first nations
Events
“A journey into a whole new material world”: Plant Life at the NGV
Curator Ewan McEoin tells us about the NGV’s new exhibition on plant-based materials as alternatives to plastics, synthetic materials and other non-renewable resources.
Project
“It’s a privilege to be able to support”: OFFICE works with Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
The Melbourne-based, not-for-profit practice has designed a new fit-out and outdoor gathering space for the Victorian Aboriginal Healthcare Service.
Project
Performance and versatility at Brisbane’s new Glasshouse Theatre
Designed by Blight Rayner Architecture in partnership with Snøhetta, the Glasshouse Theatre is a rippling glass landmark that connects Brisbane’s public life with the performing arts.
Project
Landscape as a blueprint: a workplace anchored in Western Australia’s terrain
Designed by Woods Bagot, the new fit-out of a major resources company transforms 40,000-square-metres across 19 levels into interconnected villages that celebrate Western Australia’s diverse terrain.
Project
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 wins Australian Good Design Award Gold
Australia’s first planted light rail corridor sets new benchmark for transport-led urban transformation.
News
Australia’s 2025 national landscape winners
Community, Country and climate were centred at the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards in Lutruwita/Tasmania on 21st October.
News
Canberra Lyric Theatre: reimagining a national stage
COX Architecture and Yerrabingin reveal the design for Canberra Lyric Theatre — a world-class, inclusive venue for the nation’s capital.
Events
Unsure about Designing with Country? Start with this event in October
Several design groups are coming together on 29th October, 2025 for ‘grounded,’ a day of talks and workshops on Country-centred design.
Events
NSW architect wins funding for coastal design
Nicole Larkin has been awarded the 2025 Marten Bequest, providing two years and $50k to research coastal resilience and adaptation.
Events
Open House Melbourne 2025: The packed program is upon us!
This year’s Open House Melbourne Weekend program has been unveiled, with almost 200 buildings, places and experiences set to open to the public in July.
Events
“My place defines what type of writings I do”: Meet Baka Bina, Papua New Guinean writer
The fourth edition of the First Nations Writers Festival took place in May 2025, and we spoke to Baka Barakove Bina about the importance of place and home in his writing, as well as the things that make the Pacific region so distinctive.
Project
Tilt on preserving heritage in public spaces: How technical innovation is making history accessible
From preserved boat remains to 8,000-year-old hearthstones with First Nations significance, Tilt Industrial Designs shares how their technical work is often directed towards heritage.
Events
The cultural value of craft: How craft communities strengthen regional identity
As a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, Ballarat is hosting Craft Lab and The Great Takeaway this month. Nicole Durling, Executive Director at Craft Victoria, tells us more.
Events
Making a HOME in Venice
Developed by an all-First Nations curatorial and creative team, the Australia Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale has officially opened.
News
Australian design on show at Osaka World Expo
The 2025 Osaka World Expo 2025 is well and truly open, with Buchan’s Pavilion representing Australia on the global stage.
Events
Hundreds of events planned as Melbourne Design Week returns
Melbourne design Week is just around the corner and here’s a glimpse of what to expect!
Project
Leading the architectural charge
fjcstudio leads by design and the practice’s Melbourne studio is making quite the impact on the built landscape of Victoria.
Ideas
Connecting with Country – Kerrie Shepherd shares simple steps to make a start
Kerrie Shepherd is a Kamilaroi woman and Principal of Connecting with Country at Aboriginal-owned urban design company Yerrabingin, drawing on extensive lived experience with First Nations communities.
Events
Giving form to yarning: Stories Indesign with Venice Architecture Biennale team
Dr Michael Mossman and Jack Gillmer-Lilley, two of the Creative Directors for the 2025 Australia Pavilion, join us for an in-person podcast to discuss their project, HOME, and Indigenising the built environment.
Project
CK Architecture design for connection
Aunty Agnes Shea High School acknowledges historical connections to Country while providing a framework for future generations to engage with First Nations knowledge and traditions.
Workplace
Hassell’s vision for Australia’s newest city in over a century starts with workplace design
In Western Sydney, Hassell’s First Building for Bradfield City Centre aims to be regenerative, adaptable and connected to First Nations culture.
Ideas
What does designing with Country mean today?
Yerrabingin CEO Christian Hampson on how the concept is maturing and the overlap with fundamental design principles, as well as some pitfalls to avoid.
