First Nations design
News
Powerhouse Parramatta prepares to open its doors
From Es Devlin and aerospace innovation to First Nations-led stories of Water Country, Powerhouse Parramatta has unveiled the five exhibitions that will launch the new museum this November.
Events
Tappeti marks 20 years of bespoke rug design
At Paddington Town Hall, the Australian rug studio reflected on two decades of bespoke design with an event that brought its archives, collaborations and making processes into motion.
Project
A place of water in the Park Lands
Designed by JPE Design Studio with Warren and Mahoney and cultural creative designer Karl Winda Telfer, Adelaide Aquatic Centre — Kauwingka — recasts civic leisure as landscape, gathering place and cultural story.
Project
Setting the blueprint for Bradfield City’s first precinct
The master plan and reference design for Bradfield City’s First Land Release has been unveiled, positioning the precinct as a sustainable, mixed-use gateway shaped by Country, community and long-term urban ambition.
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.
News
Kennedy Nolan appointed to lead next phase at Abbotsford Convent
Abbotsford Convent has appointed Kennedy Nolan to guide the next stage of development at the heritage-listed Melbourne precinct, continuing its evolution as a cultural and community landmark.
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
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
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.
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
Two-day gathering to explore First Nations design
UNSW Galleries is set to host ‘barangga: First Nations Design Gathering,’ a two-day event focused on integrating Country into public art on October 25-26th.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Edit
Contemporary First Nations design meets acoustic functionality
Experience the perfect harmony of First Nations design with the Autex Acoustics x Willie Weston Collection in the latest edition of The Edit.
News
Rugs that make you contemplate Country, and nature in new ways
We were blown away by the beauty of these richly dynamic rug designs crafted in collaboration with four talented First Nations artists. Relive the highlights from the launch of Tappeti’s Indigenous Collection.