Walk Together: Design Guided by Country provides architects, designers and the built environment profession with guidance for embedding Country, culture and respectful engagement throughout design practice.
Walk Together: Design Guided by Country provides a practical framework to support architects and built environment professionals in embedding Country, culture and respectful engagement throughout every stage of design.
Developed by the Australian Institute of Architects' First Nations Advisory Committee and Cultural Reference Panel, the framework encourages deeper understanding, meaningful collaboration and culturally responsive practice.
Download the framework and guidance notesAuthored by the First Nations Advisory Committee and Cultural Reference Panel, these foundational resources introduce key concepts, language and protocols to support respectful, culturally informed practice.
Learn the preferred terminology and language used throughout the built environment profession.
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Sculptures created by artists Karl Winda Telfer and Tikana Telfer from upturned trees ringed with weathered steel bands offer both ornament and story.
Image: Jackie Gu
Understand the Institute's policies for culturally safe and respectful practice, Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.
Read →Akeyulerre Healing Centre | Susan Dugdale & Associates | Photographer: Sue Dugdale
Guidance Notes offering practical advice on a range of subjects from ICIP to Building Relationships.
Read →Yarrila Place | BVN | Photographer: Tom Roe
The Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 22 July 2020 included a membership vote on a number of changes to the Constitution of the Institute including the addition of a ‘Statement of Recognition’.
The First Nations Advisory Committee and Cultural Reference Panel developed the Statement of Recognition which was adopted following the membership vote, with 96% of members supporting the constitutional changes.
The Statement of Recognition reads:
The Australian Institute of Architects recognises the unceded sovereign lands and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of these lands and waters.
This recognition generates acknowledgement and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Countries, Cultures and Communities, and their ways of being, knowing and doing.
Caring for Country practices including architecture and place shaping have existed on this continent since time immemorial.
The Institute recognises a professional commitment to engage and act meaningfully through reciprocal partnership and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Together we will support and develop the emergence of new possibilities for our shared future.
Image: The Ablutions at Wybalenna | Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania | Photographer: Adam Gibson
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Image: Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence | ARM Architecture | Photographer: Peter Bennetts
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