Meet Fast Forward Presenter >> PhilaNOMA

What is your Big Idea for Philadelphia?

Mentoring Philadelphia’s NEXT Generation of Young Designers

 

Project Pipeline was started by the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) in 2005 to educate minority youth about the process and impact of architectural design in their communities. With camps held by NOMA chapters across the country, Project Pipeline is starting to erode one of the biggest issues for minorities not entering the architecture profession, which is not having an early exposure to the field of architectural design.

In 2008, PhilaNOMA launched “CAMP Sustain.Ability”, Philadelphia’s Project Pipeline summer program for middle school students. For us, C.A.M.P. means “Cultivating Architectural Minds through Mentoring Programs.” Our aim is to expose more young students to the possibilities of a career in design, and increase the number of minorities pursuing architecture and design professions. During the camp, students are exposed to the various skills involved in the study of architecture, and the principles of sustainable design. They collaboratively produce work that expresses their new understanding of architecture and its impact on the built environment.

CAMP Sustain.Ability is our way of “sustaining” and diversifying the architectural profession by cultivating the next generation of young designers who will influence our practices and our professional lives for the better. What’s NEXT for Philadelphia? Our youth!

Michael Spain is a practicing designer and educator with over 20 years of experience in some of Philadelphia’s most noted architectural firms. Michael has been instrumental in the design and development of a wide range of projects types, specializing in educational and public facilities. He currently serves as a Project Designer/Architect for D2CA Architects LLC. Michael received his Bachelors of Architecture from Cornell University and continues his academic involvement as an Adjunct Professor at Philadelphia University’s College of Architecture and the Built Environment, having been a past recipient of the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award. Michael actively extends his talents and commitment to the community, serving on a number of boards involving architectural education and community development. Michael is the Immediate Past President and Camp Sustain.Ability Director for the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

Tya Winn is the Real Estate Development Associate at Logan Community Development Corporation, serving a transitioning north Philadelphia neighborhood. In this role she has managed large scale planning efforts, led public participation activities, and created a development plan for the nonprofit organization. Tya studied architecture at Syracuse University and received a Masters of Architecture specializing in Urban Design at the University of Pennsylvania. She is focusing her practice on the revitalization of urban communities, and how experience of the built environment shapes perceptions of place. Tya serves as Recording Secretary and Camp Sustain.Ability Coordinator for the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

Contact
E-mail: philanoma.chapter(at)gmail.com