BNIM employee-owners present at 2025 Annual NOMA Conference
The 2025 National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Conference is on October 8 – 10, in Kansas City, MO. This year’s conference is centered on the theme of Future Unfolding, challenges architects and designers to “reflect, reimagine, and take action” for an equitable and inclusive future.
Carleigh Pope, RA, NOMA, NCARB, and Greg Sheldon, FAIA, will present at this year’s conference, exploring the innovative design solutions of affordable, sustainable housing and performing arts projects in Kansas City. Information on each session is included below.
Civic Saint Prototype Home: Building Sustainable & Equitable Communities with Earthen Blocks
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Presenters: Carleigh Pope (Associate at BNIM) and Godfrey Riddle (Founder and President at Civic Saint)
This 45-minute presentation including 10-minutes Q&A explores the innovative work of Civic Saint, a Kansas City-based community organization dedicated to building affordable, sustainable, and artful single-family homes with earthen blocks. The session will cover the process of creating these homes, focusing on the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials to design homes that are both functional and aesthetically unique. Special attention will be given to the innovative technique of using earthen blocks, including the manufacturing process, testing for durability and city approval, and collaboration with structural engineers to ensure safety. Participants will gain insight into how Civic Saint’s projects are more than just homes they are part of a larger mission to address the racial wealth gap by providing affordable housing options for communities that have been historically marginalized. The course will also explore key processes such as the mock-up wall presented at Kansas City Design Week and how this approach integrates sustainable architecture with social equity. This presentation offers architects and builders a valuable opportunity to explore sustainable design, material innovation, and community-focused solutions to affordable housing.
Harmonic Structures: The Design and Structural Innovation of the Kauffman Center
Friday, October 10, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Presenters: Greg Sheldon (Principal at BNIM), Larry Flynn (Architectural Liaison and Resource Specialist at American Institute of Steel Construction), Amy Slattery (Partner at Slattery Design + Architecture), Brian Markham (Design Leader at Arup), and Sarah Lindenfeld (Managing Partner at Payette)
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts stands as an architectural and structural marvel in Kansas City’s arts district, seamlessly blending engineering innovation with artistic expression. This program brings together the architects, structural engineers, and design collaborators who shaped the Center’s groundbreaking form and world-class performance environment. The session begins with a panel discussion featuring members of the original design and engineering team, offering a candid dialogue on the intersection of architecture and structure. Learn how cross-disciplinary collaboration brought Moshe Safdie’s vision to life – balancing beauty, innovation, and functionality to create a singular space for the arts. Following the panel, attendees will take a guided tour of the facility – exploring its main lobby, gathering spaces, exterior and seeing up close some of the architectural, structural, and acoustic innovations that make the Kauffman Center a world-class venue for music and the performing arts. Lunch will be provided during this tour.