As a leader in diversity and social inclusion, DesignInc hopes to make big changes in the architecture industry by partnering with Western Sydney University on a scholarship supporting an Indigenous Australian student.
December 3rd, 2019
With recent movements in architecture taking inspiration from Indigenous history and culture it may be surprising to hear that in 2018, there were only eight registered architects in NSW that identified as Indigenous. With such an under representation of Indigenous voices within the industry it is refreshing to see DesignInc taking a proactive approach combating it.
Announcing the scholarship as part of its Giving Back Day celebrations in September, DesignInc will be offering an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, enrolled in architecture at UWS from Semester 1, 2020, funding valued at $150,000 ($30,000 per year for five years). DesignInc will also provide work experience and mentorship to assist them into the workforce as well with a paid internship during their studies; and a guaranteed full-time permanent job following graduation.
“It is an honour for us to extend our support to the Indigenous community and to empower someone with the tool of education to find success,” says Sandeep Amin, DesignInc Managing Director. “In turn, as architects, perhaps we will learn the ‘old ways’ of understanding the land, and how the built environment can be in harmony with the natural, or even the spiritual environment.”
Leading the charge, DesignInc hopes to encourage other firms to create and support more opportunities for the Indigenous community.
“We hope the scholarship will not only create positive change in one person’s life, but also spur positive change in the industry.” says Tara Keast, DesignInc Human Resources Manager.
Applications for the scholarship are already open. More information is available here.
We think you might also love this story on the new era for Indigenous collaboration. Get regular design inspiration and join our weekly newsletter.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
In the bid to balance the desire to live amongst nature with the modest footprint of today’s homes, designer Victoria Azadinho Bocconi looks for inspiration in the depths of the Amazon jungle.
Join us behind the scenes with V-ZUG’s in-house design team, and discover how this Swiss boutique kitchen manufacturer balances art, science and history to create its pioneering Excellence line.
Hitting subscribers now, the new issue of Indesign magazine takes a deep dive into consumer behaviours and how our ever-changing habits affect hospitality and retail design.
For the scientists working around the clock to respond to pandemics such as COVID-19 and other highly infectious diseases, the influence of laboratory design on their wellbeing, and ultimately outcomes, cannot be underestimated. Graeme Spencer, HDR’s education, science and advanced technology national director, reports.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
In our own backyard, the Western Parkland City Authority is tasked with creating Sydney’s third city, the parklands city. We speak with its CEO, Sarah Hill, about what it takes to shape a city.
This shortlisted residential project channels the story of a house through decades of ownership by the same client. With sensitive touches and an ambitious overall design vision, Annandale Terrace by Sam Crawford Architects is a delightful home.
Signed by the AACA, the UK’s ARB and the NZRAB, this landmark agreement will help architects register and study across the three countries.
Nestled respectfully in the dunes in a beachside pocket of Sydney that is also a sanctuary for native flora and fauna, Adriano Pupilli Architects has crafted a deliberately peaceful and understated piece of community architecture.