The story of our Innovate RAP artwork – commissioned to represent our journey and created by First Nations artist Katie West – is shared here in our RAP document.
Architectus steps up to ‘Innovate’ in RAP journey
Reconciliation Australia has formally endorsed the Architectus Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), recognising our ongoing commitment to making reconciliation more tangible in our practice, our design process, and our built work.
The endorsement means we are one of a handful of design firms nationally with an Innovate RAP – and we look forward to putting our plans into action.
One of the key objectives of our Innovate RAP is to strengthen the relationships we established through our Reflect RAP – launched in 2020 and renewed in 2022 – while also building and nurturing new relationships.
We know that broadening our connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will deepen our understanding of Country, which we believe is crucial to achieving equitable, resilient, and sustainable outcomes in our work.
Other significant initiatives outlined in our Innovate RAP include:
- Expanding cultural learning opportunities for our team to increase understanding and recognition of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge systems and rights
- Promoting reconciliation through our sphere of influence, including publicly communicating our commitment to reconciliation, and
- Maintaining existing relationships and exploring additional relationships with First Nations internship and work experience organisations to create opportunities in each studio.
“Over the last three years we’ve learned and grown so much as a practice through the RAP process,” says Architectus Associate Principal Mary Papaioannou, our nominated ‘RAP Champion’. “It has made a profound impact on the way we think and work.”
“It’s especially rewarding to know Reconciliation Australia believes we’re ready to take another step forward into the Innovate phase,” she adds.
“But we also understand there’s no end goal when it comes to reconciliation – it’s a continuous process of learning and adapting every day.”
For more information on our Innovate RAP and reconciliation initiatives, visit the Responsiblity section of our website.
