Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan NH Architecture December 2021 — December 2022
Contents
NH Architecture
Acknowledgement of Country
03
Message from Reconciliation Australia
04
Our Business
06
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
07
Our Current Partnerships and Activities
09
Relationships
12
Respect
13
Opportunities
14
Governance
15
Contact
16
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land, waterways and skies across Australia. We pay our respects to the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and their Elders past, present and emerging, as the Traditional Owners of the land on which NH Architecture’s studio is located.
NH Architecture Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan December, 2021 – December, 2022
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From Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine
Reconciliation Australia welcomes NH Architecture to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program with the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP. NH Architecture joins a network of more than 1,100
This Reflect RAP enables NH Architecture to deepen its
corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations
understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique
that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation
contribution it can make to lead progress across the five
through the RAP program.
dimensions. Getting these first steps right will ensure the
Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation
sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.
movement. The program’s potential for impact is greater
Congratulations NH Architecture, welcome to the
than ever, with close to 3 million people now working or
RAP program, and I look forward to following your
studying in an organisation with a RAP.
reconciliation journey in the years to come.
The four RAP types — Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate — allow RAP partners to continuously develop and strengthen reconciliation commitments in new ways. This Reflect RAP will lay the foundations, priming the workplace for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives. The RAP program’s strength is its framework of relationships, respect, and opportunities, allowing an organisation to strategically set its reconciliation commitments in line with its own business objectives, for the most effective outcomes. These outcomes contribute towards the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; unity; and historical acceptance. It is critical to not only uphold all five dimensions of reconciliation, but also increase awareness of Aboriginal
Karen Mundine Chief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia
and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and leadership across all sectors of Australian society.
NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Arts Centre Melbourne Smoking Ceremony
NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Our Business
NH Architecture is a leading Australian design studio founded on the principles of collaboration and open debate, where architects and designers are united by a commitment to creating outstanding contemporary architecture. Philosophy
Our methodology is unencumbered by the traditional parameters of typology or function, alternatively, we seek a new expression for architecture as a public, humancentred construction. We do this by merging designer and mediator – providing a platform for clients, engineers, planners and broader community to engage fully with the integrated process of design. As well as ensuring that we prioritise social collaboration, our practice values and emphasises the preservation of cultural integrity. We understand the complexities of the Australian city and the importance of engaging with culturally significant heritage, whilst balancing the need for innovative, environmentally sustainable designs and developments. Our works cover several states across Australia, as well as internationally.
Approach
NH Architecture has expertise in the disciplines of architecture, master planning, interior and graphic design. Established in 2004, the Melbourne based studio is led by two of the founding partners, Roger Nelson and Hamish Lyon. Collectively, our team consists of approximately 90 people, comprising of architects, urban planners, interior designers, graphic designers, architectural draftspersons, IT specialists and administration staff. To our knowledge, we currently have no staff who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Our Reconciliation Action Plan
As a Melbourne based and Australia focused design practice, we are committed to establishing meaningful and respectful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, creating positive contributions to all communities in which we operate. We understand committing to a Reflect Reconciliation
RAP Working Committee consists of:
Action Plan (RAP) allows our organisation to spend time scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, working through developing our vision for reconciliation and exploring our
Astrid Jenkin Principal (RAP Champion)
sphere of influence. This process will help to produce outcomes which are meaningful, mutually beneficial and sustainable. As a leading Australian design studio founded on
Emily von Moger Senior Associate
collaboration, we understand the importance of knowledge sharing and communication. Our aim is to create opportunities to strengthen cross-cultural awareness within our studio, enhancing better connections, understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.
Dale Schlosser Associate
We aim to enhance opportunities for our staff to respectfully consider, understand and integrate awareness and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and where appropriate, celebrate the
Leona Dusanovic Associate
extensive Australian First Nations peoples culture and 65,000+ years of history throughout our current and future projects and work environment. Matt Calder Landscape Architect
NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Artwork by Mandy Nicholson, located at Burwood Brickworks
NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Our Current Partnerships and Activites With decades of experience designing and constructing large scale projects of great significance throughout Melbourne and wider Australia, a consistent focus of each project, is the respectful consideration, understanding and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as the Traditional Owners of the land. NH Architecture has collaborated with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within multiples projects in Victoria, with a focus on revealing the multi-layered history of the land on which the projects are located, while supporting present day inclusion and participation. The following are some examples of key projects where collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has occurred throughout the project process.
