DESIGNING FOR IMPACT & COLLABORATION
A community program uniting architects, designers community partners, and housing leaders
to transform vacant owned properties into affordable housing & community spaces.
STARTING JUNE 2026
Experience hours available for AXP candidates and mentoring opportunities available for licensed professionals.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE MAY 31ST
Unlicensed Architect Candidates (AXP-Eligible)
We are seeking motivated architecture graduates and candidates working toward licensure who want to earn AXP hours through substantive, community-driven design work. NOMA Houston Chapter will serve as the AXP supervisor for all qualifying participants. Work performed through this initiative is eligible for hours in the following AXP experience areas:
Programming & Analysis (Required: 260 hours)
Activities through this initiative:
• Site data review and existing conditions analysis
• Zoning and land use regulatory research
• Community needs assessment and stakeholder input review
• Environmental and feasibility considerations
• Review of precedents for faith-based housing development
Project Planning & Design (Required: 1,080 hours)
Activities through this initiative:
• Schematic site planning and design exploration
• Building typology research and application
• Design charrette participation and documentation
• Concept drawings and presentation preparation
• Community-centered design solutions for health, safety, and equity
Project Management (Required: 360 hours)
Activities through this initiative:
• Coordination with community stakeholders and church leadership
• Team coordination during the research and charrette phases
• Timeline adherence and deliverable management
• Documentation of design decisions and next steps
Participants must have an established NCARB Record to report AXP hours. NOMA Houston will confirm eligibility and supervise all hour reporting in accordance with NCARB requirements.
Licensed Architects (Volunteer)
Licensed architects are also welcome to participate as volunteer contributors and mentors. Your experience in community development, affordable housing, mixed-use design, or urban infill is directly relevant to this work. Volunteer participation is an opportunity to invest your expertise in Houston's communities while mentoring the next generation of architects of color alongside NOMA Houston.
