STUDIOS Celebrates Pride

Can you talk more about Build-Out Alliance and your involvement with the organization?

I joined Build-Out this year after learning about the organization during STUDIOs pride last year. I’m now the lead communications member for LA, developing and delivering marketing strategies for external and internal communications within Build-Out. It’s been such a wonderful experience working with the LA and NY members. Seeing the passion and ingenuity of our Build-Out members has proved the importance of keeping a safe space for the LGBTQ+ members within the Construction and Design world.

Can you share your experience with inclusive design within your projects? What challenges and successes did you encounter?

I’ve worked on many projects within the past couple years that have generated interesting conversations around inclusion. Can your wellness room be flexible for someone to rest from their workday, but also be a place for someone to practice their religion safely? Are you including enough gender neutral bathrooms? I recently was on a project where we discussed including furniture that fit and supports all shapes and sizes. It has all been relatively successful- we designed around our questions. We stayed curious.

What changes would you like to see in the architecture and design industry to make it more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQIA+ individuals?

A simple one is to include gender neutral bathrooms everywhere we can. Everyday someone of our trans community is attacked for using a bathroom they identify as- having gender neutral bathrooms protects them and others. Also- Stay curious. Ask Questions. If you’re unsure how to approach a LGBTQ+ related situation, kindly ask! The only way we’re going to normalize being queer is if we generate positive and informative conversations.