According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, “Racial and Ethnic diversity continues to improve in early stages”, but African-Americans still represent only 2% of certificate holders. Some minority groups hold such a small number of certificates that a percentage has not been reported yet.

SoCal NOMA has listened to the difficulties from colleagues and personally experienced the struggles related to pursuing licensure as a minority in the field. Passionate, skilled, and determined applicants willing to put forth the effort and time required for licensure should not be discouraged due to a lack of study material or funding. For these reasons, the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects is excited to offer resources and mentors to aid in its member’s journey to becoming certificate holders!