Project
Architectus’ Ruah Centre for Women and Children marks an Australian first
Architectus has delivered Perth’s new Ruah Centre for Women and Children (RCWC), the first purpose-built facility of its kind in Australia for women and children affected by family and domestic violence.
Project
CONTEXT’s community park features First Nations art
A vacant plot in the heart of Wolli Creek in Bayside in South Sydney has been transformed by CONTEXT into a vibrant community park.
Project
A case study in the evolution of public art
The Heffron Centre in Maroubra, Sydney, stands as a testament to how authentic public art powered by collaborative project teams can transform urban spaces.
Ideas
Comment: How to create a compelling design narrative for more successful projects
In this comment piece, Buchan’s Dong Uong discusses the why and how behind the stories underpinning design projects.
Ideas
BVN Associate in the vanguard of Aboriginal women architects
With her recent registration, Tiana Furner is among the first cohort of Indigenous women registered as architects in Queensland and indeed Australia.
News
First Nations artist takes out TCL residency
Urban designers, landscape architects master-planners and principal consultants TCL have announced the winner of their distinctly multidisciplinary residency program.
Project
A Luchetti Krelle-designed culinary oasis in Sydney’s Western Suburbs
Nestled within the newly launched surf park URBNSURF Sydney, RAFI URBNSURF offers a local dining experience that integrates richly with its surroundings.
Events
Echoes of Country at Bundanon
Bundanon has announced its third major exhibition for 2024. Bagan Bariwariganyan: echoes of country and running from November 2nd to February 9th, 2025.
Project
A new era of education at Flinders City Campus by Architectus
Architectus elevates Flinders University’s Adelaide presence with a culturally resonant vertical campus, amalgamating advanced learning environments with industry integration and community engagement.
Events
A ‘Current’ affair spotlighting First Nations artists
Current is an exhibition presented by the Australian Design Centre that examines the interplay between land, water and ancestral memory as seen through the works of the respective artists.
Articles
Introducing the Here Before Collection, a collaboration celebrating Indigenous art
Dreamtime Flooring, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned business, has partnered with renowned carpet manufacturer Godfrey Hirst to launch the Here Before Collection.
Events
Reflections from Nguluway DesignInc and DesignInc Sydney’s National Reconciliation Week Panel
The panel at Nguluway DesignInc and DesignInc Sydney’s event encouraged industry professionals to prioritise reconciliation through education, collaboration and inclusive practices.
Project
Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct Competition
Set in Canberra and led by Hassell, Edition Office, COLA Studio and Djinjama, the winning design concept is the National Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre.
Project
Indigenous heritage lacquers the walls of Australia’s newest rail stations
As an act of designing with Country, the integration of Indigenous art into rail infrastructure honours deep histories while symbolising a vibrant future for First Nations peoples.
Ideas
Supporting First Nations artists to deliver authentic stories in urban landscapes
Tilt Industrial Design Managing and Creative Director, Tim Phillips, comments on how industrial design intersects with First Nations artists.
Project
Time and repetition with aged care design on Yolngu Country
Yolngu Elders and Communities with Kaunitz Yeung Architecture have designed a place of influence, where healthcare can be delivered through form, function and flexibility.
Project
Social housing success
ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects has delivered a project that makes a difference to the lives of First Nations people concurrently creating a new and exciting model for medium density social housing.
Articles
Evocative new First Nations Carpet collection
A striking collection carrying the designs of a well-known Indigenous artist, ‘Here Before’ also represents a step forward in terms of collaboration.
Ideas
TCL comment: Harnessing the power of design to transform cities
Scott Adams, TCL Director, comments on the power of good urban design and landscape architecture.
Ideas
The dialectic of colonialism: Rethinking maps, remaking our cities
Dallas Rogers, Head of Urban Discipline at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney, comments on the history of map-making in our cities.
Project
The art and design of hospitality at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
Art, design, architecture and hospitality all combine perfectly at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne by BAR Studio and Cottee Parker.
Events
The 2024 galang residents are ready to jet off to Paris
As a program between Powerhouse Parramatta and Cité Internationale des Arts, the galang residency supports Indigenous creativity and dialogue around cultural heritage and representation.
Articles
Weaving hidden First Nations stories into the built environment
An exciting new collaboration involving Autex Acoustics, Willie Weston and Lisa Waup colourfully brings First Nations design to high-performance acoustics.
