On October 2, the professional coalition gathered at the firm’s Bryant Park Studio for an engaging discussion on expanding opportunities for LGBTQ+ businesses in the AEC industries.
“Building New York: The Need for LGBTQ+ Business,” addressed the need to broaden business contracting programs and supplier diversity initiatives for the queer community. The panel featured leaders from across the industry, offering insights into how business disadvantage is measured at federal, state, and city levels, and examining the impact of these programs on businesses owned by women, racial minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Panelists included Barton L. Jackson, Executive Director of nglccNY and creator of “Own It!”; Patti Harris, Founder and CEO of LicenseSure and General Council of BWAF; David Kuykendall, Principal and Owner of MGDK Architects; Jackie Aleman, President and CEO at JCA & Associates, Inc. and 2023 President of the Chamber of Commerce of Washington Heights and Inwood; and moderated by Eric Ball, Managing Principal of Henning Larsen’s US office, with opening remarks by KPF Associate Principal Pedro Camara. Attendees enjoyed candid discussion, actionable advocacy strategies, and purposeful networking aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.
This event continued KPF’s ongoing collaboration with Build Out Alliance, underscoring the firm’s commitment to equity and representation within architecture and allied industries. Earlier this year, during the firm’s annual Pride Month celebrations, KPF welcomed Build Out Alliance to the panel “Queer(ing) the Map: Safe Spaces in 2025,” a discussion about fostering meaningful dialogue on LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in urban spaces. Last spring, KPF hosted Build Out Alliance’s Diversity Month happy hour.
