designing with Country

garigarra provides holistic Designing with Country and Connecting with Country services that support projects from initial research and conceptual development, through to planning, design development and delivery.

We work across precinct strategy, masterplanning and urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, interior architecture, public art strategy, wayfinding and cultural interpretation.

Across State Significant and Local Government DA pathways, Connecting with Country Frameworks, design development workshops, engagement strategy and strategic design advice, we support project teams to embed Country-centred thinking through all project phases.

Grounded in deep listening, research and relational site understanding, we work with project teams to surface the cultural, ecological, historical and spatial layers of place to shape design responses that are considered, accountable and connected to and with Country.

garigarra works as a core (co)design partner, not a tick-box consultant, shaping projects to ensure Country-centred thinking informs every decision, from brief to concept to delivery.

place visioning and strategy

garigarra works with clients, Traditional Custodians and diverse disciplinary expertise to inform Country-centred place visions and strategies. Across site, precinct and regional scales, we bring together cultural, ecological, historical and spatial knowledge to articulate what makes a place distinct and what responsibilities development holds to Country.

Through research, engagement, place analysis and collaborative visioning, we provide advice and strategic guidance that translates Country’s values, stories and relationships into practical principles, priorities and implementation frameworks. This creates a clear line of sight from Country and community aspirations through to strategic planning, design decisions, delivery and long-term care.

place-based research

For projects that a Designing with Country scope isn’t appropriate, we offer targeted research services to support more thoughtful, place-responsive design.

This methodology is suited for small(er) scale residential and community-focused projects seeking a deeper understanding of place, history(s), ecology and cultural context without the scale of a full framework.

Through desktop research, mapping, archival review and site-based analysis, we help project teams uncover the layered conditions of Country supporting stronger concepts, clearer narratives and more grounded design decisions.

Supported by design review and strategic advice, garigarra helps project teams respond to Country with greater care, while reducing unnecessary cultural load and consultation fatigue on community.

rap and workplace strategies

garigarra supports design studios, practices and organisations to develop meaningful RAPs, reconciliation and cultural strategies.

Whether a formal Reconciliation Action Plan or an internal strategy, we support teams to move beyond intention to embed accountability across governance, procurement, employment, cultural learning, project work and relationships.

garigarra can write, develop, review or advise and work as a cultural and strategic partner to help teams turn reconciliation commitments into clear, practical and accountable action.