DCNOMA CHAPTER HISTORY

The Washington, DC Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (DCNOMA) has played a vital role in advancing equity, representation, and excellence in the built environment. This history documents the chapter’s roots, leadership, programs, and milestones—from its connection to NOMA’s founding through decades of advocacy, education, and community impact.

Origins of NOMA & Washington, DC’s Early Role

Following early conversations at the 1971 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference in Detroit, twelve Black architects convened on November 12, 1971, at the Paradise Island Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas. That meeting launched what would soon formalize into the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), an organization that has since grown to include more than 35 professional chapters and over 80 student chapters nationwide.

Washington, DC quickly emerged as a central location in NOMA’s history. The city hosted multiple early national conferences, including the 4th (1974), 5th (1975), 8th and 9th (1978) National NOMA Conferences—establishing DC as a hub for national dialogue, organizing, and professional exchange.

Legacy Leadership: Louis E. Fry Sr., FAIA, NOMA

Louis E. Fry Sr., FAIA, NOMA (1903–2000) was a foundational figure in both Washington, DC’s architectural history and the broader NOMA legacy. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, the University of Kansas, and Harvard University, Fry served as chair of architecture departments at Lincoln University, Tuskegee University, and Howard University.

In 1954, he co-founded Fry and Welch, a Washington, DC–based firm responsible for significant educational and civic projects, including Founders Library and Douglass Hall at Howard University. A member of the AIA for more than 50 years, Fry’s professional and academic leadership helped shape generations of architects and laid groundwork for DCNOMA’s future influence.

National Conferences & Student movement (1990s)

Washington, DC continued its national leadership role by hosting the 20th National NOMA Conference in 1992. This conference marked a pivotal moment with the formal creation of NOMA Students (NOMAS), supported by institutions including Howard University and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Subsequent conferences hosted in DC—including the 26th National Conference in 1998—reinforced the chapter’s commitment to mentorship, professional access, and student development.

Service, Advocacy & Community Partnerships (2005–2010)

Between 2005 and 2010, DCNOMA expanded its influence through advocacy, education, and partnerships. Under the leadership of chapter presidents including William Ngutter (2005) and Bernard Suber (2010), DCNOMA strengthened relationships with organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ACE Mentoring Program, EPA, AIA, APA’s Planning and the Black Community Division, and the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.

Key initiatives during this period included:

  • FocusOnDesign Symposium participation and Lifetime Achievement Awards

  • Black History Month celebrations at national landmarks

  • Early ARE preparation seminars hosted at Howard University

  • Community service projects with Friends of Tyler School

  • Expansion of CEU programming and scholarships

These efforts positioned DCNOMA as both a professional resource and a civic advocate..

Program Expansion & Cross-Industry Collaboration (2013)

By 2013, DCNOMA broadened its programming to include interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and inclusive networking. Highlights included joint events with AAREP, AIA|DC, AGC, SEA, ASHRAE, and others; Women in Architecture lecture series; firm spotlights; workplace wellness seminars; and large-scale project tours such as CityCenterDC.

These programs reflected DCNOMA’s evolving role as a connector—linking architects, allied professionals, students, and community stakeholders.