Design Justice: The Education to Action Pipeline

Design Camp Mission

Project Pipeline’s Design Summer Camp has been a signature program of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) since the first camp in 2006. Our mission is to empower young people to affect change in their community through design. We use the city as a classroom and connect young people to real world architects, designers and planners. We help foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers while advocating for increased diversity, fellowship, equity and excellence in design.

How we do it

We guide students through all stages of design using provoking and fun exercises. Students explore community planning, drawing, diagramming, model building, research, site visits, and creative dialogue. For many students, this camp may be their first introduction to the design world. At the Student Showcase, students present their week’s work on projects that address issues within their community, advocating for change through design.

Design Summer Camp Video

2023 Video & Photos by Phillip Arnold at Knowlton (OSU).

Additional Video Editing by Lindsey Rasberry (NOMAColumbus PP Committee Member)

Why we do it

"This camp was above and beyond with the introduction of content, replication of an example of architecture schooling/occupational task, and the staff were phenomenal"

Parent
"She Loved it! Fun to see what they had worked hard on. I think the students presenting and answering questions about their work was especially valuable."

Parent
" It felt great that my child got to be apart of a program that prioritizes diversity through their actions and their words. In the world we live in, that is rare. Its a plus my child had such a great time. "

Parent
"Many minorities in architecture work in an industry where most people don’t look like them or come from the same experiences/cultural backgrounds that they come from. So camps such as Project Pipeline's Design Summer Camp is essential and creates an impact that is invaluable. "

Volunteer
"Loved being a part of this!"

Camper
"She knew almost nothing beforehand, so this exposed her to a whole new world and processes. She now wants to be an interior designer. But even if she didn’t fall in love with the career, she got to experience a big range of new things. I like how it boosted her confidence too."

Parent
" I got to meet black architects and black designers. That meant alot."

Camper
"Creating the model and simply being introduced to architecture and design."

Camper
" I cant wait to come back next year and hope the camp is even longer!

Camper
"I think the most satisfying experience was the student showcase at the end. Being able to hear about everyones completed projects and thought processes was really cool. It was all nice to see all the students hard work (and ours) come to fruition."

Volunteer
"I have been to architecture camps before, but this was the first that actually taught me to think about how my design choices impact the community and its people. I loved it!"

Camper
"Im only a 7th grader, but I now know I want to learn more about architecture. Maybe even design a hospital one day."

Camper
"The hands on experience to interact with students while also gaining a fresh perspective through collaborative interactions with people from diverse age groups and backgrounds made this a rewarding experience."

Volunteer
"Seeing the students begin to understand things and make smart design decisions was very satifsying. Also watching them become proud of their work and showing off to their family and friends at the reception. It was great to see such a change in their development and growth."

Volunteer
"Thank you, again, for the amazing summer camp experience my camper had last week at the Project Pipeline Camp."

Parent
"This camp was unlike any camp I have been too. I actually felt heard and i am just a kid. It was fun and cant wait to come back!"

Camper
" She has loved every second of this camp."

Parent
" I got called a Junior Designer after camp, and it felt special. I cant wait to help people in the future through my designs"

Camper
" My school doesnt teach this type of stuff. I was scared at first, but the Project Pipeline team made me feel safe or comfortable but they had fun with us. "

Camper
"I got to tour The Ohio State football Stadium and learn about its history! I love the buckeyes and Project Pipeline got me on the football field. Best feeling ever!

Camper
"I got to learn about minority Architects and Engineers. Not sure why my school doesn't teach us this.... But camp did and it was fun!."

Camper
"Project Pipeline has a great future ahead and this team should be proud."
"I was nervous at first for camp since I didn't know anyone...but quickly I made some friends and the staff were so nice to us all."

Camper
"My favorite part was learning how design is all around us. And we get to decide and make changes with our voice."

Camper
" Camp was great! And we got to get lots of snacks, for real who doesnt like snacks?"

Camper