Madison Summers, one of 10 architecture students or recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) selected for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Foundation Fellowship (NFF) winter cohort, is working with HGA on a two-month virtual research fellowship.
Summers has been working with Ariane Laxo, Sustainability Director, to create a “how-to” guide for resilient design that can be used by designers across the firm. She is conducting a literature review of climate resilience design guidelines to benchmark and identify industry best practices. Informed by this work and past HGA resiliency projects, Summers outlined a process for climate change adaptation, which she then expanded into a holistic resilient design approach.
“I have always looked up to NOMA for the resources it provides students and professionals to promote professional growth and diversity in the field,” Summers said. “This Fellowship at HGA offers an opportunity to apply my academic background in sea level rise and the impact climate change has on our built environment. Resiliency can mean different things to different people, so part of my work is to provide a baseline understanding for resilience through existing literature. Resilience and sustainability are tied together because they contribute to equitable, strong communities.”
She notes that her Fellowship has introduce her to new professional contacts who share her enthusiasm of sustainability, resilience, and diversity in the industry.
“We are excited to support the NOMA Foundation Fellowship and provide young designers experience and mentorship to advance their careers,” Laxo said. “The NFF is mutually beneficial. Madison has brought incredible expertise and insight to HGA. Her work has created a valuable resource that will help us deepen our practice in climate adaptation and resilience.”
Summers has a Master of Architecture (2020) from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.
Before joining HGA this winter, she completed several previous internships, including two at the National Park Service. She served as Graphic Design Intern, creating event content under the National Capital Parks East, from February 2020 to August 2020; and as Historic Preservation and Special Events Intern, helping preserve Quarters No. 1 at Fort Monroe National Monument and plan the National 1619 Commemoration and Healing Day Ceremony, from June 2019 to February 2020.
In addition to her architectural work, Summers is an artist and has a small crystal business. She lives in Washington, D.C.
About NOMA Foundation Fellowship
The NOMA Foundation Fellowship program was launched to support the AIA Large Firm Round Table (AIA LFRT) 2030 Diversity Challenge, which calls for the industry to increase licensed Black architects from 2,300 to 5,000 by 2030, expanding representation from 2 percent to roughly 4 percent Black licensed architects in the U.S. The cohort fellowship application process is open to any National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) member at an HBCU. The first NFF class was announced in summer 2020, followed by the second 2021 winter class. HGA looks forward to continued participation in the NFF program in summer of 2021 and beyond. Learn more at NOMA.