Why Equity Matters

Architecture has a problem when it comes to representation. Of the approximately 122,000 architects in the United States and its territories, 24% are women, 4% identify as Hispanic or Latino, and 2% identify as Black, according to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Just 0.4% of licensed professionals—532, at the time of publication—identify as Black women, according to the Directory of African American Architects.

For 50 years, the National Organization of Minority Architects has been an advocate and leader for the creation of just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive outcomes in the built environment. In 1971, 12 African American architects from across the country met, some for the first time, at the AIA National Convention in Detroit. These professionals recognized the dire need for an organization dedicated to the development and advancement of designers of color—and Black architects in particular. This meeting set the foundation and vision for what would become NOMA.

Today, at nearly 3,000 members strong and with 117 professional and student chapters, the nonprofit organization continues to champion diversity in design through education, professional development, advocacy, and activism. And more in the profession are joining in.

The American Institute of Architects has taken steps to advance equity both in the profession at large and internally, examining its own operations, policies, initiatives, and more. In 2009, AIA and NOMA signed their first Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on efforts to increase the diversity of the profession. The MOU, which has been renewed several times since, remains in effect.

We have seen progress, starting with the design community’s widespread—though belated—acknowledgment of systemic racism and discrimination. But we can do more faster and better together.

An abridged version of this introduction opens the October 2021 issue of ARCHITECT. The number of architects and the number of Black female architects have been updated here.

The National Organization of Minority Architects

Guest Editor
Jason Pugh, AIA, NOMA
President 2021–2022

Guest Contributors
Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA
President-Elect 2023–2024

Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC

Past President 2019–2020

R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC

Past President 2009–2010

Tiffany Brown, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Executive Director

Tiffany Mayhew, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Program Manager

Amber LaCroix, NOMA Allied Professional

Communications

• Why Equity Matters

  ARCHITECT's October 2021 issue, guest edited by the National Organization of Minority Architects, showcases the achievements of the broad and diverse design community. But it also serves as a call to action.

  

• The Pursuit and Promise of Equity in Architecture

  For Black architects, this is a moment of energy, hope, and caution. Will change happen?

  

• 50 Years of NOMA: A Timeline

  As the National Organization of Minority Architects celebrates its golden anniversary, take a look back at events, individuals, and projects that helped propel diversity and inclusion in design.

  

• How HBCUs Benefit Architects and Architecture

  Historically Black colleges and universities have an invaluable role in diversifying the design community and profession.

  

• Giving to the Profession Can Also Be Fulfilling Personally

  Joining an industry or association at the national, regional, and local levels can strengthen your connection to your discipline as well as to other individuals, communities, and networks.

  

• Next Progressives: Soft-Firm

  This New York-based interdisciplinary “brain-trust” generates concept-driven and iterative approaches across different scales—all while having serious fun along the way.

  

• Confronting the Legacy of Inequity in Architectural Lighting

  Chromatic co-founder Lauren Dandridge is determined to make a difference through her design expertise—and motivate others in the lighting industry to do the same.

  

• 5 Building Product Manufacturers and Designers of Color

  Architects looking for quality interior products—and a more diverse list of suppliers—can turn to companies such as Studio PGRB and Clare Paint.

  

• On the Road to Washington, Jason Pugh Reflects on NOMA’s Power and Future

  On a drive to deliver donated computers to several historically Black colleges and universities in D.C., the 2021-2022 National Organization of Minority Architects president shares his hopes for the organization.