Architecture with Pride (AWP) 2024 is delivering a lineup of international and local queer thinkers, parties and globally celebrated events in Sydney and Melbourne as part of its new program.

AWP brings together the LGBTQIA+ design community in the built environment through an immersive program that aims to challenge the status quo and celebrate the industry’s diversity.

Support grows for fledgling movement

Established in 2023 by SJB to commemorate Sydney WorldPride, the AWP collective brings together practices from across Australia. 

It now receives support from key organisations like the Australian Institute of Architects, the NSW Gender Equity Taskforce and the Emerging Architects and Graduate Network (EmAGN).

“By bringing together the LGBTQI+ design community through Architecture with Pride, we challenge the status quo and celebrate the richness of perspectives that contribute to the tapestry of our profession,” says AWP founder James Kennedy. 

“We are privileged to have such dedicated sponsors who understand the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.”

‘Our Future’

The 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, which runs from 16 February to 3 March, will call on LGBTQIA+ communities to imagine and demand the world they rightfully deserve under the theme ‘Our Future’. 

‘Our Future’ resonates with many of Architecture with Pride’s events this year. 

“This year’s program promises an immersive experience that goes beyond conventional boundaries, from trailblazing designers sharing their wisdom to the most provocative performers and producers bringing the party,” says AWP founder Aris Ioannou-Marsh.

“Architecture with Pride is not just an event series – it’s an opportunity to engage with the forefront of design thinking and celebrate the brilliance that arises when diverse perspectives come together.”

Architecture with Pride 2024 program

MIDSUMMA PRIDE MARCH, MELBOURNE

When: Sunday, 4 February from 10am

Where: St Kilda, Melbourne

What: Parade, pride and party come together once a year in Melbourne’s iconic march celebrating solidarity in gender and sexuality diversity. Everyone is welcome to join over 53,000 people celebrate Midsumma Pride March 2024. Participants are required to attend an information and networking session at Bates Smart on Thursday 1 February at 6pm – 9pm.

THE ARCHITECTURE BALL

When: Thursday, 15 February from 7.30pm – midnight

Where: The Burdekin Hotel, Oxford St, Darlinghurst

What: The Architecture Ball is back to bring together the design community’s LGBTIQA+ practitioners (and all the allies) for a night of ecstasy and celebration with a lineup of some of Sydney’s best rainbow community DJs and performers. If you’ve ever wanted to party with a bunch of LGBTIQA+ architects and designers, then don’t miss this ‘filthy hot space-making party’.

LOVE LETTERS TO OUR FUTURE

When: Thursday, 22 February from 6pm – 9pm

Where: Palms on Oxford, Darlinghurst

What: Love Letters to Our Future brings together 12 of Australia’s most diverse design practitioners and creatives for a PowerPoint-style presentation sharing their experiences exploring, designing, creating and celebrating queer futures, with each posed as a love letter. AWP will select 12 proposals for five-minute immersive Love Letters. Speakers will receive $250 for their participation.

IN CONVERSATION: QUEERING ARCHITECTURE

When: Friday, 1 March from 12:30pm – 2pm

Where: Tusculum, Potts Point

What: Moderated by Australian Institute of Architects CEO Cameron Bruhn and joined by Smart Design Studio practice director Christina Markham, Co-AP director Will Fung and Alison Cox, campaigner for gender-neutral bathrooms to be mandated in the National Construction Code. This panel discussion will investigate the modes of queering architecture in the built form and our profession.

AWP IN THE MARDI GRAS PARADE

When: Saturday, March 2, all day

Where: Oxford St, Sydney

What: Marching for the third year down Oxford St in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade – Architecture with Pride will invite 80 LGBTIQA+ and allied designers to celebrate ‘Our Future’. Fifty AWP sponsors will be joined by 30 designers (80 total in the float) in the community to march down Oxford St.

AWP welcomes more allies to join forces and contribute to the success of AWP as it extends its reach across Australia and beyond.

Photography supplied by AWP.

Take a look inside the home of SJB director Adam Haddow and his husband Michael Combs, named 2023’s World Interior of the Year.