Designing With Country And Respectful Practice

‘Design for Country’ – a concept that until relatively-recently most non-Indigenous Australians had not ever heard of – has entered the mainstream.

Metrix Group are proud to be joind by Professor Phil Duncan, a member of the Gomeroi Nation from Moree and Terry Hie Hie for this culturally unique session of CPD Live. Our panel, which also includes non-Indigenous speakers, will discuss their own approaches to ‘Design for Country’. Using real case studies, our speakers will outline what they see as the best ways to successfully initiate and complete projects of this type.

Architects and designers are now actively encouraged to not just understand the notion, but to incorporate it into their own work. They are encouraged to collaborate with Indigenous artists, designers, and communities; and to effectively alter the homes, buildings, and public spaces they would otherwise have produced.

While this change of approach is to be applauded – and well overdue – projects of this type should be approached with care. They should always involve communication with, and approval by, Indigenous communities, as well as adherence to a range of legal, ethical, practical standards.

This session of CPD Live is concerned with all of the above, and more. Our panel, which includes both Indigenous speakers and non-Indigenous speakers, discuss their own approaches to ‘Design for Country’. Pointing to examples to illustrate their points, they outline what they see as the best ways to successfully initiate and complete projects of this type.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Define the terms ‘Country’ and ‘Design for Country’
• Explain the importance of cultural protocol, Indigenous IP and localisation of knowledge when undertaking projects of this type
• Explain the importance of engaging with Indigenous people and ‘Listening to Country’, through all project stages
• Outline the ways projects of this type can contribute to architects’ commitment to ‘Makarrata’ and the broader goals of being respectful custodians of the environment

(PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PC 15, PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PC 27, DESIGN DELIVERY AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES PC 50)

Speakers

Hazel Derrett, National Specification Manager, Metrix Group

With over 25 years experience, Hazel is an expert in Specification and working with Architects. As the National Specification Manager at Metrix Group, Hazel is the lead presenter for all Architectural Presentations and the Key Contact for Design Consultation. Hazel is also the primary driver of the Metrix Group education and engagement program including the creation and deployment of the 2 formal CPD’s Benefits, Applications and Key Design Consideration along with the brand new Designing for Country in partnership with Professor Phil Duncan. Hazel has also led the Regional Product Road Show programs in Townsville, Darwin, Bumbry and many more. 

You may also know Hazel from her time at Bluescope as their Specification Manger, along with a strong background in Sales, Marketing and Business Development in flooring products at Tarkett, Interface and Ontera.

Professor Leslie (Phil) Duncan, Galambany Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Professor Leslie (Phil) Duncan, a member of the Gomeroi Nation from Moree and Terry Hie Hie in New South Wales, has over 40 years of experience working with Aboriginal communities and government to advance cultural recognition, land rights, living conditions, and education. Through both professional and volunteer roles, he has driven meaningful change.

Phil provides strategic and policy advice to Indigenous organisations, universities, and government bodies, focusing on cultural heritage, community engagement, and co-designed program delivery. His work spans education, reconciliation, and natural resource management—including water rights, native fish, and forestry.

Deeply committed to two-way knowledge sharing, Phil champions the integration of Cultural Science with Western frameworks, aiming to strengthen Traditional Owner voices in land and water management.