NOMA Rise: 2015 NOMA National Conference

The struggle for recognition and identity of architects of color is a fight to discover, legitimize and incorporate history and culture. It is a painful fact that although Native Americans are the original people of the United States and the first master builders in this continent, their recognition as architects has been the slowest of all ethnic and racial groups. The first Native American architect was not registered until 1970. This presentation brings together the first Native American woman to gain registration, Tammy Eagle Bull, who was licensed in 1994 and Rod Henmi, prominent Asian American architect and NOMA board member.

Since 2002 Ms. Eagle Bull has run her own firm, Encompass Architects in Lincoln, Nebraska and will share personal stories of beginnings, inspirations and how she works with Native American clients. She strives to understand and express their cultural values and make them central to her designs. She also designs in the sustainable manner that has always characterized her people. Mr. Henmi will explore issues of cultural expression in design and the relationship of Native American design process and practice to that of other cultures and races. The struggle of Native Americans to find legitimacy and define architectural identity is the struggle of all people of color and this presentation highlights the process.