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Living With Purpose and Designing From Country

The article features an alumni profile of Craig Kerslake, a Wiradjuri man and UNSW graduate, who discusses his educational and professional journey in architecture, emphasizing how his work is deeply rooted in First Australian cultural knowledge, humility, and a commitment to Country. Kerslake chose UNSW for its engaging thinkers in design and architecture, recalling Francis Marten, an academic who significantly influenced his critical thinking by posing questions like, “Craig, what would the design look like from Mars and how would you explain it to a Martian?” This approach fostered a sense of freedom and immersion in his studies, which he likens to a flight simulator for skill development and testing ideas with peers. He highlights the importance of learning to separate oneself from the work, a concept he relates to the Aboriginal cultural idea of 'taming the inner Emu'. Beyond his university education, Kerslake's cultural learning came from an Elder known as Uncle, who repeatedly asked him, “Great, now what are you doing for Country?” This inquiry instilled in him the understanding that being well-educated and becoming an architect was a privilege that came with the responsibility to care for Country. He explains the principle of 'Belonging to Country' in First Australian culture, which involves a reciprocal relationship where one is responsible for their conscious world, including people and nature, and in return, Country provides care. Kerslake articulates how he integrates Aboriginal stories and principles into his architectural designs, expressing pride in his Wiradjuri heritage and honoring his ancestors who faced systemic oppression. Kerslake's career path saw a pivotal shift after completing a Bachelor of Arts, where he transitioned from construction to architecture, inspired by the creative thinking involved in design. His first year of architecture coincided with reconnecting with his Aboriginal family in Dubbo, which gave him a profound understanding of 'Place' and a genuine purpose. He worked on diverse projects, including hospitals, schools, and public spaces, realizing his strengths lay in conceptual design and social wellbeing. Recognizing a void in the profession regarding Indigenous voices and a lack of First Australian architects, he founded Saltwater Studio Architects. To amplify his impact and address the need for an Indigenous perspective in architecture, Kerslake strategically sought a partnership with a larger practice. He evaluated firms based on their values and history of working with First Australians, leading him to DesignInc. This collaboration resulted in the formation of Nguluway DesignInc, which, within seven months, had employed Aboriginal staff, offered scholarships to Indigenous students, and integrated cultural training. 'Designing From Country' has become central to their design philosophy, enriching their approach across interiors, landscape, urban design, and architecture. Kerslake emphasizes that cultural learnings often provide unique solutions to design challenges, such as the concept of 'Brackish Space,' which explores the sacred qualities of where fresh and saltwater meet, symbolizing transition and belonging. He finds purpose and resilience in strategic problem-solving, advocating for a focus on serving others rather than self-aggrandizement. His proudest professional moment involved presenting a design concept for an Aboriginal tourist center, the 'Yindyamarra Meeting Place,' to his Wiradjuri community. The community's contemplative reception affirmed the power of his culturally-rooted design, validating his efforts to amplify their voice. Kerslake advises current UNSW students to 'tame the inner Emu,' a metaphor for overcoming self-focus and finding satisfaction through purpose-driven work that serves others, leading to an unexpected flow of inspiration and drive. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1998 and a Bachelor of Architecture in 2006 and is currently the Managing Director, Architect, and Designer at Nguluway DesignInc. #IndigenousArchitecture #CulturalDesign #AboriginalCulture #UNSWAlumni #ArchitecturalJourney #WiradjuriHeritage #PurposeDrivenDesign #DesigningFromCountry #IndigenousArchitecture #CulturalDesign #AboriginalCulture #UNSWAlumni #ArchitecturalJourney #WiradjuriHeritage #PurposeDrivenDesign #DesigningFromCountry

50 months ago

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