CPD Online - How to specify ethically: First Nations engagement

Architecture is a powerful medium for storytelling, offering the chance to forge meaningful connections to place and culture. For Indigenous communities, these connections are deeply tied to the concept of Country—a holistic relationship with land, water, and sky that shapes identity and traditions. While Indigenous perspectives in architecture have historically been underrepresented, architects and designers have the opportunity move beyond symbolic gestures by fostering genuine collaboration and engaging in ongoing learning to ensure designs reflect cultural depth and integrity.

Today’s session will explore how architects and designers can integrate Indigenous perspectives into their projects through ethical specification and meaningful engagement. We’ll look at the importance of understanding Country, building partnerships with Indigenous businesses and communities, and recognising Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP). We will also provide a practical framework for collaboration and share examples of architectural projects enriched by First Nations art and storytelling.

Learning objectives

By the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

• Explain the importance of Country in understanding Indigenous cultural perspectives and how architecture can be enriched through respectful engagement with Indigenous art and stories.
• Outline ethical specification principles when incorporating Indigenous art and cultural elements into architectural projects.
• Describe best practices for meaningful, respectful and appropriate collaboration with Indigenous communities and artists.
• Outline legal and ethical frameworks required to ensure compliance when incorporating Indigenous art and cultural elements into architectural projects.

AACA NSCA Competency Standards: PC8, PC17, PC27, PC36