October 16, 2018

Each year, over 600 minority architects, urban designers, community activists and design students from across the country come together in fellowship for the annual National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) conference.

This year, the 46th annual conference, NOMA UNBOUND The Convergence of a Legacy, will be held at Chicagos historic Palmer House Hotel Wednesday, October 17 through Saturday, October 20. With the convenient location, NOMA is exploring a new and exciting conference without walls concept. This will expand traditional programs beyond the confines of a conference hotel by leveraging nearby firms, organizations and venues to host more than 2/3 of the seminars and events.

Epstein is proud to be a sponsor of this years conference.

NOMA isnt quite as big of an organization as, say, the American Institute of Architects, so every donation really matters in helping us put on great events annually, said Alexus Davis, Epsteins Design Professional and a NOMA member. Were happy to provide opportunities for individuals to connect with like-minded people and build those close relationships. Its truly one of the best conferences Ive ever attended.

Alexus has been involved with NOMA for the past 6 years. She participated in NOMAS (the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) throughout her entire college career, and was even president for 2.5 years and subsequently served as a student advisor for 3.

One of the biggest events happening during the conference is the Exposition; this event will have a little over 70 booths filled with firm representatives, vendors and universities. Epstein will have a booth at this Expo and Alexus will be there on Epsteins behalf.

The organization is expecting to have roughly 1,000 attendees at this years conference.

NOMAs mission is to champion diversity within the design professions by promoting the excellence, community engagement, and professional development of its members.