President’s Circle

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It is important that our industry responds by bringing people together in sustainable ways.

Champions

  • American Institute of Architects
  • Bjarke Ingels Group
  • Cannon Design
  • Cuningham Group Architecture
  • DLR Group, Inc.
  • Ennead Architects LLP
  • Enterprise Community Partners
  • Gensler
  • HOK
  • Kohler Co.
  • Moody Nolan
  • NCARB
  • Perkins & Will
  • POPULOUS
  • Quinn Evans Architecture Inc.
  • SOM
  • ZGF

Patrons

  • CallisonRTKL
  • Corgan
  • DES Architects + Engineers
  • JCJ Architecture
  • Little
  • Shepley Bulfinch
  • Steinberg Hart

Supporters

  • BAR Architects & Interiors
  • Bergmeyer
  • Brick Architecture & Interiors
  • Davis Partnership Architects
  • EwingCole
  • HED
  • HGA Architects & Engineers
  • HLW International LLP
  • Kreuck Sexton Architects
  • Kohn Pederson Fox Associates PC
  • KTGY Architecture + Planning
  • Lionakis
  • Mithun
  • Morris Adjmi Architects
  • Strada Architecture LLC
  • Taylor Design

Friends

  • BAR Architects
  • BDA Architecture & Planning
  • Bora Architecture and Interiors
  • Boulder Associates Architects
  • BRR Architecture
  • Crawford Architects LLC
  • David Baker Partnership
  • DIGSAU ARCHITECTURE PC
  • DSGN Associates, Inc.
  • Encore Architects
  • Environmental Works
  • Field Paoli Architects
  • Finegold Alexander Architects
  • Flad Architects
  • Flansburgh Architects
  • HKS Inc.
  • Hub + Weber Architects
  • Isgenuity LLC
  • KEPHART Community :: Planning:: Architecture
  • LS3P
  • M.Thrailkill.Architects LLC
  • MASS Design Group
  • Marble Fairbanks Architects
  • Monograph
  • Moseley Architects
  • Plot Strategies
  • RDC Collaborative
  • Ruhl Studio Architects
  • Salazar Architect Inc.
  • Selldorf Architects
  • Sherwin-Williams
  • Snow Kreilich Architects
  • SSOE Group
  • Studio VARA
  • Tulane School of Architecture
  • University of Washington

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) was formed nearly 50 years ago to represent the needs of African American architects. Founded in 1971 at the AIA conference in Detroit, only six years after the passing of the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965, enabling all citizens unrestricted voting rights, the purpose of NOMA was to bolster and provide support for the handful of Black licensed architects around the country. Today, NOMA is a haven for architects of all origins who seek inclusion in the design industry. We continue to advocate for the licensure of African American architects (who account for only two percent of all licensed architects today), as well as those from other from underrepresented backgrounds. NOMA is extremely hopeful about the profession’s future due to the strong presence of student leaders from over 80 schools across the U.S. and Canada. As we continue to support our NOMA students (NOMAS), we anticipate they will be major contributors to our field, and we are proud of the work they are doing right now to prepare for the future. 

Building Cultural Change 

As the world’s population grows, and our building needs continue to evolve, NOMA is taking note and responding. Two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in cities or other urban centers by 2050 (United Nations). By 2045, the U.S. population will become mostly non-white (Brookings Institute). We racial problems we face today will only be exacerbated as density increases and cultural divides expand. It is important that our industry responds by bringing people together in sustainable ways. One method of modeling the solutions our broader society requires is by enhancing the diversity within our own ranks as a profession. In recent years, architecture firms and allied businesses have sought support and assistance from NOMA in strengthening their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. We currently are building the necessary infrastructure to meet these needs on a larger scale. To help address these issues, NOMA created the President’s Circle (PC). NOMA PC members will work with NOMA to plan for a future that is more diverse, dense, culturally complex, and resourced challenged. Architecture and design organizations need to look at internal processes, practices, and culture to evaluate how to meet not only the needs of a diverse culture today, but the culture of the future, too. 

Corporate Membership Program

The NOMA President’s Circle Corporate Membership is an annual membership that provides member benefits and specialized diversity and inclusion consulting services. Architecture firms and allied businesses seek support and assistance from NOMA in strengthening their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. They want support in:  

  • Building a repository of information, best practices, and potential subject matter experts to assist architecture firms in strengthening their diversity efforts. 
  • Using emerging benchmarks and standards to help in the assessment of DEI efforts. 
  • Exploring ways to deliver DEI content and strengths across architectural firms’ networks and within business opportunities.  

Membership at most of the levels outlined below will receive DEI consulting services from NOMA providers to help guide talent recruitment, retention, and culture building practices in an effort to create and sustain an optimally diverse corporate environment. Each annual membership will include local and national level dues for individuals. PC members are also eligible for preferred pricing on additional memberships, consulting and conference registration.  

