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 pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Following their recent win at the Good Design Awards (2018) for the EDO Streetscape, we catch up with the NZ powerhouse Schamburg + Alvisse.
Massimo Buster Minale is an advocate for making fittings unforgettable. His Buster + Punch Electricity Collection, available at Living Edge, embodies an idiosyncratic rock and roll aesthetic.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Paying homage to that wonderful tool of life, the book, SJK Architects’ design for the new headquarters of Penguin Random House is both a temple to the library and a captivating place to work.
In our series spotlighting aficionados across the design industry, we spoke with Alexandra Guglielmino, who leads the Art Advisory team at Bluethumb Art Gallery.