project pipeline summer camp

  • Project Pipeline is an annual camp for middle school students (6th - 8th grade) who are interested in exploring and creating design careers such as architecture, engineering, and interior design. Through hands-on-activities, lectures, and tours, students work with volunteer professionals to complete a design project rooted in their community. We continuously encourage and support the students’ progress as they work through developing their ideas to bring their concepts to life. Attending camp introduces campers to the practical and essential elements of design and ends with a celebratory graduation presentation!

  • Project Pipeline is led by a passionate team of NOMA professionals, student members, and industry volunteers to introduce students to design professions in a fun, accessible, and age-appropriate way. Our volunteers’ dedicated time makes camp a memorable experience for everyone. Fill out our interest form to learn more about how to become a volunteer!

  • As a leader in the architecture, engineering, interior design, and construction community, your support has the power to shape the future! Sponsorship directly supports camp materials, design tools, meals for students, and student scholarships. We invite you to partner with us to continue leading the way as one of the longest and strongest facilitators of Project Pipeline and foster the next generation of designers.

project pipeline 2026

Project Pipeline will be held across 4 Saturdays this summer:

  • Saturday July 25, 2026

  • Saturday August 01, 2026

  • Saturday August 08, 2026

  • Saturday August 15, 2026

This year’s theme is: Futuristic Design


NOMA Mission

Our mission is to empower young people to affect change in their community through design. Using the city as the classroom and connecting young people to real-world architects and planners, we foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers.  We advocate for increased inclusiveness, diversity, fellowship, equity, and excellence in design. 

NOMA History

Project Pipeline was born at the 2002 NOMA conference in Fort Lauderdale. Then-president Paul Taylor asked Drake Dillard and David Kirk to research and establish a plan for the camp that would introduce minority students with a focus on black students to architecture with the ultimate goal of creating more licensed black architects.  The first camp was held in 2006 in Cincinnati by the South West Ohio NOMA chapter. Since then dozens of camps have been held in more than twenty cities. In 2012 a formalized curriculum was implemented nationally. 

View Photos from Project Pipeline 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us for more information: projectpipeline@philanoma.org

  • Project Pipeline will be held across 3 weekends:

    Saturday July 25, 2026

    Saturday August 01, 2026

    Saturday August 08, 2026

    Saturday August 15, 2026

    Camp will be at 9:00am - 3:00pm daily. Doors open at 8:30 for a prompt start at 9:00am.

  • Camp will be at a cost of $60.00 total.

  • Lunch and light snacks will be provided. There will be water throughout the day and an option for juice with lunch. We strongly encourage all students eat breakfast before camp.

  • Students will learn about Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, and key design principles. Through workshops, site visits, and guest speakers, students will be prepared to share a design they have created during our graduation ceremony!