Last month, MillerKnoll partnered with Queers in Property (QIP) on a panel discussion and networking event showcasing inspiring queer interior designers, their journeys and their work. Held on 7th September at Living Edge’s Melbourne showroom, it was QIP’s first dedicated design event, and the first time the independent network has collaborated with MillerKnoll.
MillerKnoll is a collective created when Herman Miller and Knoll, two of design’s greats, and their associated brands, came together, merging into one of the most important brands in the design world. Formed in 2021, MillerKnoll sets a new benchmark in the industry. All brands within the collective share common values, and all are dedicated to design for the good of humankind—and an inclusive workplace.
Queers in Property connects LGBTQI+ people in property and construction for visibility, empowerment and professional support. The network was formed in recognition of the reality that the property industry can seem intimidating to LGBTQI+ people, and it aims to build inclusivity and challenge discriminatory attitudes.
At the MillerKnoll empowers Queers in Property design edition speaker series event on 7th September, three queer interior designers engaged in 10-minute rapid-fire presentations, sharing their personal journeys, and how this has informed their professional work. Each also shared the ideas and projects that have shaped their view on design.
Inspiring the crowd were Angus Edward, Principal at Angus Edward Interior Design; Juan Luis Hernandes Flores, Interior Designer at Cera Stribley Architects; and Freya Robinson, Associate at Fender Katsalidis. Their presentations were followed by a Q&A session, where they were joined by Cecil Huang, MillerKnoll’s LGBTQI+ Business Resource Group Lead.
Cecil shed light on MillerKnoll's commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the organisation, emphasising how MillerKnoll's inclusive environment has given them the freedom to embrace their true, authentic self.
MillerKnoll is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by constantly analysing and improving its policies, practices and programmes to create a diverse workforce that gives spaces to more perspectives and voices. For MillerKnoll, the journey begins within the collective of brands, but it also extends beyond into the wider industry as a whole.
“Partnering with QIP gives MillerKnoll the opportunity to deepen our understanding of what LGBTQI+ members of the community are going through, and what their concerns are, while putting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging front and centre for the rest of the industry, too,” James Barnby, Marketing Manager at MillerKnoll.
This design edition was simply the first of an ever-growing list of the actions MillerKnoll has already undertaken as part of its efforts to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive.
To stay up-to-date on future QIP events, please follow Queers in Property.
