The Business of Architecture*

A number of excellent articles, reports and documents aim to help practitioners gain a better understanding of First Nations knowledge and designing with Country. This resource roundup is by no means exhaustive. We will continue to add resources over time.

There are a number of excellent CPD webinars, courses, audio recordings, podcasts and websites available that aim to help practitioners gain a better understanding of First Nations knowledge and designing with Country. General courses on Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion and Cultural Competence are also extremely valuable to help build understanding and cultural competence.

At the end of 2024, we surveyed the industry to better understand how architectural practices are engaging with Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and First Nations initiatives. The ACA’s RAP Coordinator Emma Brain has compiled a summary of the findings for ACA members. 

What do the First Nations performance criteria (FNPC) outlined in the AACA’s National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA 2021) mean to you? Take the survey today to help further the aims of the Indigenous-led research project Indigenising the Built Environment in Australia. Entries close on 14 March 2025.

The ACA has joined the core group of organisations that coordinate the activities of the RAP RING, a network of practices committed to bringing about change. RAP RING Chair Missy Saleeba reflects on the purpose of the group, the Voice Referendum result and why it’s critical for architects to enhance their understanding of First Nations culture, values and challenges.

For NAIDOC week 2024, the ACA was proud to host a special presentation by Emma Gibbens and Rhys Paddick from Acknowledge This!, an organisation established to promote cultural understanding and meaningful connection. Rhys and Emma bring their collective experience as an Aboriginal educator and a change strategist to their events to facilitate deep conversations that broaden our perspectives. Book now!

Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June 2024) is an opportunity to engage with First Nations culture, truth-telling and continuous living history. Each year, Reconciliation Australia collates a list of public events in each state and territory. It’s a fantastic resource for practices keen to celebrate and acknowledge the week. We encourage members to register for a local event and get involved.

The ACA’s new RAP Working Group was developed to support the ACA membership with their learning around First Nations knowledge and engagement, with a focus on Reconciliation Action Plans. Here we provide a summary of the Group’s aims and a brief interview with the RAP Working Group Chair Stephen Pearse.

At the ACA, we will continue to listen, learn, engage in respectful conversations, educate ourselves and share knowledge where we can. We recommend viewing the webinar ‘Reconciliation after the Referendum’ by Reconciliation Australia and downloading a valuable list of actions that organisations can take.

The Gari Yala report, meaning ‘speak the truth’ in Wiradjuri, unpacks the findings of an extensive survey on the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at work. This article, originally published in The Conversation, explores the findings and what employers can do to improve workplace inclusion.

The ACA is immensely proud to announce that our first Reconciliation Action Plan has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Our RAP sets out a vision for a more equitable profession and places reconciliation at the heart of what we do.

There are a number of excellent CPD webinars, courses, audio recordings, podcasts and websites available that aim to help practitioners gain a better understanding of First Nations knowledge and designing with Country. General courses on Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion and Cultural Competence are also extremely valuable to help build understanding and cultural competence.

The ACA is thrilled to announce that we have submitted the first draft of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. This project has given our organisation the opportunity to deeply reflect on our purpose and ability to influence positive change.

The Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney is offering a 20% discount for ACA members for its Practicing on Country CPD course, an online, self-paced 1.5 hour learning module.

The ACA WA has organised an online presentation on First Nations History in Western Australia since British colonisation. Watch this very special presentation with valuable insights by Scott Patterson, Director at Ochre Project Services.

CareerTrackers placements with Lendlease and SJB gave Samantha Rich valuable real-world experience, feedback and skills she could immediately draw upon when she left university.

Emma Brain shares insights about the CareerTrackers program, with interviews with University Program Director Sharon Hiserman and Alumni Program Manager and former participant Darcee Duroux.

On 3 June, the ACA hosted a webinar with TheFulcrum.Agency on the importance of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). Emma Brain provides a recap.

What is a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), why are they so important and how do you create one? Listen in to this panel discussion from the ACA and TheFulcrum.Agency to learn more about RAPs, including insights from other practices and what you can do to participate in the program.