Project
Design as a vehicle for reconciliation: Balarinji completes latest Qantas design
The Indigenous design and strategy agency is launching its latest aircraft design with Qantas, the sixth iteration of a longstanding partnership.
News
Coming home to the creative incubator: ACMI by Warren and Mahoney
In Melbourne’s Fed Square, the ACMI team is now working under one roof in a colourful new space home to co-working residents and museum staff.
Events
Q&A with former INDE.Awards winners Balarinji
In this Q&A from INDESIGN #88, we spoke to INDE.Awards winners Balarinji about Indigenous design and more.
Project
The sweeping straight-line geometry of Splinter Society’s Monash pavilion
With contextual care and the odd formal flourish, the Monash University Pharmacy Pavilion has been completed by Splinter Society.
Events
Tony Albert in dual exhibition and curated showcase at Sullivan+Strumpf Sydney
Sullivan+Strumpf Sydney kicks off the year with a compelling showcase featuring two significant bodies of work by renowned Aboriginal artist Tony Albert.
Events
From Parramatta to Paris: Applications open for 2024 galang residency
Applications are open for the three-month residency program in Paris with Powerhouse Parramatta and the Cité internationale des arts.
Project
narrm ngarrgu, a place of learning and celebration by Six Degrees Architects
A new community hub has opened in Melbourne – narrm ngarrgu celebrates and showcases the voice and presence of Kulin people.
Events
Honouring Aboriginal trailblazers and activists at UTS Indigenous College
A stunning concept created by Greenaway Architects, Warren and Mahoney and OCULUS has won the design competition for UTS’ future National First Nations College.
Events
Five insights from Australian designers at the 2023 World Architecture Festival
We asked prominent designers travelling to Singapore a simple question: what does Australian design bring to WAF? Here are the five main topics that came up.
News
First look: Architectus unveils preliminary design concepts for UNE Tamworth Campus
The University of New England (UNE) recently hosted a community reveal of Architectus’ initial vision for the proposed Tamworth campus. We walk you through the update.
Events
Immersive hands-on learning at First Peoples Architecture event
Beginnings – First Peoples Architecture presented by the RAA, took place 19th-21st October. Hands-on in its learnings, attendees also gained CPD Points.
Project
Five of the best landscape architecture practices
Landscape architecture is enjoying a rise in prominence. Today, it’s taking a seat at the design table from the very beginning of a project, so we bring you some of the leading practices.
Events
Brisbane Designscape returns with a jam-packed full-day event: Here’s everything you need to know
Register now – Brisbane Designscape returns to the river city, 4 November, with a one-day event packed with speaker sessions, workshops and a networking afterparty. Here’s a snapshot of the program and what you can expect.
Events
Kaunitz Yeung Architecture comment: Architecture and The Voice
On the eve of The Voice referendum, David Kaunitz comments on the power of listening and collaboration in Indigenous communities.
News
Desert Mob comes to Mparntwe, Alice Springs this month
Prepare for a cultural awakening in the heart of Australia, as Mparntwe, also known as Alice Springs, prepares to host the 32nd edition of Desert Mob.
Project
9 projects and people celebrating First Nations culture through design
Here we present 9 projects and designers leading us towards a culturally informed future that puts caring for Country and connection to Country and First Nations culture at the centre of both practice and outcome.
Articles
Meet the 4 First Nation’s artists behind Tappeti’s breathtaking Indigenous Collection
An ode to the power of collaboration, Tappeti’s new Indigenous Collection translates original artworks by four leading First Nation artists into three-dimensional luxury rugs – using only the finest natural materials such as wool and artsilk.
Events
Cooee Art to Art Leven: Australia’s oldest Indigenous gallery relaunches with country x Country
Australia’s longest-running Indigenous gallery, is rebranding as Art Leven under the continued directorship of Mirri Leven to broaden focus while continuing to support First Nations art.
News
Landmark Indigenous art installation unveiled on Melbourne’s Westgate Freeway
Tilt and First Peoples artist Lisa Waup have collaborated to bring an Indigenous public art installation to Melbourne’s Westgate Freeway. This artwork integrates Indigenous narratives into the urban landscape in a significant Australian first.
