Dear SCNOMA members, partners and supporters,

We are here to support and uplift the voices of our collective community.

Dum Spiro Spero, meaning “While I breathe, I hope,” adorns our South Carolina state seal and serves as a cornerstone of our chapter’s logo. This phrase represents our vision: to build a stronger creative community that celebrates the stories—past and present—that have shaped the designers we are today.

We are here to build a community. Our collective action is our greatest strength.

Architecture is a practice of reiteration. We critique, we dissect, but we also listen, reflect, and piece things back together.

We are here to teach the next generation that they are worthy and they have the power.

Speaking up, stepping into unfamiliar roles, and advocating for ourselves is daunting. But finding our voice is also an ongoing process—one that requires patience and persistence. There is strength in the discomfort of personal growth. It brings us together, builds empathy, and inspires change.

Our resiliency is our strength, not our path to burn out.  I encourage you all to protect your energy, prioritize your mental health, but stay engaged.

Change is possible. We will never give up. We will stay loud, steady, and committed to amplifying one another.

As long as our chapter stands, we breathe and we hope. We are proud of what we are building together and look forward to watching it grow, supporting future generations entering this profession.

We are building something new. The future is ours to shape and we are just getting started.

Sincerely,
Janet Zuckerman, AIA, NOMA
PRESIDENT, SCNOMA