About the Organization
Foster communications and fellowship among minority architects.
Form a federation of existing and proposed local minority architectural groups.
Fight Discrimination and other selection policies being used by public and private sector clients to unfairly restrict minority architect’s’ participation in design and construction.
Act as a clearinghouse for information and maintain a roster on practitioners.
Promote the design and development of living, working, and recreational environments of the highest
quality.
Create and maintain relationships with other professionals and technicians whose work affects the physical and social environment.
Encourage the establishment of coalitions of member firms and individuals to form associations and joint venture relationships.
Speak with a common voice on public policy.
Work with local, state, and national governments on issues affecting the physical development of neighborhoods and communities.
Be an effective source of motivation and inspiration for minority youth.
NOMA, which thrives only when voluntary members contribute their time and resources, has as its mission
the building of a strong national organization, strong chapters, and strong members for the purpose of
minimizing the effect of racism in architecture.
Strength in NOMA is built through unity in the cause that created the organization. Our impact is felt when
our organization wrestles with the dilemmas that face this nation, particularly as they affect architecture.
There is strength in numbers. By increasing the number of people in this organization, we add strength to the
voice with which we can speak against apathy, bigotry, intolerance, and ignorance; against abuse of the
natural environment; and for the un-empowered, the marginalized and the disenfranchised.
By building a strong organization, we develop a showcase for excellence and creativity which have been
ignored for so long. Through our publications and conferences, we are able to inform the world that minority
professionals have the talent and capabilities to perform in design and construction with any other group.
By building strong chapters of design professionals whose sensibilities and interests include the promotion of
urban communities, we are able to respond to the concerns that affect marginalized communities and
people. Our goals are to increase the level of participation in the social, political and economic benefits
afforded the citizens of this nation and to tear down the barriers that make full participation unattainable.
Chapters give members a base from which to be involved in politics, to visit schools and reach out to children,
to conduct community and civic forums and to responsibly practice in our professional capacities.
Meetings
National Organization of Minority Architects meetings are held bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. in the Hammons School of Architecture.
How to Join
Reaching out to one of the officers of the organization and registering online through NOMA on the national level. Once registered through NOMA that person is part of the organization. And of course, participating in events and meetings.
Group Leaders
Samantha Haney
shaney005@drury.edu
Ahn Vi Do Ha
Campus Advisor
Panos Laventis
Office: Hammons School of Architecture 101-C
Phone: (417) 873-7906
E-Mail: pleventis@drury.edu
At a Glance:
