On Friday, July 18, the quiet buzz of our Berkeley studio turned into vibrant energy as 45 students from The Hidden Genius Project walked through our doors. The nonprofit which is dedicated to mentoring young Black men in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership visited Noll & Tam to explore the world of architecture and discover how their skills in coding, design, and business can translate into impactful careers in the built environment.
Principal Merideth Marschak, a longtime supporter of The Hidden Genius Project, helped bring the visit to life. After more than a decade of involvement, she saw this as the perfect opportunity to highlight the many ways creative and technical skills intersect in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
The visit was built around seven interactive stations: Marketing, Sustainability, The Maker Space, Interior Design, Visualization, Construction Management, and Revit. Each station, led by Noll & Tam staff, offered a hands-on look at different facets of our architectural practice, showcasing the diversity of roles that shape the spaces we design.
As a public architecture firm, Noll & Tam is deeply committed to designing inclusive, community-centered spaces and equally committed to creating pathways into the profession for young people of all backgrounds. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), only 2% of licensed architects in the U.S. identify as Black or African American. Through visits like this, we aim to help change that.