Summary

NOMA 2026 · The Leading Edge

Where Legacy Meets the Future

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.

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

Keynote speaker at a past NOMA Annual Conference

Featured Voices

Learn from the Visionaries Shaping Our World

At the NOMA Annual Conference, our stage is a platform for the industry's most influential voices and rising disruptors. We bring together a diverse roster of speakers—from world-renowned architects and urban planners to policy makers and community advocates—all dedicated to the mission of justice and equity in the built environment. Expect to engage with experts who aren't just discussing the future of design; they are actively building it.

Vital Haven

Networking: Connections with Purpose

Surround yourself with a powerhouse network of change-makers. At NOMA, networking isn't just about exchanging business cards; it's about finding your "vital haven" within the industry. Connect with an unparalleled collective of students, practitioners, and allied professionals who showcase the true power of diversity in design. Build the relationships today that will shape your career—and the communities you serve—for years to come.

NOMA Conference attendees networking together

NOMA Awards Banquet recognition ceremony group photo

Awards & Honors

Celebrating Excellence in Design and Leadership

Each year, the NOMA Annual Awards Banquet serves as a premier event to honor the visionary work of our practitioners, firms, and student chapters. From the technical mastery displayed in the Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards to the innovative solutions of the Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition finalists, we elevate the projects that define the best of our industry. Join us as we recognize the outstanding achievements of our NOMA and NOMAS members who continue to lead with excellence and purpose.

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