MSP AoA NOMA, the Twin Cities chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, in collaboration with AIA Minnesota, has established
an approach for supporting businesses and community organizations in areas impacted by damage from the unrest after the murder of George Floyd.

Businesses and organizations are invited to complete a form to be matched with teams of architects, engineers, and designers based on their needs, including guidance on making buildings safe to occupy, repairing damaged spaces, or envisioning a new built space. Members of MSP AoA NOMA and AIA Minnesota who want to be involved—or are already working with an affected property—are encouraged to use this tool to share their information. 

Our goal is for Black and POCI-led architecture and design firms to take the lead in engaging with business owners and organizations, especially in the context of longer-term visioning and design efforts, with other AIA Minnesota member firms being matched for more immediate pro bono needs and to support the efforts of Black and POCI-led firms.

The goal of this initiative is anything but a “return to normal.” MSP AoA NOMA and AIA Minnesota are committed to drawing on our members’ expertise in shaping the built environment to design places and spaces that are more equitable, inclusive, and resilient, while centering the needs and desired outcomes expressed by the business owners and organization leaders. Professionals of color leading this initiative, and the design community as a whole, can leverage our connections and privileges to advance justice, shift public policy, enhance self-determination, preserve and invest in Black cultural spaces, and reimagine the financial model of neighborhood design. (See Design Justice for Black Lives for more.) As necessary, we will work with stakeholders to seek funds for services rendered and to secure individual property needs as necessary.

Click here to fill out the application for business owners/organizations seeking support

Click here if you are a design professional looking to be involved

Click here if your firm wishes to engage

Click here to provide information on a relevant project you are already undertaking