First Nations Knowledge in Architectural Design and Practice
Explore the intersection of culture, Country, and design through First Nations perspectives in architecture.
This course provides design professionals with the skills and knowledge to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being, and doing into architectural practice. Through culturally informed design principles, community engagement protocols, and analysis of precedent projects, participants will learn how to embed Indigenous worldviews in concept development, site response, and material consideration.
Meeting the emerging expectations of the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects, the course supports both CPD for registered architects and learning pathways for graduates preparing for registration. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to lead thoughtful, respectful, and innovative design responses that honour and care for Country.
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Meet Your Course Instructors
Professor Paul Loh, Professor & HOS Architecture - Faculty of Society & Design, Bond University
Professor Paul Loh is Head of the Abedian School of Architecture and lead coordinator of the Architecture Futures Laboratory at Bond University, having previously served as a senior lecturer and Assistant Dean at the University of Melbourne's School of Design. His research focuses on automation in construction through robotic technology and advanced manufacturing to reduce design waste, including patented flexible formwork technology that has been successfully commercialised.
Through his practice LLDS, he integrates digital technologies like AR and VR into innovative construction methods, while also investigating how digital tools affect architectural design practice and education. He holds a PhD from RMIT University and has taught internationally at institutions including ETH Zurich, Lund University, and Tsinghua University.
Justin Twohill, Director - Buro Two
Justin Twohill is the Director of Buro Two, a design-focused studio based in Northern New South Wales on the lands of the Moorung Moobar people of the Bundjalung Nation. With nearly 25 years of experience working across Northern NSW and South East Queensland, the studio integrates research with practice-based outcomes, reflecting a deep connection to subtropic environments, people, and places.
Justin is a graduate of the University of Canberra and the University of Queensland, where he developed a strong interest in First Nations knowledge, completing his undergraduate thesis under the guidance of Paul Memmott.
He teaches Design Studio and Designing for Sustainable Futures and began tutoring with Bond University since the inception of its Architecture program in 2011.
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Course information
Assessment for this course is comprised of short quizzes, and a written report and project.
Course Outline
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Module 1: Building context
In this module, you’ll be introduced to foundational First Nations knowledge concepts in architectural design. You’ll explore the idea of Country as a living, intelligent entity and learn how First Nations systems, technologies, and practices are deeply relational and in balance with land, sea, sky, and people.
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Module 2: First Nations peoples
Here, you’ll explore the rich diversity of First Nations languages, Nations, and groups across Australia. You’ll learn about the roles of Traditional Owners and community-led organisations, and how to identify and engage with the right First Nations stakeholders for your design projects.
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Module 3: Culturally Responsive Relationships
In this module, you will learn about culturally responsive relationships, ethical engagement with First Nations Peoples, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) to ensure respectful, collaborative, and culturally safe design practices.
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Module 4: Process for Engagement, Design and Delivery
In this module, you will learn about culturally responsive relationships, ethical engagement with First Nations Peoples, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) to ensure respectful, collaborative, and culturally safe design practices.
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Module 5: Design Vocabularies in Action
In this module, you will learn the language and steps required to develop a project plan for Designing with Country, incorporating cultural awareness, heritage management, cultural mapping, risk assessments, First Nations-led engagement, and maintaining respectful, ongoing relationships throughout the design process.
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Module 6: Finalising a Project Brief
In this module, you will learn how to bring together your understanding of First Nations Knowledge in Architectural Practice to design a culturally responsive return brief.
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Module 1: Building context
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Who should complete this course?
This course is designed for architects, architectural graduates, and design professionals who are seeking to strengthen their cultural capability and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into their practice. It is ideal for practitioners aiming to meet the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects and for graduates preparing for registration. Anyone committed to culturally responsive, Country‑centred design will benefit from this learning.
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Course outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate the principles of project planning, in considering implications for Country and discuss methods in engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- Explain principles to implement culturally responsive and meaningful engagement processes that respect the importance of Country and reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across architectural services.
- Explain authorship of cultural knowledge and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ aspirations to care for Country and how these inform architectural design.
- Examine performance standard, material and product choice in considering the impact on Country and the environment.
Assessment & recognition
You must complete and pass the assessment tasks to qualify for a digital Certificate of Completion.
Assessment for this course is comprised of short quizzes, and a written report and project.
Course Outline
-
Module 1: Building context
In this module, you’ll be introduced to foundational First Nations knowledge concepts in architectural design. You’ll explore the idea of Country as a living, intelligent entity and learn how First Nations systems, technologies, and practices are deeply relational and in balance with land, sea, sky, and people.
-
Module 2: First Nations peoples
Here, you’ll explore the rich diversity of First Nations languages, Nations, and groups across Australia. You’ll learn about the roles of Traditional Owners and community-led organisations, and how to identify and engage with the right First Nations stakeholders for your design projects.
-
Module 3: Culturally Responsive Relationships
In this module, you will learn about culturally responsive relationships, ethical engagement with First Nations Peoples, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) to ensure respectful, collaborative, and culturally safe design practices.
-
Module 4: Process for Engagement, Design and Delivery
In this module, you will learn about culturally responsive relationships, ethical engagement with First Nations Peoples, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) to ensure respectful, collaborative, and culturally safe design practices.
-
Module 5: Design Vocabularies in Action
In this module, you will learn the language and steps required to develop a project plan for Designing with Country, incorporating cultural awareness, heritage management, cultural mapping, risk assessments, First Nations-led engagement, and maintaining respectful, ongoing relationships throughout the design process.
-
Module 6: Finalising a Project Brief
In this module, you will learn how to bring together your understanding of First Nations Knowledge in Architectural Practice to design a culturally responsive return brief.
This course is designed for architects, architectural graduates, and design professionals who are seeking to strengthen their cultural capability and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into their practice. It is ideal for practitioners aiming to meet the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects and for graduates preparing for registration. Anyone committed to culturally responsive, Country‑centred design will benefit from this learning.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate the principles of project planning, in considering implications for Country and discuss methods in engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- Explain principles to implement culturally responsive and meaningful engagement processes that respect the importance of Country and reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across architectural services.
- Explain authorship of cultural knowledge and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ aspirations to care for Country and how these inform architectural design.
- Examine performance standard, material and product choice in considering the impact on Country and the environment.
Assessment & recognition
You must complete and pass the assessment tasks to qualify for a digital Certificate of Completion.