MillerKnoll partners with Queers in Property to champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the built environment

MillerKnoll, in collaboration with Queers in Property (QIP) NSW and Living Edge, proudly hosted ‘The Queer Wish List’, an insightful panel discussion that brought together LGBTQIA+ voices across architecture and design.

Held at the Living Edge Sydney showroom, the event explored the career experiences, challenges and aspirations of LGBTQIA+ professionals while fostering meaningful conversations about creating a more inclusive and supportive built environment.

MillerKnoll and Queers in Property event — *Left to right: ‘The Queer Wishlist’ panelists Mark Ojascastro, Diana Espiritu, Pablo Albani and Cecil Huang with moderator Bradford Gorman*

The discussion was moderated by Grimshaw’s Bradford Gorman and featured a panel of industry leaders, including:

• 3XN Architects associate Diana Espiritu, an alum of Australian Design Review’s inaugural 30UNDER30 program

• Studio P3 director Pablo Albani

• Plus Architecture principal Mark Ojascastro

• MillerKnoll LGBTQ+ business resource group lead, APAC and MEA Cecil Huang

The panelists shared what they envision being critical for queer inclusivity within their own practices and in the wider design industry; meaningful allyship with the queer community; achieving greater diversity in design output; and how the landscape of safe spaces are perceived, shaped and envisioned for the future.

A joint purpose for MillerKnoll and Queers in Property

Queers in Property exists to develop connections, community and foster dialogue among professionals in the built environment sector. Supporting initiatives like this allows MillerKnoll to meaningfully engage with the LGBTQIA+ community, says senior marketing manager, APAC and MEA, James Barnby.

“Ensuring that inclusivity and belonging remain at the forefront of conversations is essential to shaping the future of design and the built environment,” Barnby says.

QIP NSW executive committee chair Dayle Bennett added that the support of MillerKnoll and Living Edge demonstrates the commitment of these organisations, who are “undisputed leaders in the design industry”, to creating an inclusive forum for discussion and the development of community.

The event also featured a silent auction for a Herman Miller Aeron Chair, with proceeds supporting Queers in Property’s mission to connect and uplift LGBTQIA+ professionals within the property and design industries.