indigenous design
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
A vertical hospital shaped by Country and community
At Peninsula University Hospital, a people-centric design approach brings together healthcare, culture and landscape — redefining the experience of care on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Articles
Designing for Country: Reconciliation Through Design
Milliken’s ‘Reconciliation Through Design’ initiative is amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, showcasing how cultural collaboration can reshape the design narrative in commercial interiors.
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.
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
“She is Country”: New artwork set for prominent Sydney spot
A major new permanent public artwork by Dharawal and Yuin artist Alison Page has been commissioned by Lendlease.
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.
Project
Layers of meaning in Greenaway Architects’ Melbourne pavilion
Designed with culture and meaning, Casuarina Pavilion is a jewel in the crown of Melbourne city and a place where everyone can come together to celebrate Country.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Workplace
Video: Mass timber on the rise with Arup in Perth
Perth’s first timber hybrid office tower is complete, designed by – and home to – Arup in Western Australia.
Ideas
Balarinji comment: Designing with Country offers a unique opportunity for designers
In this comment piece, Indigenous Creative Lead at Balarinji, Johnny Bridges, discusses designing with Country and the environment.
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.
Events
Global crises and the architect’s social responsibilities under discussion at AIA Conference
Kate Goodwin, curator and Adjunct Professor (Architecture) at the University of Sydney, reports back from the AIA Conference in Melbourne.
Articles
How new voluntary requirements are paving the way for increased Indigenous engagement in the built environment
GBCA and Winya are leading the way for better consultation and cooperation with Australia’s First Peoples.
Events
Indigenous-led Winya is about to celebrate the grand opening of a new Sydney showroom
Winya, the Indigenous-led fit-out and furniture supplier, is set to open its brand-new showroom in Sydney this month – find out how to RSVP!
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.
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
All the winners from the 2023 NSW Architecture Prizes
Fellows, Life fellows, President’s Prize and more – this year’s Australian Institute of Architects New South Wales Chapter Prizes and Honours Awards have been announced.
Workplace
GroupGSA’s Sydney fit-out wins at the Polytec Design Awards 2023
GroupGSA has been named national winner, Polytec’s highest design honour, for an enthralling commercial fit-out which spotlights Australian talent and craftsmanship.
Articles
Culture and craftsmanship: a spirited new home for South Sydney icons
Workspace Commercial Furniture delivers a thoughtful tribute to the essence of South Sydney – from honouring the traditional custodians of the land to celebrating the community’s beloved Rabbitohs.
Project
Where the ocean and mountains meet: Yarrila Place by BVN
Yarrila Place, which celebrated its grand opening in September, is a new and colourful landmark housing a cutting-edge museum, art gallery, library and essential council services.
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.
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.
VIC
“Instantly welcoming and culturally agnostic”: Darebin Intercultural Centre by Sibling Architecture
Darebin Intercultural Centre is a project bursting with colour and texture. At the core of this public work, however, Sibling Architecture has confronted questions of cultural inclusion and the colonial heritage of the built environment in ways that run much deeper than surface level.
Project
Woods Bagot comment: ‘People-centric care’ sounds obvious, but we’re stuck in a system
In this comment piece on healthcare design, Edwina Bennett, associate principal at Woods Bagot, asserts that it’s time to prioritise people with new ways of organising our health spaces.
Ideas
The Review, part two: ‘Truth and Lies in Architecture’ by Richard Francis-Jones
Timothy Alouani-Roby met with Richard Francis-Jones of fjcstudio (previously fjmtstudio) to discuss his timely, provocative and, quite frankly, necessary book on architecture. In this second part of the book review, we turn to the question of what architects can do in the face of crises from climate breakdown to alienation of place.
Events
The Review, part one: ‘Truth and Lies in Architecture’ by Richard Francis-Jones
Timothy Alouani-Roby met with Richard Francis-Jones of fjcstudio (formerly fjmtstudio) to discuss his timely, provocative and, quite frankly, necessary book on architecture. In this first part of the book review, we consider the alienation and commodification of the profession, as well as its place in society.
News
Bee-inspired: University of Queensland’s Arcadian garden of reconciliation
A new Reconciliation Garden at the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Herston campus showcases the power of collaborative design. The project saw a partnership between Arcadia, Multhana Property Services and representatives of Traditional Owners of the land.
Events
Buchan and the University of Queensland combine for Indigenous scholarship
A new architecture scholarship will support an Indigenous student through their degree and prepare them for a career in design thanks to a partnership between a global architecture practice and a major Australian university.
People
Powerhouse for change: Jefa Greenaway
Through insight and expertise, INDESIGN Luminary Jefa Greenaway has forged a career highlighting Indigenous perspectives in architecture and design. He’s a powerful force for change and a man to be followed.
Project
Bara Bridge: The gateway with the swollen belly of an eel
Linking the nearby light rail with Centennial Park, Sam Crawford Architects has designed a symbolically rich bridge that is also striking in form and materiality. It draws on Indigenous history and architectural archetypes to sit with natural ease on the site.
