EVENTS CALENDAR
Women Who Lead: Power, Practice & Perspective in Architecture
This Women’s Month, join us for a bold conversation on:
Motherhood & leadership
Licensure at different career stages
Immigrant identity in practice
Firm ownership in today’s climate
Latina leadership
Global firms vs. independent practice
Meet the Leaders:
Shamika Godley — Black woman firm owner leading projects from concept to construction with vision and entrepreneurial strength.
Mika Naraynsingh — Immigrant architect shaping influence and visibility within global practice.
Telicious Robinson — Healthcare PM, DCNOMA President, balancing executive leadership, advocacy, and motherhood while pursuing licensure.
Oksana Ramos — First-gen Mexican American architect championing Latina representation and inclusive leadership pathways.
Professional Practice Series SESSION 02 - Curtain Walls, Window Walls and Storefronts - Use cases and differences
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.
Journeys in Genealogy
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 - 2026 SPRING FIRM CRAWL -OTJ Architects
Join us for the 2026 DC NOMA Spring Firm Crawl! Inspiring future architects with firm tours, networking & career insights. #DCNOMA
Event Schedule and Structure:
Dates and Times: Each firm tour will take place from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM on its designated day, from March 2nd to March 6th.
Participants: We anticipate students and emerging professionals from Howard University, Catholic University, University of Maryland, and the University of the District of Columbia.
Firm Visits: Each firm will provide a 1.5 hour or 2 hour tour, giving attendees a chance to explore the workspace and gain an understanding of your firm’s culture and projects.
DCNOMA - 2026 SPRING FIRM CRAWL - CannonDesign
Join us for the 2026 DC NOMA Spring Firm Crawl! Inspiring future architects with firm tours, networking & career insights. #DCNOMA
Event Schedule and Structure:
Dates and Times: Each firm tour will take place from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM on its designated day, from March 2nd to March 6th.
Participants: We anticipate students and emerging professionals from Howard University, Catholic University, University of Maryland, and the University of the District of Columbia.
Firm Visits: Each firm will provide a 1.5 hour or 2 hour tour, giving attendees a chance to explore the workspace and gain an understanding of your firm’s culture and projects.
DCNOMA - 2026 SPRING FIRM CRAWL - StudioMB
Join us for the 2026 DC NOMA Spring Firm Crawl! Inspiring future architects with firm tours, networking & career insights. #DCNOMA
Event Schedule and Structure:
Dates and Times: Each firm tour will take place from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM on its designated day, from March 2nd to March 6th.
Participants: We anticipate students and emerging professionals from Howard University, Catholic University, University of Maryland, and the University of the District of Columbia.
Firm Visits: Each firm will provide a 1.5 hour or 2 hour tour, giving attendees a chance to explore the workspace and gain an understanding of your firm’s culture and projects.
February General Body Meeting and Portfolio Review
in-person and virtual for the General body portion
DCNOMA Professional Practice Series | Session 01
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
Howard University Department of Architecture: 2026 Spring Lecture Series
Join Howard University for their First Lecture of Spring 2026 featuring Brian Ward & Michael Solomon
Mock Interviews Night
NOMAS UMD is having a Mock Interview Night on Monday February 16th in preparation for their Career Fair on Friday February 20th
Supporting DCNOMA Leadership: Anna McCorvey in Conversation
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.
EXECUTIVE BOARD RETREAT
The new Executive DCNOMA Board will meet in person to discuss the year ahead, bond and finalize DCNOMA strategic action plan.
ARE Study Group Meeting
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
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.
ARE Study Group Meeting
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
NOMA Conference - Kansas City, Missouri
The NOMAKC chapter in Kansas City, Missouri will host this year’s conference!
The NOMA National Conference is always an experience like none other. We hope that you join us for a time of learning and fellowship with other professionals from across the country!
For more information, click here.
If you have any questions, please email conference@noma.net
ARE Study Group Meeting
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
ARE Study Group Meeting
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
Blueprints and Brushstrokes - A Celebration of Art and Architecture
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.
Project Pipeline Camp
Project Pipeline is a week-long architectural camp hosted by the DC chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. This year, we are partnering with the National Building Museum. The camp is designed to introduce middle school and high school students to the field of architecture and design.
Student application link: https://noma.jotform.com/250524398054862
Student registration deadline: June 15th
Mentor application link: https://noma.jotform.com/250524522827859
Mentor registration deadline: June 30th
ARE Study Group Meeting
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
DCNOMA Annual BBQ
The Annual DCNOMA Membership BBQ is a beloved summer tradition that brings together our growing community of architects, designers, students, and industry partners for an afternoon of fellowship, food, and fun. Hosted at Takoma-Piney Branch Picnic Shelter in Takoma Park, MD, this event is our way of thanking members for their continued support and celebrating the growth of our chapter — now over 180 strong.
Complete with catered food from Black-owned favorite Lefty’s BBQ, family-friendly games, and activities like basketball, kickball, volleyball, and spades, the BBQ creates space for both networking and genuine connection. It’s an all-ages celebration open to members, their families, and our valued allies in the industry. All proceeds benefit DCNOMA’s year-end Gala and Scholarship Fund, continuing our mission to support the next generation of architects.
Register here : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dcnoma-annual-member-bbq-tickets-1425811794459?aff=oddtdtcreator
ARE Study Group Meeting
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