What is Representation and what do we represent?

Introduction
As Pride Month 2026 draws to a close, it's a timely reminder that while the month may be ending, the conversations it encourages should continue.

We're pleased to share a thoughtful reflection from Barney on the meaning of representation, both within the architectural profession and through his experiences as an openly gay architect and tutor.

In this piece, Barney explores how representation extends beyond the work we produce. It encompasses the values we uphold, the way we present ourselves, and the impact our visibility can have on colleagues, clients and future generations of professionals.

Through personal experience and professional insight, he reflects on why representation matters, not just during Pride Month, but every day.

Definition

"Representation is the act of speaking, acting, or standing on behalf of someone or something else. It also refers to a depiction, symbol, or statement that stands for, portrays, or describes a person, idea, or object."
(Cambridge dictionary)

What do we represent as architects/technologists?

There is a broad conversation about what Architect and Technologists represent in an industry that is constantly changing and adapting to legislation, economics and social impacts. Both are protected titles that stand for the principles of Design, Compliance, Culture etc, with ethics determined by the relative governing bodies.

The ARB signifies that we represent a protected title, dictated by an ethical code of conduct and professional competency. RIBA implies that we represent design excellence, professional ethics and lifelong competency. Finally, CIAT suggests that we represent the bridging gap between architectural design and practical construction.

Therefore, we could interpret that, in architecture, we represent a body of people and specialist knowledge that is legally bound, committed to design integrity and equipped to take ideas to reality.

However, the word ‘representation’ also opens the conversation about how we present ourselves as professionals to clients, consultants or contractors; through our appearance, our morals and our design ethos.

Day to day, as professionals we are representing the company that we work for through what we produce and the way we communicate with others - both physically and digitally. From drawings to presentations to phone calls to communication, what we represent is fundamental to our character and profession.

At Race Cottam Architects, we advocate for ‘making space for what matters’, and how we follow this ethos is critical to what and who we represent. Our process involves establishing and defining a project’s vision and strategy, then designing and implementing these in relation to content, context and concept, before finally delivering and coordinating the information to make those ideas a reality.

Ultimately, it can be said that working within this profession, representation is unavoidable.

What do I represent as a queer person?

On top of this, there are elements of representation that are unavoidable in a different manner. As a queer person, it can be said that, undeniably, I represent a community that is still misrepresented in the industry- in the office, online and onsite.

The unavoidable representation as an architect/technologist is not new, and the supplementary representation I carry is necessary for others. As an architect and design tutor, my existence as a gay person in 2026 is still required in some capacity.

There are those advocating for challenging the binary, heteronormative and patriarchal norms of design and the industry’s culture. However, there are other less provocative actions that are equally important in demonstrating what queer people can represent.

What do I represent as a queer architect and tutor?

I have been very fortunate throughout my working life, as I have worked for people and companies that haven’t been phased by my identity. However there are two key moments that have stayed with me.

The first was as a Part 1, when two older colleagues, who were also gay, mentioned that the fact I was openly gay in the working world at 21 was a sign of positive change for my generation.

The second was when a student, who at 18 said ‘You’re the first openly gay tutor I’ve ever had.’
These moments have stuck with me because they remind me that even my presence and openness are forms of representation.

As an architect, I may experience a project where I am the first openly gay person a client, consultant or contractor might have worked with. As a tutor, I might be the first openly gay teacher a student has had.

Although it may sound overt, it is important to remember that, whether we realise it or not, we all represent something, as professionals and, for some of us, as queer people.

However, let's see it as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Every project brings together new design teams. Every academic year brings new students. Every new scenario brings another chance to represent.