Burwood Brickworks Burwood Brickworks is an urban regeneration project located in Burwood East, Melbourne. NH Architecture engaged with local Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung artist, Many Nicholson to respectfully consider, understand and embed to Place the Wurundjeri culture within the project. The design, which is depicted on page 8, recognises the cultural significance of relationships to traditional Country. Nicholson’s expansive Aboriginal art installation sweeps across the interior of the sawtooth roof. The six layers of Wurundjeri Country are represented on each panel, both interacting with the ridged form of the ceiling, whilst simultaneously
↓ Artwork by artist Mandy Nicholson, located at Burwood Brickworks
NH Architecture
transcending it, in the depiction of ubiquitous Aboriginal culture – which is often hidden within an urban context
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Our Current Partnerships and Activites
↓ Artwork by artist Mandy Nicholson, located at Burwood Brickworks
Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne NH Architecture has been working on the reimagining of the Arts Centre Melbourne since 2015. Working closely with Caroline Martin - Custodian of Boonwurrung Country, the Arts Centre Melbourne and Development Victoria teams working on the project from early schematic design have ensured that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples knowledge sharing is embedded throughout the design process.
Acknowledgment and integration of RAP’s within Projects Many projects undertaken by NH Architecture are with clients who have established RAPs within their company’s. NH Architecture recognises the importance of each RAP and works closely with various stakeholders to ensure the goals and outcomes specific to these individual RAPs are discussed and integrated into the projects, where appropriate.
← A rts Centre Melbourne Smoking Ceremony NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Relationships
Respect
Opportunities
Governance NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Relationships
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
1. Establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
Identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations within our local area or sphere of influence.
March 2022
Architect
March Research best practice and principles that support partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres 2022 Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
Architect
2 Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW).
Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff.
May 2022
Associate
RAP Working Group members to participate in an external NRW event.
27 May - 3 June 2022
Associate
Encourage and support staff and senior leaders 27 May - 3 June 2022 to participate in at least one external event to recognise and celebrate NRW.
Associate
Communicate our commitment to reconciliation to all staff.
February 2022
Architect
Identify external stakeholders that our organisation can engage with on our reconciliation journey.
March 2022
Architect
Identify RAP and other like-minded organisations that we could approach to collaborate with on our reconciliation journey.
March 2022
Architect
Research best practice and policies in areas of race relations and anti-discrimination.
April 2022
Associate
Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing antidiscrimination provisions, and future needs.
April 2022
Architect
3 Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.
4 Promote positive race relations through antidiscrimination strategies.
NH Architecture
Responsibility
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Respect
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
5 Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning.
Develop a business case for increasing understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights within our organisation.
April 2022
Associate
Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation.
April 2022
Architect
Develop an understanding of the local Traditional Owners or Custodians of the lands and waters within our organisation’s operational area.
May 2022
Associate
Increase staff’s understanding of the purpose and significance behind cultural protocols, including Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols.
April 2022
Graduate of Architecture
Raise awareness and share information amongst our staff about the meaning of NAIDOC Week.
June 2022
Graduate of Architecture
Introduce our staff to NAIDOC Week by promoting external events in our local area.
July 2022
Graduate of Architecture
RAP Working Group to participate in an external NAIDOC Week event.
First week July 2022
6 Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols.
7 Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week.
NH Architecture
Responsibility
Architect
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Opportunities
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
8 Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development.
Develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within our organisation.
July 2022
Practice Manager
Build understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffing to inform future employment and professional development opportunities.
July 2022
Architect
9 Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes.
Develop a business case for procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses.
July 2022
Practice Manager
Investigate Supply Nation membership.
February 2022
NH Architecture
Responsibility
Associate
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Governance
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
10 Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP.
Form a RWG to govern RAP implementation.
December 2021
Draft a Terms of Reference for the RWG.
January 2022
Senior Management
Establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the RWG.
January 2022
Senior Management
Define resource needs for RAP implementation.
January 2022
Senior Associate
Engage senior leaders in the delivery of RAP commitments.
January 2022
Architect
Define appropriate systems and capability to track, measure and report on RAP commitments.
January 2022
Architect
12 Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally.
Complete and submit the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia.
30 September 2022
13 Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP.
Register via Reconciliation Australia’s website to begin developing our next RAP.
September 2022
11 Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments.
NH Architecture
Responsibility Senior Associate
Senior Management
Senior Associate
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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Contact
For more information on our Reconciliation Journey please contact: Emily von Moger Senior Associate 9654 4955 emily.vonmoger@nharch.net
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Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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NH Architecture
Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2022
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