NEW HAVEN, CT — The Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Connecticut) is assisting architects and allied professionals in forming a National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) chapter in Connecticut.

José A Hernández, a Firm Principal at Newman Architects in New Haven, and a member of AIA Connecticut, along with Omarys Vasquez, AIA an Associate at Svigals + Partners and Paolo Campos, AIA,  a Firm Principal at Patriquin Architects, spearheaded the effort to bring together a group of architects, engineers and construction professionals to champion the creation of more diverse teams to drive the architectural profession forward.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the architectural profession through mentorship, professional development, community outreach and recognition,” Hernández said. “We embrace the mission of NOMA and are striving to be installed as a state chapter by the end of 2020.”

This effort, that began less than a year ago, is working toward formalizing the connection with the National Organization of Minority Architects, based in Washington D.C. with 30 professional chapters and over 80 student chapters at universities across the country. In 1971, 12 African-American architects from different parts of the country met during the AIA National Convention in Detroit and recognized the need for an organization dedicated to the development and advancement of minority architects.

The founding members of the Connecticut chapter, from all across the state, include Hernández; Vasquez; Campos; Marc Andre, AIA, Marc Andre Architects; Ming Thompson, AIA, Atelier Cho Thompson; Amy Ray, Newman Architects; Alicia Washington, HRP Associates, Inc.; Max Ballardo, Assoc. AIA, Patriquin Architects; Brian Gonzalez, Patriquin Architects; Juan Castaneda, Gilbane Company; and Gina Calabro, AIA Connecticut.

The association recently held a kickoff event at Stony Creek Brewery, with over 70 attendees interested in learning more about the organization. The group meets monthly and is based at the AIA Connecticut office in New Haven.

“Equity, diversity and inclusion is paramount to not only the AEC community but all of society,” Calabro said. “It has been a privilege in assisting our members in this endeavor.”