USGBC and NOMA Launched Diversity Partnership
Architecture firms can now access a broader talent pipeline through this new collaborative education and credentialing initiative.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Remote Work
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The U.S. Green Building Council and the National Organization of Minority Architects have formed a partnership to connect architecture students and professionals with professional development resources. The one-year pilot program aims to bridge gaps in industry representation.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses a persistent industry challenge where a diverse candidate pool fails to translate into a similarly diverse professional workforce. Operators may see an increase in credentialed, diverse talent entering the labor market for architecture and design roles.
In 2025, 49% of architectural licensure candidates identified as people of color, a stark contrast to the 21% of current architects. A 2022 study highlighted the retention struggle, finding that two in five licensure candidates eventually abandon the process.
The players
U.S. Green Building Council
A non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation through the LEED certification system.
National Organization of Minority Architects
An association founded to represent minority architects and promote diversity within the design and construction professions.
The details
The partnership integrates NOMA chapters and students into USGBC education and professional networks, specifically leveraging the Shades initiative. By providing access to credentialing such as the LEED Green Associate exam—which is priced at $100 for students compared to $250 for non-members—the groups aim to lower barriers to entry. The collaboration will run through 2027 to determine the long-term viability of these joint initiatives.
Timeline
2022: NCARB study found two in five candidates stop the licensure process.
2025: USGBC launched the Shades initiative at the Greenbuild conference.
2025: Demographic data for licensure candidates and architects was recorded.
2026: The NOMA Project Pipeline program reached over 1,000 students.
2027: The first year of the collaboration is scheduled to conclude.
Market Landscape
This collaboration builds on the 20-year history of the NOMA Project Pipeline program to address long-standing representation gaps in architecture. It represents a significant strategic shift by directly linking student outreach to active industry credentialing standards.
Architecture firm owners should monitor this program as a potential source for recruiting diverse, credentialed talent in the coming years. Consider evaluating your current professional development budgets to see if staff can take advantage of member-rate exam pricing.
The takeaway
The partnership highlights that credentialing costs remain a significant hurdle for early-career architects, especially for students. Firms looking to improve diversity should track the program's output to identify new pools of qualified LEED-certified talent by 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving hiring strategies and talent management in the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Environment+Energy Leader.
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