Events
“Cultural artefacts that seem to have floated up from the bottom of the harbour”
As part of this year’s Sydney Festival, a major public artwork by Brenda L. Croft is unveiled along the Barangaroo waterfront. At once thoughtful and bold, ‘Naabami (thou shall/will see): Barangaroo (army of me)’ highlights First Nations women and girls.
People
How Indigenous designer Bernadette Hardy is bringing Country into spaces
“Design and architecture have that ability to change human behaviour, but it is coming from Country and guiding us, not being guided by the human-centric design,” says Bernadette Hardy. Read more from this exclusive interview, first published in Forbes Australia.
Events
Walking Country together at Heide
Heide Museum of Modern Art and Urban Initiatives have worked closely with the Wurundjeri community to rebuild Heide’s connection to Country. Gillian Serisier relates a story of reconnections – both new and old.
Events
“Designing our future”: Mapping a process of self-reflection with Tzannes
Sydney architecture studio Tzannes is launching its new website. What began as an exercise in arranging a portfolio of award-winning work has evolved into a profound process of self-reflection as the practice readies itself for a multigenerational future.
Project
ThomsonAdsett and Law Architects’ biophilic design delivers the calm in Melbourne’s Wollert Primary School
Former principal at ThomsonAdsett, Sally Brincat, sits down with Leanne Amodeo to discuss the importance of biophilic design in shaping Wollert Primary School, one of the projects featured in Indesign 88: The Education Outlook Issue.
Events
The Ghost Net Collective: Mermer Waiskeder (Stories of the Moving Tide)
Threading together Country and cultures across Australia, this artist collective has produced a series of memorable sculptures to sit by Sydney Harbour.
Project
Inside Mirvac’s very own Melbourne home
Mirvac has a new office designed with care and detail that hits the mark in amenity and comfort for employees and clients alike.
Ideas
Hassell comment: How inclusive, universal design improves wellbeing in healthcare facilities
How do we design healthcare facilities where everyone feels included? The answer is to give people a choice.
People
bangawarra: voices leading change
Joining their considerable forces in 2018, Jo Kinniburgh and Shannon Foster, as bangawarra (meaning to make, to design and to bring about through sustained effort), have a monumental task ahead of them.
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.
Ideas
What happens when we practice reconciliation through design
Hames Sharley shares its studio’s insight into how incorporating Australia’s Indigenous history and culture can enrich the built environment.
People
Life under Lockdown: Christian Hampson
Chris Hampson, director and co-founder of visionary indigenous start-up Yerrabingin, talks about shifting his work paradigm since Covid-19.
News
In Absence: Symbolic of both life and death
Open this week at The National Gallery of Victoria, In Absence is a cultural conversation through architecture by Edition Office and Indigenous artist Yhonnie Scarce.
Products
Reconciliation through design: Introducing Water Yuludarla by Milliken
Pushing inclusive design and co-creation into new territory, Milliken-Ontera’s new Water Yuludara collection has been designed in collaboration with Gumbaynggirr artist, Brentyn Lugnan.
Articles
A story of heritage and culture with xLockers2 by Planex
Australian-brand, Planex collaborates with Lucy Simpson from Gaawaa Miyay Studio to create a design that captures the unique sensitivity of place and the incorporation of Indigenous culture within the built environment.
Project
Indigenous co-creation: Punmu and Parnngurr by Kaunitz Yeung Architecture
“These projects can stand on the world stage against any other kind of health project, and be successful. They aren’t Aboriginal projects; they are architecture for a specific community, that meets and exceeds the brief,” shares Kaunitz Yeung founding principal, David Kaunitz on the INDE.Award winning Punmu and Parnngurr projects.
Ideas
A new era for Indigenous collaboration
Pushing forward the discussion of design, Schiavello recently hosted a panel talk with some of the brightest minds in the industry – and a key issue on the table was Indigenous design and collaboration. Here’s what came out of it.
News
NGV Architecture Commission 2019 winners announced!
The NGV Architecture Commission for 2019 has crowned contemporary artist Yhonnie Scarce and Melbourne architecture studio Edition Office as winners for their scheme ‘In Absence’.
Project
Can design help tell the story of our Indigenous people?
Taylor & Hinds Architects designed krakani lumi, a standing camp in Mount William National Park, that helps to tell the significant story of country and the creation.
News
Indigenous Design Charter takes home Victorian Premier’s Design Awards top honour
The winners have been announced! The 2018 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards have been awarded, with a ground-breaking Indigenous design charter taking home the highest prize.
Ideas
Learning from Aboriginal designs in architecture
The aesthetics of Aboriginal designs are familiar to many Australians, but perhaps less so when it comes to architecture. How can the A&D community learn from, and honour this centuries-old culture?
People
Learning from Aboriginal design
Culture can have a powerful influence on our approach to design so what happens when – as a fully matured adult – you find a whole other side to your family’s history?
News
Indigenous Art Meets Designer Rugs With Yulparitja
Designers and design lovers alike were out in full force at Mossgreen Gallery, Woollhara to celebrate the launch of Yulparitja, a Designer Rugs range designed by the Indigenous Bidyadanga people of Western Australia.