Senator William M. “Bill” Stanley, Jr. and the Virginia chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects are recognized with AIA Virginia Honors in 2022.
AIA Virginia Honors may be bestowed on non-member individuals or organizations that have inspired, influenced, or complemented the architecture profession in Virginia through practice of an allied profession, research, education, planning, legislation, architectural writing, the arts, or crafts. AIA Virginia honors recognize the broader community and its members who contribute to the capabilities of architects to design equitable, healthy, and resilient environments.
Senator Stanley has served the Commonwealth since 2011, when he was nominated and elected to complete the term for the 19th Senate district seat. In 2012, he was elected as the Senator of the 20th District where he serves today. Senator Stanley has been a true advocate and partner for the architecture profession through his work to modernize schools in the Commonwealth. This commitment and dedication was evidenced by his role as chief patron on a number of Senate bills that created public school funding that provided grants for construction, repairs and replacements of critical infrastructure. Most recently, he developed and carried Senate Bill 603 on standards for maintenance and operation of school buildings, and championed another bill, SB 276, which would have allowed school boards to use unexpended funds to finance capital projects.
Virginia NOMA, also known as VANOMA, is a statewide leader in the advocacy, representation, and success of minority architects in the Commonwealth. As a newly formed chapter that received its charter officially in 2020, VANOMA has a clear understanding of its vision for the future as a respected voice and guide for those who want to learn more about and become actively engaged in issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the profession. Through their advisory boards and professional programs, VANOMA has played a critical role in the development of emerging professionals and students on Virginia campuses. VANOMA provides support, professional guidance and active engagement to their student chapters at Hampton University, James Madison University, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Additionally, the chapter fosters community outreach and professional development programs across the state, including Project Pipeline camp, Hampton University’s Archi Camp, and providing ARE study group series.
Sen. Stanley and VANOMA will be celebrated at Visions for Architecture on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.