Student Organizations
There are many organizations at UNC Charlotte for all students to join. Student organizations in the David R. Ravin School of Architecture include local chapters of national organizations and societies, as well as student clubs. Many of these organizations hold yearly networking events, travel to conventions, and give students the opportunity to expand their connections in the professional design community.
american institute of architecture students (AIAS)
Faculty Advisor: David Thaddeus | President: Tori Hicks | Instagram: @aiasuncc
The UNC Charlotte Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students in Charlotte, NC. The AIAS is a voice for students, and much more. Our vast collection of resources and activities are designed to save you money, time, and assist you with your educational and professional pursuits. The AIAS also helps ensure your success upon completing your education through the connections you will make with educators, architects, designers, and other professionals. The AIAS offers several conferences and events each year. They include the annual FORUM convention, the Grassroots Leadership Conference, the AIA Research Conference, the Freedom by Design Orientation, and the Quad Conferences. Membership provides an immeasurable amount of diverse opportunities including lectures, workshops, social events, professional development, community service projects, and conferences.
freedom by design
Faculty Advisor: David Thaddeus | Director: Landon Byrd
Many people feel confined in their own homes. They are unable to get into their showers, ascend steps, open doors, or pass through doorways. Most troubling is that many people are unable to flee their homes in an emergency without assistance because the residences are not properly designed for their specific needs. Freedom by Design™, the AIAS community service program, utilizes the talents of architecture students to radically impact the lives of people in their community through modest design and construction solutions. Our priority is improving the safety, comfort, and dignity of the home’s occupants. Through numerous AIAS chapters, Freedom by Design™ (FBD) teaches students how to resolve accessibility issues while simultaneously providing them with the real-world experience of working with a client, mentorship from an architect and constructor, and an understanding of the practical impact of architecture and design.
national organization of minority architecture students (NOMAS)
Faculty Advisor: Kelly Carlson-Reddig | President: Carly Ly-Hang | Website: noma.net/about-noma/ | Instagram: @nomas.uncc
NOMA’s mission, rooted in a rich legacy of activism, is to empower our local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development, and design excellence. NOMA, which thrives only when voluntary members contribute their time and resources, has as its mission the building of a strong national organization, strong chapters and strong members for the purpose of minimizing the effect of racism in our profession.
master of architecture student society (mass)
Faculty Advisor: Mona Azarbayjani | President: Nick Petrillo | Instagram: @mass_uncc
The College of Architecture’s Master of Architecture Student Society (MASS) exists to host an annual symposium each spring. Each year, CriticalMASS gathers professionals, faculty, graduate students, and observing undergraduates from various universities to participate in a focused discussion and critique of the architectural design and research generated within the Southeastern region.
u.s. green building council (usgbc) unc charlotte chapter
Faculty Advisor: Kyoung-Hee Kim | President: Rachel Chew + Joel Fudge | Website: https://www.usgbc.org/ | Instagram: @unccusgbc
At USGBC we’re committed to transforming buildings – because we believe that every person deserves a better, more sustainable life. Our vision is that buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation. Our mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
Women in Architecture Students (WIAS)
Faculty Advisor: Rachel Dickey | President: Braxtyn Degler | Instagram: @wias_uncc
Women in Architecture Students (WIAS) is dedicated to increasing the visibility and voices of women in architecture, bringing awareness to the gender disparity in the profession, and empowering women architects to grow, succeed, and become leaders in the industry. Our vision is that supporting and creating a positive representation of women in architecture will build a strong community that advances gender equity within design.