Education & Professional Development Committee
The Education & Professional Development Committee is dedicated to assisting architecture students, emerging professionals, associate members, and international architects in their journey toward licensure. Our activities include comprehensive training sessions and networking opportunities designed to foster personal and professional growth.
The committee meets the third Thursday of each month.
Professional Development
Professional Development Workshops
The Professional Development Workshop Series is tailored for current architecture students, recent graduates, individuals new to the country, and those returning to the workforce after a career break who are seeking employment assistance in the design-build community.
We offer a series of three workshops:
Portfolio Development
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
Interview Preparation
Please refer to the homepage calendar for the workshop dates.
International Architects
Connect with a community of architects from across continents in Portland and embrace the diverse backgrounds
Through Coffee Chats and Happy Hours, we create a safe space to discuss challenges of becoming an architect in the States and share tips on how to navigate professional growth within the design industry.
Certification & License Support
As a chapter, we are committed increasing the number of diverse licensed architects in the profession by actively supporting Associate and Emerging Professional members working towards licensure. We offer:
ARE Chats & Study Sessions
Access to Exam Prep (Amber Book - ARE Challenge and Elif Bayram ARE Questions)
Stipends to cover exams or study material (not just for the ARE)
Please refer to the For Licensure Candidates section below for a list of national and local resources.
For Licensure Candidates
National Resources
For NOMA National resources, including the Black Spectacles discount and NOMA Scholarship, visit the NOMA National’s Licensure page
Local Resources
The following are available to NOMA PDX members. Reach out to hello@nomapdx.org for more information.
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NOMA PDX offers stipends to cover a portion of exams or study materials (not just for the ARE). Stipends are available for members only and limited on a first come first served basis, until the allocated stipend budget is spent.
$100 for an exam Pass Only (limit one per year)
$100 for an exam Pass or Fail (limit one per year)
$50 Stipend provided for online of physical study materials (limit one per year)
How to Apply: Send the following materials to hello@nomapdx.org
For Exam Stipends
Your Name
Your Employer
Proof of NOMA Membership
Receipt for exam fee
Exam results
For Study Materials Stipend
Your Name
Your Employer
Proof of NOMA Membership
Receipt for material
Exam this study material is being used for
Reimbursement: A check will be mailed to you by NOMA PDX Treasurer. This can take up to two weeks.
Note: Members that work for an architectural firm that reimburses for the cost of professional examinations and certifications are not eligible for this stipend. However, if your firm only covers passed exams only, you are eligible to apply for the stipend for the failed exam and/or study material.
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A series of study sessions that focus on the NCARB Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) on the first Saturday of the month. Check out the calendar for more information.
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Following books available to members to borrow for three months.
Architect’s Studio companion: Rules of thumb for Preliminary Design (Allen/Iano)
Building Codes Illustrated (Francis Ching)
Building Construction Illustrated (Francis Ching)
Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer
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Check out this resource list created by NOMAPDX members who are recently licensed architects.
Compete this questionnaireto help guide the next ARE event.
For Students
Higher Education wasn’t designed to serve minorities. How can we make architecture studio a safer place to exist in?
As a committee, we are actively collaborating with undergraduate and graduate architecture students within the state to better comprehend their unique challenges in dismantling systemic injustices. Our focus includes.
Assisting students in transitioning from academic settings to professional environments
Providing mentorship opportunities to foster professional growth
Help them build a robust professional network
By understanding their specific needs, we aim to offer meaningful support and create a more equitable educational experience.
NOMAS Portland State University
FAQ
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Yes. NOMAS–PSU has been an official student chapter since 2023. We currently have 55 PSU student members.
Students can join by emailing nomas@pdx.edu to be added to our mailing list and connected with current leadership. -
NOMAS–PSU provides networking opportunities and professional connections for students of all backgrounds. The chapter aims to champion diversity within the design professions by promoting excellence, community engagement, and the professional development of its members.
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Yes. NOMAS membership is required to participate in the NOMA design competition.
NOMAS University of Oregon
FAQ
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Not yet! We’re currently in the process!
Reach out via our contact form so we can get you connected to the right people.
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To help students get connected with mentors and ultimately jobs so they can have resources when they graduate.
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Yes, and that’s why we’re building the foundation for a chapter now.
Education & Professional Development Committee Team
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Eugenia Fama-Higgins
Senior Associate & Project Architect - Scott Edwards Architecture
Committee Co-Chair
Board Member
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Nikita Kumar
Associate & Architectural Designer - Mackenzie
Committee Co-Chair
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Sakshi Nanda
Urban Designer - ZGF Architects
International Architects Support Lead
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Elizabeth Lagarde
Associate & Project Architect - Hennebery Eddy Architects
ARE/Licensure Support Lead
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Nancy Cheng
Professor / Faculty - University of Oregon
UO University Liaison
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Diego Zubizarreta Otero
Architect - Bora
CEU / AXP Coordinator