Charette: SoFlo NOMA
Tune in to hear our conversation with SoFlo NOMA President Tiffany Montañez.
Tiffany Montañez SoFlo NOMA President
Tiffany Montañez, a proud Nuyorican born and raised in Queens New York, is a Miami-based Project Manager specializing in hospitality and luxury residential projects across the Caribbean and South Florida. She currently serves as President of the South Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SoFloNOMA), where she leads impactful initiatives like Project Pipeline, inspiring the next generation of designers. Tiffany also co-chaired the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at AIA Miami from 2022-2023, championing equity within the architectural community. Her contributions earned her the prestigious title of AIA Miami's Associate of the Year in 2022, further solidifying her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable industry.
Highlights from the episode:
Tell us about Project Pipeline, your involvement, and its connection with NOMA.
Project Pipeline is one of NOMA's flagship initiatives hosted in multiple cities across he country, designed to introduce middle and high school students, particularly from underrepresented communities, to the fields of architecture and design. It's a hands-on, immersive experience where students learn about the design process, collaborate on creative projects, and see how their voices can shape the built environment.
I've been deeply involved with Project Pipeline through SoFloNOMA, serving as a chair for several years. It’s been incredible to see the impact it has on young minds, many of whom might not have considered a career in architecture before. For me, Project Pipeline is a perfect reflection of NOMA's mission to increase diversity in the profession by creating opportunities and planting seeds of possibility. Watching students discover their potential and feel empowered to pursue their dreams is the most rewarding part of this work.
As a product of exposure programs provided by the volunteerism of professionals in the building industry, my involvement is also incredibly close to my heart. There’s a running joke that after every camp my car ride home is just a puddle of feels and tears in gratitude. And despite now being involved with this camp for 4 years, I fear that the feels just get more intense each year.
What are other programs that are specific to SoFlo NOMA that others should know about?
We have a lot of efforts dedicated to supporting our members and students in their journey’s for this career. As i’m sure we all know, getting through the licensure process is often a daunting one. So some of the things we do is we offer support to pay for your exams through an annual scholarship and soon a grant that will pay for your first test pass or fail to get folks started. We are hosting our first-ever Pickleball Tournament and Fundraiser called “The Pickle Games” to grow our scholarship fund and hopefully provide more students the ability to attend the National Conference.
We also have a series of wellness events, architecture tours, and professional development events led by our own membership to provide them a platform to share their expertise.
What about programs that are National?
NOMA National Programs provide incredible opportunities for professional growth and advancing equity within the architecture profession. One standout initiative is the NOMA Future Faces (NFF) program, a fellowship designed to connect young Black and minority architects with architecture firms, fellowships, and grants. Through summer internships, design research projects, and firm mentorship, NFF aims to create a more equitable and regenerative workplace community while providing invaluable professional experience and pathways to success.
Another transformative program is the NOMA ARE Scholarship, which removes financial barriers by covering the cost of all Architectural Registration Exams (ARE), including a retake if necessary. This scholarship is a game-changer for emerging professionals, making licensure more accessible and achievable.
NOMA also offers opportunities to speak at national conferences, providing a platform to share ideas, advocate for change, and connect with leaders across the industry. These programs collectively reflect NOMA’s mission to create a profession that is diverse, inclusive, and supportive, investing in its members at every stage of their careers.
What are you most excited about for your term?
All the fun we’re going to have!! Our chapter has learned that fun is at the heart of everything I do, and I bring a “more is more” approach to almost everything I get involved in. As professionals, we work incredibly hard every day, and my hope is that SoFloNOMA becomes a space where all members can find passion, joy, advocacy, and a sense of community to rely on. I’m inspired every time I speak with the NOMA leaders who came before me—mentors who have supported and guided me—and I want to ensure that the same support and energy is felt by every member of our chapter.
Why should folks get involved with SoFloNOMA and their local NOMA Chapter?
Getting involved with volunteering in this profession I feel is incredibly important to the professional’s career development. It provides a different facet to your professional growth rooted in a way that can be driven by your passion.
Getting involved with SoFloNOMA or your local NOMA chapter is an opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. These chapters are more than professional organizations—they’re communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for design, advocacy, and creating a more inclusive and thoughtful industry. Whether you're looking to grow your network, find mentorship, or give back to your local community, NOMA provides that space for all of us and then some.
In SoFloNOMA, for example, we foster spaces for meaningful dialogue, professional development, and celebrating the unique diversity of our region. It’s a chance to be inspired by others, amplify your voice, and make a tangible impact in your career and community. Joining your local chapter is more than a few letters at the end of your name, it’s about being part of a movement that’s shaping the future of architecture for the better—and having fun while doing it!
Get involved with NOMA
Tiffany’s Caryatid: Shadia Jaramillo
Shadia Jaramillo. She’s a Panamanian, Colombian, and Lebanese architect based in Pensacola, Florida, and she’s been a consistent champion for so many aspects of our profession. Shadia wears multiple hats—she works as an architect, is actively involved in AIA Florida, advocates as an ARE champion, and even creates amazing 3D-printed art. You should absolutely check out her work!
What’s even more special is how our friendship started from a simple DM asking, “Hey, want to join this ARE panel for SoFloNOMA?” and has grown into something I truly cherish. Shadia is such a powerhouse and a genuine thought leader in architecture. It’s clear she’s a changemaker, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to thrive and inspire others on her journey.
She Builds Charettes is where we have mini-episodes that are different from our more traditional episodes. In these charettes or mini-episodes, we will conduct interviews, hold deep-dive discussions, make announcements, and more! Have an idea for a charette? Be sure to email us at shebuildspodcast@gmail.com