President’s Circle Corporate Membership Levels

Corporate Champion: DEI Consulting Services for 16 hours, four (4) NOMA yearly memberships valued at up to $1,400, two (2) invitations to the NOMA National Conference Annual Awards Dinner, and 10 percent off of all additional NOMA Memberships ordered through your President’s Circle Membership. Members will be promoted on the NOMA website and on promotional materials. Cost: $15,000

Corporate Patron: DEI Consulting Services for 8 hours, three (3) NOMA yearly memberships valued at up to $1,050, one (1) invitation to the NOMA National Conference Annual Awards Dinner, and 10 percent off of all additional NOMA Memberships ordered through your President’s Circle Membership. Members will be promoted on the NOMA website and on promotional materials. Cost: $10,000

Corporate Supporter: DEI Consulting Services for 4 hours, two (2) NOMA yearly memberships valued at up to $700, and 10 percent off of all additional NOMA Memberships ordered through your President’s Circle Membership. Members will be promoted on the NOMA website and on promotional materials. Cost: $5,000  

Corporate Friend: One (1) NOMA yearly membership valued at up to $350 and 10 percent off of all additional NOMA Memberships ordered through your President’s Circle Membership. Members will be promoted on the NOMA website and on promotional materials. Cost: $1,000 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NOMA President’s Circle?

The NOMA President’s Circle is a Corporate Membership is an organizational/firm annual membership that provides member benefits such membership discounts and customized diversity and inclusion consulting services.

What does the President’s Circle membership include?

The membership includes a customizable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting experience with an appointed consultant, complimentary membership based on level, and 10 percent off NOMA non-conference activities and products.

How long does the President’s Circle membership last?

The President’s Circle membership is a yearly corporate membership, ending one year from the day you signed up.

As a President’s Circle member, what discounts can I receive?

President Circle members get 10 percent off of non-conference activities and products.

Can we sign up for the President’s Circle if no one in our firm is a NOMA member?

Yes, any organization or firm can join NOMA’s President Circle with or without firm employees being in NOMA. However, we encourage anyone who supports NOMA’s mission to become a NOMA member, in addition to supporting the President’s Circle.

Do the President’s Circle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting hours roll over to the next calendar year?

No. We will work with organizations to fulfill their hours within your membership year as best we can.

What do DEI consulting hours consist of?

Depending on the membership level, firms receive 16, 8, or 4 hours of consulting hours. NOMA will send an initial onboarding survey to your firm to understand your initial DEI consulting interests and needs. Based on your needs, NOMA will assign a consultant to your organization to start the consulting conversation and prepare for a virtually facilitated conversation or presentation, depending on your consulting hours package. Organizations with 16 or 8 hour packages will receive additional consulting hours and advising. A final report of next steps will be provided by the consultant, commensurate with the level of service hours. During COVID-19, all presentations and conversations will be held in virtual formats.

Is the President’s Circle considered a NOMA conference sponsorship?

No, President’s Circle is a NOMA program not a NOMA Conference sponsorship. For more info on NOMA conference sponsorship view the prospectus.

Can we choose the DEI consultant?

NOMA has selected leading experts to assist President’s Circle members with their consulting hours. NOMA will appoint a consultant to fulfill your requirements.

How will DEI hours be fulfilled during COVID-19?

Due to the current pandemic, DEI hours will be held virtually.

In addition to the consulting services included with the membership, are there other workshops or classes that NOMA holds for members?

As NOMA members, you are invited to participate in NOMA webinars and local chapter events which will be shared via email and the NOMA membership portal. Once a year, members gather for the NOMA conference. President Circle members are encouraged to attend this content-packed event to network, gain CEU credits, present on panels, and listen along with their fellow-NOMA colleagues and friends.

Does my President’s Circle membership allow me to host a NOMA Foundation Fellow (NFF)?

The NOMA Foundation Fellowship (NFF) is funded through a donation by the AIA Large Firm Roundtable. NFF placement priority therefore goes to AIA Large Firm Roundtable members. If you are interested in hosting a NOMAS intern consider posting the position on NOMA.jobs.net.

How can I hire NOMA members?

If you are interested in hiring a NOMA member or NOMAS student member, you can post positions on the Job Board. President’s Circle members have until December 31, 2020, to list jobs on the NOMA Job Board for free. For more information, go to NOMA.jobs.net.

Can we prorate a NOMA membership if we join halfway through the year?

No, as a fundraising program, the membership can not be prorated. Your membership will last one year from the day you sign up.

Would it be allowable to consider my new membership under the PC if I quickly changed to PC membership? Will my employees or I get a refund?

Yes we would refund your individual payment under your firm’s Membership plus an additional 10% off of any other memberships for your colleagues interested in joining NOMA.

How long do the individual memberships last under the PC Circle?

Individual Memberships last one calendar year.

How do I receive complimentary memberships and discounts for my employees?

You will be sent an exclusive promotional code that will expire at the end of the calendar year.

What are the DEI curriculum topics if we decided on one of the memberships that had the training component? I would like to better understand the “audience” it caters towards – if everyone in our office from the beginnings in their career to the senior leadership roles and admin/hr/non-designers can benefit.

The DEI hours are based on your firm’s goals. It does begin with Leadership but anyone can benefit from the hours. It can be devoted to diverse talent retention, firm culture, recruitment. They are customized to fit your DEI goals.


To join NOMA’s President Circle or to request more information, email pc@NOMA.net or use the button below: