Reconciliation

Action by practice

Our RAP formalises our commitment to Indigenous employment and procurement practices as well as our respect for culture and Country.

Recognising the gap in First Nations participation in the design and property industry, we are aiming to improve pathways into the profession by working with groups like Career Trackers and Aurora Education Foundation and running our own Work Experience Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students.

In addition, we partner with industry peers on initiatives such as the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s First Nations Pathways Program.

Relationships and principles

We enter into conversations and collaborations with First Nations designers, advisors, artists, and communities. We also strive to incorporate First Nations design principles, artworks, and wisdom into our projects.

We are guided by the principles of the Australian Indigenous Design Charter, particularly when it comes to Indigenous-led design input, community specific cultural protocols, impacts of design, and shared knowledge methodologies for all levels of engagement.

First Nations cultural learning

Our practice recognises that education and awareness are an important part of the pathway to reconciliation.

All Architectus employees participate in a form of First Nations cultural awareness training, whether that’s the SBS Inclusion Program, industry-based professional development, or small group education settings. This work gives employees the opportunity to:

– Improve their knowledge of the importance of First Nations history, culture, and spirituality

– Understand the impact of colonisation and the trauma felt by Stolen Generations

– Develop an appreciation for the concept of First Nations family and kinship

– Learn to how to establish meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples and groups, and

– Understand how to work collaboratively with First Nations groups to continue our reconciliation process as individuals and as a business.