2026 Application
About the HNOMA Legacy Scholarship
The HNOMA Legacy Scholarship is an initiative of the Houston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (HNOMA) established to support the next generation of architects while honoring the legacy of minority architects whose leadership, design excellence, service, and contributions have shaped our profession, our communities,and the Houston NOMA Chapter.
Supported through proceeds from the annual HNOMA Legacy Breakfast, the scholarship represents the “Investing in Our Future” component of the HNOMA Legacy Initiative—connecting the accomplishments of those who came before us with the aspirations of emerging architects who will shape what comes next.
The inaugural 2026 HNOMA Legacy Breakfast honors the life and legacy of pioneering architect John S. Chase, FAIA, while raising funds to support students pursuing architectural education.
Scholarship recipients selected through the 2026 application cycle will receive awards for the Spring 2027 academic semester.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
HNOMA may elect to prioritize or limit eligibility to students attending architecture programs within Houston NOMA's university and student chapter network.
Application Opens: September 12, 2026Application Deadline: October 30, 2026Jury Review: November 2026Recipient Selection: November 2026Recipient Notification: EOY Celebration 2026Scholarship Award: Spring 2027 SemesterIncomplete or late applications may not be considered.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit a complete application package containing the following:1. Professional ResumeSubmit a current resume outlining relevant:- Education- Employment and internship experience- Leadership experience- Community involvement and service- Student organizations- Honors and awards- Other activities or accomplishments relevant to the applicant's educational and professional development-Resume should not exceed two pages.
2. Letters of RecommendationSubmit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's character, academic potential, leadership, professional development, or commitment to architecture and community.Recommended references may include professors, instructors, employers, internship supervisors, mentors, community leaders, or professional architects/designers.
3. Creative PortfolioSubmit a portfolio containing 2–4 examples of creative work.
Submissions do not have to be architecture-specific and may include:
- Architectural or interior design work- Drawings or sketches- Photography- Graphic design- Fabrication or making- Fine art- Research or conceptual work- Community-based creative projects- Other work demonstrating creativity, curiosity, or design thinking
Applicants should provide a brief description of each work identifying the project, their role, and the significance of the work.
4. Short-Answer ResponsesApplicants must respond to two questions, with responses limited to 300 words per question.
Required Question 1How do you hope to use your education and career in architecture to positively impact your community or the people you serve?
Required Question 2How would receiving this scholarship affect your ability to pursue your education and your goals in architecture?
5. Video Submission
HNOMA LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants must submit a brief 60–90 second video introducing themselves and responding to the following prompt:
“As the next generation of architects, what impact do you hope to make through architecture, design, or service?”
The purpose of the video is to allow the scholarship committee to hear directly from applicants and better understand their aspirations, values, and connection to the profession.
Video Guidelines
- Maximum length: 90 seconds
- Applicant should appear and speak on camera.
- Video may be recorded using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Professional video production is not expected or required.
- Applicants will not be evaluated on editing, equipment, production quality, or filming environment.
- Applicants should prioritize clear audio and adequate lighting.
- The submission should represent the applicant’s own thoughts and voice.
- Applicants should not include copyrighted music or other third-party media.
- Video submission instructions and accepted file/link formats will be provided through the application portal.
HNOMA may request permission from scholarship recipients to use portions of submitted videos for scholarship recognition, the HNOMA Legacy Initiative, and related communications. Submission of an application does not automatically constitute permission for public use of an applicant's video.
SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION
Scholarship recipients will be recognized by Houston NOMA as part of the HNOMA Legacy Initiative and may be invited to participate in chapter programming, scholarship recognition activities, or future Legacy events.
Recipients become part of a growing continuum connecting the legacy of architects who helped shape our profession with the students and emerging professionals who will carry that legacy forward.
OUR LEGACY. OUR PRESENT. OUR FUTURE.
Through the HNOMA Legacy Initiative, Houston NOMA celebrates the architects and leaders who paved the way, recognizes those continuing that work today, and invests in students who will define the future of our profession.
Honoring the Past. Celebrating the Present. Investing in Our Future.
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