Last week, HOK participated in the National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) 37th annual international conference and exhibition.  As a part of the firm’s diversity initiative, HOK is partnering with organizations like NOMA to break through barriers by expanding the academic and professional horizons to a more diverse pool of individuals pursuing the field of architecture.

Attendees experienced an exciting and energizing line-up of speakers, including keynote presenter Gyo Obata, who recounted his personal journey confronting discrimination as a Japanese-American during World War II.

HOK hosted a special interactive planning and design charette benefiting South Side Day Nursery (SSDN). The exercise included visioning for a new, modern and “green” facility to house early childhood education and family support programs. “Thank you for hearing us so clearly and crafting solutions that address our challenges and capture our hopes for the future,” said Ann Lowell, SSDN Director.

HOK had a strong presence at the conference through speakers, volunteers and participants from several locations, including St. Louis, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Chicago.

Congratulations to Herman Howard and Nekia Strong, both from HOK Atlanta, and Dawn Trimble, Instructor at Georgia Tech, for earning First Place in the student design competition. In addition the Georgia Tech students were awarded the Outstanding NOMA Student Chapter of the Year.