The Wisconsin Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (WISCO NOMA) was established in the Fall of 2019 in order to create a diverse network of Architects and Designers across the State of Wisconsin. Our mission is to combat the disadvantages that prevent underrepresented populations from pursuing a career in Architecture or a related profession and provide resources to those interested in attaining accredited degrees and licenses. Our current members live and work primarily in the Madison or Milwaukee metropolitan areas. We are constantly looking to expand to become a statewide network of support to serve as a stable foundation for current and future designers of color in the State of Wisconsin.
Our Mission Statement:
Wisco NOMA works to create programming and foster communication exclusively for charitable, scientific, social, and educational purposes. We facilitate collaboration and promote the design and development of living, working, and recreational environments of the highest quality for all people, and encourage the profession to do the same. We fight discrimination and other selection policies being used by public and private sector clients to restrict minority architects' participation in design and construction unfairly. We act as a clearinghouse for information and a voice of negotiation and support for minority architects. In doing these things, we strive to be a useful source of motivation and inspiration for minority youth and maintain an active role in the education of new architects. We encourage the establishment of coalitions of member firms and individuals and maintain a high level of professionalism on behalf of all minority architects on matters affecting their work and their communities. We work with local, state, and national governments on issues affecting the physical development of neighborhoods and communities, as our goal is to create, encourage, and maintain relationships with people whose work affects the physical and social environment.