional practice, across a variety of disciplines to create a grassroots paradigm shift across the country.