NOMA announces new member benefit

Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW) and NOMA have partnered to create a discount program for NOMA members.  The discount varies and includes hardware and software.   You must be a current paid member in order to take advantage of the program. Download announcement.

(9/5/2006)

Chapter of the Year Award Guidelines

Has your NOMA chapter made significant strides this year?  Do you want to share your progress and ideas with other NOMA members?  If so, your chapter can submit for the Chapter of the Year Award which will be announced at the Annual Conference in October.  Winners will also be selected for Member of the Year and the Founder's Award.  Download guidelines here.

(09/05/06)

Thompson Makes History

The National Organization of Minority Architects was contacted in May by producers Matthew Asner and Danny Gold of The History Channel to find a young talented architect to appear on the pilot of a new show entitled The ArchiTECHS.  Mr. Asner and Mr. Gold were looking for an architect with experience working on skyscrapers, or large buildings, to include in the cast on an upcoming episode on future skyscrapers and building safety.  The episode was to be shot in New York City for three days between June 20th and June 23rd.  The summary of the program’s concept stated that “The ArchiTECHS is a show that takes a team of futuristic out of the box thinkers, at the top of their particular fields, from various professional backgrounds gathered together to solve current problems through design.”  The NOMA Board recommended a number of candidates from across the country to the producers who in turn contacted the individuals and executed quick phone interviews before settling on long-time NOMA member, Andrew Thompson.  Andrew was an ideal candidate due to his experience working on the World Trade Center Building, hospitals, and other high-rise structures.    Mr. Thompson recounts his experience below:

Filming one of the pilots for the History Channel was a great experience. It was a charrette with five characters from very different backgrounds; science fiction author, an industrial designer, a Hollywood CGI specialist, a rocket scientist and myself, the architect. The problem was to design a solution for escaping a high rise fire and getting firefighters to the fire safely and efficiently. We slept in a firehouse for three days, that was cool. We also hung out and talked with NYC firefighters on what they go through in fighting a high rise fire. We had to do a real life scenario in which we had accompanied volunteer firefighters at a training facility in a controlled fire! It was hot man! We came up with some very interesting solutions and can't wait to see them presented on the show. It gave me a new experience on how architects should always think about code and fire safety when designing any high rise, or even mid-rise structure.

Mr. Asner felt that Andrew was a wonderful person for the cast and was grateful to NOMA for its help in finding a qualified candidate.  The television pilot is scheduled to air in September with hopes for being expanded to additional episodes.  Congratulations to Andrew for making the cast and representin’!

(9/2/2006)

Johnson Jones Donates to NOMA Rebuild Efforts

Johnson Jones Architects Planners Inc., based out of Princeton, New Jersey, has become the first NOMA firm to donate to the organization’s rebuild efforts in the Gulf Coast.  Mr. Oliver Franklin, Sr., a principal with the firm, presented a check for $2,500 to the NOMA Board during its 3rd Quarter Meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in August.  NOMA has been continually acting to support its members affected by Hurricanes Katrina & Rita, as well as working behind the scenes to insure the participation of minority firms in the rebuilding of New Orleans.  A number of local minority firms have already benefited from the professional networking accomplished on behalf of NOMA.  The organization is currently in negotiations with Southern University to establish a Community Design Resource Center (SUNOMA) and is speaking with other organizations to partner to provide community assistance.  The generous donation from Johnson Jones will enable NOMA to continue its efforts to help members and the community.  For more information about Johnson Jones please visit their website at www.johnsonjones.com

(9/2/2006)

Call For Entries 2006 Design Award Competition

Now is the time to submit your entry for the 2006 Design Award Competition.  Complete competition rules are available here.  The deadline for receipt of materials is Friday September 29, 2006 at 5:00 PM PT.  Download Postcard Flyer

(8/8/2006)

2006 Conference Keynote Speaker Announced

For over 40 years, Reverend Cecil Williams has expanded the limits of spirituality, compassion and diversity as CEO and Minister of Liberation of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco. As minister, author, social activist, lecturer, community leader and spokesperson for the poor and marginalized, Reverend Williams is respected and recognized as a national leader on the forefront of change. His ministry underscores his roots in liberation theology and his commitment to explore and define spirituality that is both meaningful and relevant. Rev. Williams challenges his congregation to place action above apathy, community above isolation, and the force of faith, hope and love above traditional religious symbolism. His vision for the 21st century church can be seen in Glide’s unique and powerful blend of spirituality, principled compassion, and cutting edge programs for those most in need.

With a membership of over 11,000 and located in the heart of the city’s toughest neighborhoods, Glide is one of the fastest growing United Methodist churches in America. People of all races, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, social classes, ages, faiths, and sexual orientations join together at every Sunday Celebration to experience the energy of spiritual liberation coupled with the fusion of jazz, blues and gospel performed by the renowned Glide Ensemble choir and the Change Band. Rev. Cecil Williams is married to Janice Mirikitani, President of the Glide Foundation and Executive Director of Glide Programs. Together, they have created a radical and unique partnership, bringing a powerful yet sensitive direction to Glide’s many social programs.

NOMA is proud to have Rev. Williams as its keynote speaker to explore the topics of social activism, community leadership, and socio-economic change and their relationship to architecture and architectural design.

(8/8/2006)