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Join us for an inspiring Stories of Architects and Designers session as we delve into the journey of NOMAColumbus and its impactful story. This event, hosted by AIA Columbus, will explore how a determined group of architects and designers came together in the summer of 2021 with a shared vision to create a space for minority architects in Columbus. Over nine months of dedicated effort, they filled board positions, crafted bylaws, and shaped their purpose, ultimately achieving official charter status on March 11, 2022, as the 36th NOMA chapter in the country.
The session will reflect on their journey to lay the foundation for NOMAColumbus and their ongoing efforts to make an impact in Columbus. From forming a non-profit to partnering with local organizations, their story is one of resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusivity within the architectural community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the current Board about the challenges, triumphs, and vision that drive them to make a meaningful impact. Be inspired by their dedication to fostering diversity and making a lasting difference.
Panelist: Montel Wells is the current President and 2025 President Elect of NOMAColumbus. He has been part of the Columbus Chapter since its inception in 2021. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Montel graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and The Ohio State University in 2021 with a Master of Architecture. Montel has been working in a professional setting for almost 5 years now and became a registered architect this past May. Montel currently works at MA Design in their multifamily residential studio. He enjoys doing work that is people forward and is intrigued and impassioned about the impact of architecture at the human level, and how it shapes our everyday lives
Panelist: Tianna St. James, NOMA, Assoc. AIA, is an architectural designer dedicated to promoting social equity in the built environment. She holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Recognized for her leadership as Vice President of NOMAColumbus and the incoming 2025 NOMA National Midwest University Liaison, Tianna champions inclusivity and diversity through design, mentorship, and advocacy.
Her commitment to positive change in architecture was recognized with her nomination for the “Columbus is My Neighborhood” initiative, highlighting her commitment towards social and equitable impact as an accomplished designer in architecture and community outreach.
While her work in mentorship and architecture has allowed her to establish strong roots, Tianna in addition, has traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from cultures and architecture throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, Mexico and the US. She believes in the transformative power of diverse voices in design and encourages others to advocate for equity and innovation in architecture.
Panelist: Cameron Guthrie is an environmentally conscious creative from Columbus, Ohio. As treasurer for NOMAColumbus, he prioritizes initiatives that provide structure to scale impact, foster new connections, and strengthen the chapter.
Sustainability and result-driven, he welcomes new, unique ideas to promote diversity in design and cultivate career progression. Grounded and growing, Cameron is future-focused, considering the impact of a project and the responsibility of a design not just now but as it relates to what’s next.
An alumnus of The Ohio State University, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a minor in Industrial Interior & Visual Communications. Since graduating from OSU, Cameron has worked for MA Design as a Project Captain and Sustainability Specialist. His passion for giving back has afforded him unique growth opportunities, including Marketing Chair for the Habitat Young Professionals MidOhio board, Emerging Leaders Cohort for the Ohio Environmental Council, and attendee/mentor for GiveBackHack.
Moderator: Jennifer Rittler, AIA.
December 5, 2024
5:00 – 6:00 PM Reception
6:00-7:00 PM Stories of Architects
The Center for Architecture and Design
50 W Town St, Suite 110, Columbus, OH 43215
*In-Person Only*
Free for everyone
