Q1 Recap: 2020
Members gather to plan events for the year at SmithGroup
February 12, 2020 General Body Meeting at Epstein Global. VP Jennifer Johnson moderates the panel in front of image of The Woodlawn Station Development, led by Jason Pugh.
SAY IT LOUD! + I-NOMA LEGACY INITIATIVE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Oakwood Community Center
The travelling exhibit “Say It Loud” spotlights architecture and design by minorities. Beyond the Built, the organization curating the exhibit in each city and led by New York-based architect, Pascale Sablan made its way to Chicago through the NOMA network. Chicago was a perfect city for it’s deep history of minority architects and the lasting legacy it presents today. This event brought the A+D community together around the featured projects which were up for voting by the general public online. This tied perfectly with the two-year commitment to COMMUNITY + LEGACY presented by the current administration.
Guests on the Harvest Commons tour enjoy the newly restored lobby.
NEXTGEN CAREER DAY
HOSTED BY Gensler
The annual career day was a success with representation from at least four Universities and over a dozen firms. An inspiring panel by Katherine Darnstadt, Monica Chadha, and recent SAY IT LOUD people’s choice winner Manny Garcia moved guests with their stories of community service, personal growth, and social impact.
2020 ADVANCE
HOSTED BY SmithGroup
Each year the advance is a time for the Executive Board to share their mission and objectives for the year to inform the general body and rally support. This year the day was split between presentations of the big picture of each initiative followed by workshop time for smaller groups to refine the objectives and delegate roles.
GENERAL BODY MEETING: BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION
HOSTED BY Epstein global
The first GBM of the year had a great turnout. To celebrate Black History Month, leadership highlighted the accomplishments of local membership as the focus of this meeting. Local chapter Member, Past I-NOMA President, and NOMA President Elect, Jason Pugh presented a recently completed project he lead as an Urban Designer at Gensler. He expressed the process and role as design architect in partnership with other local firms. The project has been impactful in reviving an area of Kenwood near the end of the Easternmost green line at Cottage Grove and 63rd St.
The presentation was followed by an informative and candid conversation between notable Chicago architects John Gay, Ramona Westbrook, and Renauld Mitchell. As Chicago natives and leaders in each of their practices, they shared their experiences preserving history and integrity while navigating the challenges of various projects. Learn more about them and their practices here:
SAY IT LOUD Exhibit was hung at the Oakwood Community Center in the historically black neighborhood of Bronzeville.
HARVEST COMMONS CEU TOUR
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Harvest CommonS
I-NOMA loves to support the work of local members and provide educational opportunities for practicing professionals. This AIA accredited tour by the Heartland Alliance showcased the restoration of a historic Art Deco building in the West Loop being converted into efficient studio apartments. What makes this project unique is its offering of “green living” where residents can volunteer in the onsite urban farm, learn about nutrition and green living, and support the social enterprise coffee shop on the ground level of the building.
Students participate in mock interviews with representatives from local firms.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
I-NOMA kicked the year off strong with tons of community engagement in the form of the following events:
Women in the Built World Symposium: This symposium at the Merchandise Mart featured local VP Jennifer Johnson and local member Ingedia Sanchez.
4th Annual Colour Me Social Merit Gala: I-NOMA was the recipient of Honors by the CMS Foundation for ensuring continued representation of black culture and excellence in various fields (video courtesy of CMS via facebook).
Black Creativity Career Showcase: I-NOMA represented again for STEAM Education at the annual Black creativity event at MSI.
UIC NOMAS Portfolio Workshop: Local Chapter members coached college students through career preparation with portfolio and presentation tips and review for their annual legacy event.
