On May 15, 2023, VANOMA hosted founding board member and educator, Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed. D – Director of Research and Information at Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. He is a highly motivated educator with a passion for architectural education, adult learning, and research. Kendall thrives on the undulations of daily activity and works diligently to spread passion, drive and enthusiasm in both his work and personal life.
The culture that we create in our offices has a direct correlation to the ability to retain talent. To work where you feel understood and seen matters. KENDALL A. NICHOLSON, ED. D
Take a listen to his spotlight below for more.
To keep up with all the latest VANOMA videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel!
The knowledge and wisdom that my mother passed onto me informs the work that I do. It is important to note that I come from a large African American family, because it informs not only cultural norms, but the way in which I see the built environment ‒ a perspective that is distinct from any other ethnic or religious group. KENDALL A. NICHOLSON, ED. D
Celebrating Kendall A. Nicholson
Kendall A. Nicholson is a licensed educator, trained architectural designer, and an avid researcher. He works as the Director of Research and Information at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). With degrees in architecture, real estate and education, his research explores the discipline of architecture through the lens of a social scientist. He has presented research internationally and his research interests surround equity, education, and curriculum within the discipline of architecture.
Nationally, Kendall's passion for equity and race relations manifests in his role as the lead researcher for the 2016 and 2018 Equity in Architecture Survey sponsored by AIA San Francisco and Equity by Design (EQxD). He also volunteers as a member of the AIA’s Equity and the Future of Architecture board committee and as an at-large director for the AIA National Associate Committee leading a work group on Mentorship and Equity. Locally, Dr. Nicholson has formerly served on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee for Chesterfield County Public Schools and on the AIA Richmond Board of Directors.
Kendall A. Nicholson is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Architecture (BS Arch '09) and a member of the A-School Young Alumni Council.
A lot of the work and research that I do is around equity, not equality. I define equity as the reallocation of resources in a way that recognizes history and systems. There are multiple ways to understand privilege, especially regarding how people gain and lose privilege, and the study of this helps us to better understand and advocate for those who are marginalized when we sit in privileged spaces. KENDALL A. NICHOLSON, ED. D
Learn more about Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed. D
Keep up with all the latest VANOMA spotlight videos on our YouTube channel