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 conference theme, The EXCHANGE, conveys the sharing of ideas, partnerships and collaborations; how our communities grow in knowledge, spirit and connection through each EXCHANGE. Our daily EXCHANGES, both big, like attending NOMA Conference, or small, like coffee with a colleague, have the power to ignite positive change and fuel our future advancements. We must be active participants in the EXCHANGE; it is these acts that facilitate a better tomorrow. Let us come together in Baltimore, in partnership with the Bmore NOMA chapter, to uphold our mission, celebrate our members and EXCHANGE in conversations to advocate for the underrepresented and create lasting change.

Charm City awaits your visit!

                                                  local ideas + national impact

SPEAKERS

Over 50 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.

NETWORKING

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

RECOGNITION

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.

NOMA’s mission is to empower our local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development, and mentorship.

• 1,500+ architects, designers and allied professionals
• 500+ students from accredited schools of architecture
• 70+ exhibitors from nationally recognized firms, organizations, and universities
• 40+ teams competing in the Student Design Competition
• 30+ member firms competing in the Professional Design Awards
• 40+ professional NOMA Chapters competing for the competitive Chapter of the Year
• 3000+ members to consider for the coveted Member of the Year