Events
Redefining stagecraft: Australia’s first Indigenous-led exhibition takes centre stage at the Prague Quadrennial
Australia marks a historic first, sending an Indigenous-led exhibition to the esteemed Prague Quadrennial. It’s orchestrated by Jacob Nash, former head designer at Bangarra Dance Theatre, and students from the University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
News
McGregor Coxall and Yulendj Weelam Lab embark on a new design research partnership
The three-year design research partnership launched by McGregor Coxall and RMIT’s Yulendj Weelam Lab embarks on a mission to transform Australia’s built environment by weaving in First Nations wisdom, embracing sustainable practices, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Events
Unsettling Queenstown: Questions of decolonisation at the Venice Biennale
The Australian pavilion at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale involves confronting questions of decolonisation in architectural form and history. Unsettling Queenstown looks at the ubiquitous presence of British colonialism.
Project
“The most successful projects are those that reflect an authentic culture”
Featured in the new Indesign magazine, now on sale, Warren and Mahoney’s Melbourne studio has been conceptualised through strong cultural narratives. Principal Daryl Maguire shares how the practice led with heart to achieve a symbiotic response that also met key workplace objectives.
Events
Blak Design Matters – First Nations design forum coming up in Melbourne
The upcoming Blak Design Matters forum in Melbourne will explore First Nations design with panel discussions on ownership of identity, cultural appropriation and misappropriation more.
News
Industry consortium sponsors First Nations runway at Melbourne’s fashion festival
Fashion festival season is almost upon us and this year a consortium of design, property and construction firms is putting its support behind First Nations designers on the Urban Oasis Runway at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Project
“Caring for Country is infinite, community is critical”: Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre
The Hobsons Bay Wetland Centre is an Australian-first in biophilic and community co-design architecture, writes McGregor Coxall’s Nick Griffin.
Project
Welsh + Major leading the way with new building typology
Welsh + Major recently won the design excellence competition for a major warehouse and distribution complex in St Peters, Sydney. The latest here.
Articles
Discover what the future holds for commercial design
The first local design event of its kind for several years, Brisbane Designscape provides a unique opportunity for design-minded professionals to explore new solutions, trends and innovations that will shape the commercial spaces of the future.
Project
To create amazing things we must work together
Beyond the realm of academia, RMIT’s administrative offices, or RMIT Our Place, by ARM Architecture called for a series of curated, tech-savvy spaces to appeal to its diversity of workers.
Events
Steelcase’s Reconciliation Action Plan focuses on a shared future
Steelcase recently hosted an inviting and vibrant celebration to launch its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan engaging with First Nations people across the greater Sydney region and beyond.
Events
Breville uses products as canvas for Indigenous Australian storytelling
Launching last week in Sydney, Aboriginal designer and curator Alison Page and Breville announced an extraordinary partnership with First Nations People and the National Museum of Australia.
Project
Powerhouse team: The cultural leaders shaping the museum’s public domain
The Powerhouse Parramatta’s Landscape Curatorium comprises a group of esteemed individuals advising on First Nations landscape design, farming, caring for Country, and more. Their goal? To assist in the development of the landscape design for the museum’s public domain.
News
Stylecraft and TAFE NSW launch First Nations design scholarship
Stylecraft, with its demonstrated commitment to social justice, and TAFE NSW have announced a new First Nations Interior Design Scholarship.
People
Aboriginal narrative “largely missing” from Australian buildings, say Balarinji founders
Ros and John Moriarty, the founders of design institute Balarinji, have been inducted into the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) Hall of Fame. We talk with them about the achievement and why telling Aboriginal stories through design is crucial.
People
Kevin O’Brien, the architect designing for Country
Kevin O’Brien is a designer and Principal architect with BVN. In a new installation for Queensland’s Bleach Festival, O’Brien takes inspiration from Country and the Wallum Banksia.
Ideas
How to put meaningful First Nations engagement into practice
Forget about human-centred design; a new report published by Arcadia Landscape Architecture says a shift to Country-centred design is what Australia needs.
News
Australian architects have new national standards to adhere to
The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia has released the new National Standard of Competency for Architects prioritising First Nations peoples and sustainability.
News
Enriching the landscape for Country, First Peoples and industry
The 2021 Arcadia Indigenous Landscape Architecture Scholarship has earmarked QUT student Laree Barney as an emerging leader, of proud Indigenous heritage, in the landscape design space.