History

  • In 1971, a group of African-American architects from different parts of the country met, some for the first time, during the AIA National Convention in Detroit. What these professionals recognized was the desperate need for an organization dedicated to the development and advancement of minority architects. Deciding to put this realization into action, the group chose to meet again on November 12, 1971 at the Paradise Island Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas along with additional founding voices.
  • Present at these founding meetings were William Brown, Leroy Campbell, Wendell Campbell, John S. Chase, James C. Dodd, Kenneth G. Groggs, Nelson Harris, Jeh Johnson, E.H. McDowell, Robert J. Nash, Harold Williams, Robert Wilson, Pedro F. Lopez, and Louis Fry Sr. These licensed architects wanted minority design professionals to work together to fight discriminatory policies that limit or bar minority architects from participating in design and constructions programs.

Spotlight

In Memoriam: Dr. Richard K. Dozier December 06, 2021

Remembering Dr. Richard K. Dozier, NOMA on of the nations foremost architecture educators teaching at Yale, Tuskegee and FAMU
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In Memoriam: Leopold Ray-Lynch December 16, 2021

Leopold Ray-Lynch, AIA, NOMA was the former West Region Vice President of NOMA. His career in the Bay area spanned a quarter of a century.
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In Memoriam: Drucie Chase January 19, 2021

Drucie Chase, wife of NOMA Founder John Chase leaves behind a legacy of leadership and excellence in the arts.
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In Memoriam: Jeh Johnson, Founder January 27, 2021

Professor and architect Jeh Vincent Johnson passed away on January 27th, 2021 at Vassar Brothers Hospital at the age of 89.
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In Memoriam: Lonnie Hewitt, Jr. January 25, 2021

Lonnie Hewitt, Jr., a native of New Orleans, LA passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at the age of 75.
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In Memoriam: Robert Coles, Pioneer, Dies at 90 Robert Coles May 16, 2020

"He was the first black architect I ever knew about, and was a positive role model to me and others who worked under him," said Michael Wright, a senior architect and project manager at University at Buffalo's Facilities Planning and Design.
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Chasing Perfection: The Work and Life of Architect John S. Chase John S. Chase February 01, 2019

On June 7, 1950, at the University of Texas in Austin, John Saunders Chase became the first African American to enroll at a major university in the South. Chase later became the first licensed African American architect in Texas.   Chase was the first African American to be admitted to the Texas Society of Architects, and the Houston Chapter of the American...
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In Memoriam: Van Bruner, New Jersey Architect Mary P. Bruner July 10, 2020

Van started his own business, The Bruner Firm in 1968 while serving as Chairman of the Building Construction, Engineering Technology Department of the Spring Garden Institute of Philadelphia.
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In Memoriam: Mortimer Mercer Marshall Jr, NOMAC, FAIA, FCSI February 14, 2019

Mortimer Mercer Marshall Jr, a NOMA Council member, distinguished AIA Fellow, a Construction Specifications Institute Fellow, and Whitney Young Jr Award recipient passed away early this week.   Marshall was President of The Marshall Group, a family-owned Reston, Virginia firm specializing in architecture, interiors, construction management... 
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In Memoriam: Mr. Harry Lee Overstreet-- Berkeley architect, politician, activist Harry Lee Overstreet December 11, 2019

Mr. Harry Lee Overstreet-- well-known Berkeley architect, politician, and civil rights activist-- died on November 24 at the age of 81 years old.
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