Understanding ADA Standards and User-Centered Design

Designing accessible restrooms requires an understanding of why such standards exist. By becoming familiar with the unique needs of various users, architects and designers can better design restrooms that satisfy ADA standards for toilet compartments, lavatories, accessory operability and beyond. When requirements for clearances, mounting heights, protrusion and turning radiuses are satisfied—and the appropriate products are used in doing so—the result is a compliant, user-friendly restroom that supports the building owner’s goals. This course reviews relevant requirements, strategies and

solutions for achieving accessible, and in some cases, universal, design.

Join us for an inspiring evening of connection, reflection, and storytelling at NOMAS Legacy Night 2026, hosted by the Catholic University of America NOMAS chapter in collaboration with UMD, UDC, Howard, and Morgan State.

This annual inter-chapter event celebrates the legacy of NOMAS by bringing together students, alumni, and professionals in architecture and design. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, Legacy Night creates a space to honor the journeys of minority architects while fostering mentorship and community across generations.

This year’s theme, “Finding Your Voice in Architecture,” invites attendees to explore how identity, experience, and perspective shape design and professional paths. Hear directly from alumni and practitioners as they reflect on their careers, challenges, and the ways they have carved out their voices within the field.

Whether you are a student seeking guidance, a young professional navigating your path, or an alum looking to reconnect, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage, learn, and build lasting connections.

Join DCNOMA for an immersive, hands-on workshop that explores the powerful connection between family history, place, and the built environment.

Tracing Our Roots: Mapping Ancestry Through Place and Story invites participants to build upon discoveries from our March session and begin transforming their research into a visual, interactive StoryMap.

This is more than a genealogy workshop—it’s an opportunity to become a history detective, uncovering where your family lived, worked, and moved over time, and connecting those stories to broader cultural and spatial narratives.

Through guided instruction and live demonstration, participants will learn how to translate historical records into a compelling visual story that maps their lineage across time and place.

During this workshop, participants will:

• Share discoveries about their family’s history and migration patterns

• Learn how to map locations using census data, city directories, and historical records

• Create a digital StoryMap that visually represents their ancestral journey

• Explore how to incorporate images and storytelling into their narrative

• Engage in a live StoryMaps tutorial and collaborative sharing session

By the end of the workshop, each participant will walk away with a visual representation of their family history, rooted in both personal narrative and geographic context.

Curtain Walls, Window Walls and Storefronts - Use cases and differences

Presented by Gutmann North America - 1 LU/HSW This course provides an in-depth examination of glazed wall systems, focusing on the distinctions between curtainwalls, window walls, and storefront systems. Participants will gain insights into structural considerations, wind load management, water infiltration strategies,and system selection criteria based on project needs. The course will also cover installation methods, performance characteristics, and advancements in unitizedcurtain wall systems, helping architects make informed decisions when specifying these façade solutions.

In collaboration with the Family History Center team, join us as they share their journeys in conducting public genealogy at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

This program will explore the tools for tracing your family tree, highlight case studies in African American genealogy, and test your knowledge with trivia. This session will end with a live Q + A.

This is a free, member exclusive event and requires a promo code to participate. Register on Eventbrite, Link in Bio.

DCNOMA is excited to introduce a new chapter initiative launching this year: the DCNOMA Professional Practice Series—a monthly CEU program created by and for our members.

This series is one of several updates coming from the DCNOMA Professional Practice Committee, a growing group of DCNOMA members focused on strengthening technical knowledge, professional growth, and practice-based resources across the chapter.

Our first session, presented by Pella Mid-Atlantic Windows & Doors, will explore how architects evaluate windows in existing buildings—when to repair, rehabilitate, or replace—while balancing preservation, performance, and modernization.

This initiative reflects DCNOMA’s continued commitment to:

• Supporting licensure and continuing education

• Expanding member-exclusive professional resources

• Strengthening partnerships with aligned industry organizations

• Growing collaboration with NOMA chapters and partners, including BMORE NOMA

🎟 Free for DCNOMA Members
🎟 Paid registration required for non-members

Join Howard University for their First Lecture of Spring 2026 featuring Brian Ward & Michael Solomon

DCNOMA is proud to share that Anna McCorvey, our newly appointed Director of Advocacy, will join Mayor Alyia Gaskins and author Sam J. Miller for a timely conversation on how policy, design, and imagination can help build healthier, more equitable cities.

Anna brings her advocacy and community-centered design experience from the 11th Street Bridge Park, where she works to ensure longtime residents can thrive in place—values that directly align with DCNOMA’s advocacy priorities.

Attendees may receive a free copy of Blackfish City (while supplies last).
Doors open at 5:30 PM | Program begins at 6:00 PM | Light reception to follow

We encourage DCNOMA members to attend and show support for Anna and DCNOMA leadership.

The new Executive DCNOMA Board will meet in person to discuss the year ahead, bond and finalize DCNOMA strategic action plan.

Monthly on the last Monday, until Dec 2, 2025.

Virtual link is emailed out to DCNOMA members. If you want to join the group and need the link please email Mika Yamaguchi at mikaymgch@gmail.com

ARCH Fall Fest: Building Community Through Design

Presented by DC NOMA x Pella Mid-Atlantic
November 18, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 PM | Capital Turnaround, DC

Join DC NOMA and Pella Mid-Atlantic for ARCH Fall Fest, an evening celebrating architecture, culture, and community impact. Enjoy networking, raffle prizes, a pumpkin design contest, and an AIA-accredited tour (1 LU) of The Capital Turnaround led by MTFA Architects, Pella Mid-Atlantic, and the project GC.

This fundraiser supports DC NOMA’s mission to advance diversity and equity in architecture — helping provide scholarships, ARE support, and financial assistance for members and students.

Experience seasonal bites, live music, and good vibes while giving back to a cause that builds opportunity and connection across our profession.

Let’s celebrate design, culture, and purpose — together.

Discussing board improvements and upcoming agenda items.

BLUEPRINTS & BRUSHSTROKES DEBUTS AT SYCAMORE & OAK

This summer, Sycamore & Oak and DCNOMA proudly present Blueprints & Brushstrokes — a powerful one-night outdoor exhibition celebrating the intersection of art, architecture, and community.

Set in the heart of Congress Heights, this event uplifts Black culture and design excellence through large-scale displays of community-centered architectural projects and original works from local minority artists. Attendees will experience a vibrant evening of creativity, conversation, and culture — from immersive art installations to a special book signing with acclaimed architect Pascale Sablan.

The event is open to the public and will take place at Sycamore & Oak. Tickets are required for entry.

Discussing board improvements and upcoming agenda items.