Celebrating Pride Month 2024 at KPMB

July 12, 2024

Last month we celebrated the contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to society.  

Pride Month is a time to renew our commitment to championing diverse voices, perspectives, and backgrounds, dismantling the systems that prevent 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in our industry, and supporting initiatives that empower the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

For the fifth year, Russell Pollard of Framework Leadership organized a Pride Talk for KPMB. This year, architect and activist Nyasha Harper-Michon delivered a presentation to the office on “Challenging Reference Man and Advocating for Queer Inclusive Cities.” 

Harper-Michon discussed how architects and designers can challenge the “Reference Man,” a biased and outdated archetype and standard in design that often overlooks the needs of racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, seniors, and other historically excluded communities. Introducing the concept of “Archtivism” (a portmanteau of architecture and activism), she encouraged us to approach design with an intersectional lens and prioritize systemic empathy to ensure we’re building cities that reflect the diverse communities we serve. 

Proceeds from Pride Talks are donated to non-profits that support 2SLGBTQIA+ causes. This year, donations will be made to Queer ArQuives and Queer Britain to support the documentation and representation of 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. 

KPMB is eager to build new relationships with architects and designers in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and support them in tangible, lasting ways. Please reach out with opportunities and partnerships you feel would be suitable to support.