NOMA Conference is NOMA’s premier yearly gathering that brings together architects, designers, students, and allied professionals from across the country for a few days of learning, networking, and community-building. The conference features keynote speakers, professional development sessions, firm and recruiter engagement, design and industry conversations, and events that celebrate the impact of diverse leadership in the built environment.
If you’re looking to grow your network, sharpen your skills, and connect with people doing meaningful work in architecture and design, this is the place to be. Register for the NOMA Conference and join thousands of attendees who are advancing design excellence, equity, and opportunity across our profession.
Meet us at noma conference 2026 in South Florida
Call for seminars is now open!
2026 Annual NOMA Conference | The Leading Edge lands October 14–18 in South Florida.
If your work advances practice, equity, innovation, and design excellence, this is your moment—submit a seminar proposal.
Seminar submissions close January 23.
Want first access to conference updates + exclusive discounts?
2026 Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition
The 2026 Barbara G. Laurie (BGL) NOMA Student Design Competition brief is out! Round 1 submissions are due June 27, 2026 (11:59 pm Pacific Time), with Round 2 finalist submissions due September 20, 2026 (11:59 pm Pacific Time). This year’s challenge centers on Historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami—designing a living museum + cultural/resiliency hub + Marine Life Research & Education Center that uplifts civil rights history while addressing coastal resilience and ecological stewardship.
Where to submit + key resources
All Round 1 and Round 2 submissions must be uploaded to submit.noma.net (the submission page opens one week prior to each deadline).
Round 2 includes templates housed on NOMA Connect (for the required 11x17 PDF summary sheets).
Reminder: Do not include your university/school name or logo on any presentation materials or the model.
New / emphasized this year
Clear two-part structure: Round 1 virtual jury presentations → Top 12 invited to Round 2 in-person at the conference.
Submission specifics are strict (sizes, slide count, embedded video rules, file naming).
Audience decorum + social media restrictions: No posting project/team identifiers before winners are announced; in-person behavior expectations are explicitly outlined.
Judging criteria explicitly include a proposed community engagement strategy, plus design excellence (AIA Framework measures + NOMA values), sustainability, feasibility, and presentation quality.
2026 Schedule
April 3, 2026: Deadline for questions on competition rules/program/schedule
April 10, 2026: Virtual townhall with local/community stakeholders
May 1, 2026: Deadline to submit NOMAS Chapter Report at submit.noma.net (intent to compete is non-committal)
June 27, 2026 (11:59 pm PT): Round 1 submission deadline
July 2026 (TBA): Round 1 virtual presentations (recorded)
August 2026: Top 12 teams notified (advance to Round 2)
September 20, 2026 (11:59 pm PT): Round 2 submission deadline (finalists)
October 15, 2026: Round 2 in-person presentations in Miami during the NOMA Conference
October 16, 2026: Awards Banquet + winners announced
As always, please route questions through your University Liaison (especially site history/culture/community questions), and plan ahead for travel if you advance—Round 2 is in-person only.