I have three key drivers: to meaningfully and respectfully embed Aboriginal stories into the built environment; to create opportunities for First Nations designers; and to contribute to the broader conversation about reconciliation in Australia.
As an architect and proud Wiradjuri man, Craig draws upon his cultural heritage, community and knowledge of Country. He fosters this way of knowing and doing across the team, bringing deep understanding to inform spatial planning and architectural form. With over 18 years of design and delivery experience, Craig’s main focus as an architect has been on major works projects for government as well as housing, health and community buildings.
As a passionate advocate for the well-being of First Australians, Craig sees his role of Director of Nguluway DesignInc as an opportunity to make a difference to both First Australians and Australia as a nation. Through engagement and support for future graduates, Nguluway DesignInc bridges of the skills gap while offering a unique narrative to the profession. It is Craig’s personal ambition to transform the current numbers of First Nations people represented within the practice of architecture to become proportionally equal to that of non indigenous Australia.
‘Greater Cities’ is a podcast series about the future of cities. Each episode challenges listeners to look at the big issues facing our cities, with insights from leading thinkers from Australia and around the world.
People often ask what it means to be a First Nations designer, and what designing from Country really means. Nguluway DesignInc Director Craig Kerslake has published a manifesto of his ideas around belonging to Country and designing from Country in the Architecture Bulletin
Research continues to demonstrate that inclusion and diversity in the workplace benefits not only the internal culture, but also outcomes such as creativity, strategic thinking, productivity and profit. In other words it’s a win-win for teams, clients, projects and the business.
DesignInc Sydney is thrilled to have received the 2021 UDIA NSW Diversity and Inclusion Award. With high levels of cultural diversity, gender equity at Director level, a fully funded First Nations architectural scholarship, Nguluway DesignInc partnership and a range of progressive policies, we are proud of our achievements.
