December 5, 2026

55th ANNUAL Legacy Gala

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55 Years of Shaping the Built Environment

For 55 years, DC NOMA has stood at the intersection of architecture, equity, and community — championing Black design professionals in our nation's capital and beyond. This December, we mark that legacy with an evening unlike any other.

The 55th Legacy Gala brings together architects, designers, educators, students, and allies to honor the individuals and practices who have defined what it means to build with purpose. Join us at Culture House DC — itself a monument to the power of art, resilience, and community — for a night of recognition, reflection, and celebration.

Culture House DC

700 Delaware Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20024

Saturday, December 5, 2026

6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Attire: Cocktail / Black Tie

2026 LGV Award Categories

Honoring Excellence Across the Profession

As part of the 2026 LGV Awards Gala, DC NOMA will recognize excellence, leadership, and impact in the architecture and design community through the following award categories:

Practice & Professional Excellence

Celebrating licensed architects, emerging talent, and firms whose work is setting the standard for the profession today.

Project & Design

Recognizing built and unbuilt work that pushes the boundaries of design thinking and centers community impact.

Scholarship

Supporting emerging architects on their path to licensure through the DC NOMA ARE Scholarship.

Pipeline, Education & Mentorship

Honoring the chapters, members, and programs building the next generation of Black design professionals.

Legacy & Lifetime Honors

The pinnacle of the evening — appointed by the DC NOMA President to recognize a body of work and impact that transcends category.

Award recipients will be announced the evening of December 5th. Nominations are open.
Day One

Arrive & Meet

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Two

Set Intentions & Reflect

Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Three

Look Forward & Wrap Up

We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

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How It Works

  • Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.

  • Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.

  • After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

Book Your Stay

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