joshua cato

Josh Cato is an emerging architect and urban designer based in Washington, DC, whose work centers on resilient, community-driven, and equitable design. With a background that bridges architecture, urban planning, and policy, Josh brings a multidisciplinary lens to addressing the social, environmental, and infrastructural challenges facing communities today.

Previously, Josh served as an Urban Planning and Capacity Building Analyst at The Cadmus Group, where he supported federal initiatives including the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities program. In these roles, he contributed to national efforts focused on reconnecting historically disinvested neighborhoods, strengthening local capacity, and advancing climate resilience through planning and infrastructure.

In addition to his professional practice, Josh is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He currently teaches Foundations of Design at Howard University, where he works closely with students to develop foundational design thinking skills while emphasizing equity, participation, and social impact within the design process.

Josh has been actively involved with the National Organization of Minority Architects throughout his academic and professional journey. He previously served as NOMA’s National Student Representative and currently holds the role of 2026 National Student Leadership Committee Chair, where he helps shape student programming, advocacy, and leadership development at the national level.

Academically, Josh holds a Master of Architecture from University of the District of Columbia, a Master of Resilient Urban Design from Clemson University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from College of Charleston. His education reflects a strong commitment to integrating architecture and planning through participatory processes and community-centered design strategies.

Through his teaching, professional work, and leadership within NOMA, Josh continues to advocate for a more just, resilient, and inclusive built environment—one that is shaped alongside the communities it serves.

Email: historian@districtnoma.org