Living Design Series | August 2026 | First Nations Guidance and Advocacy
DATE: 6 August 2026
TIME: 12:00pm-1:00pm (AEST, Brisbane, QLD)
Please note: This is not a formal CPD presentation.
Online Event: Teams Webinar
If you are not a member of the Australian Institute of Architects and would like to join this event you can also contact the Queensland Chapter by email at [email protected] for assistance.
Overview
The Living Design Series emphasises sustainable and adaptable design solutions, showcasing building and their spaces as dynamic entities that serve the needs of users. It initiates dialogue on how design can shape healthier and more resilient environments for people and the planet. This series has been curated by the Queensland Climate Action and Sustainability Committee.
The series will consist of four consecutive webinars. Each webinar will include a 40-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session.
Our August 2026 webinar, First Nations Guidance and Advocacy, features Michael Mossman and Shaneen Fantin from the Australian Institute of Architects’ First Nations Advisory Committee. Together, they will explore how guidance, collaboration, and community-led action can strengthen engagement with First Nations Peoples and Country.
The session highlights two initiatives shaping built environment practice: Walk Together: Design Guided by Country, a free resource launching in August 2026 to support meaningful First Nations engagement in design, and the Wrights Creek land care project on Yidinji Country, where a local initiative led by the Gimuy Rangers of Cairns has grown into a powerful network of care and advocacy for Country.
Together, these projects demonstrate how thoughtful guidance and community leadership can foster more culturally responsive and place-based approaches to design and stewardship.
Presenters
MICHAEL MOSSMAN | UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Associate Professor Michael Mossman (Kuku
Yalanji) lives and works on Gadigal Country in Sydney. He is Associate Dean
Indigenous at the University of Sydney, co-chair of the First Nations Advisory
Committee of the Australian Institute of Architects, and currently an
Australian Research Council DAATSIA Fellow and Chief Investigator for the
Indigenising the Built Environment in Australia research project.
SHANEEN FANTIN | SHANEEN FANTIN CONSULTING
Dr. Shaneen Fantin lives and works on Yidinji Country near Cairns. She is a researcher, architect and project manager with over 30 years of industry expertise, specializing in placed-based and community-driven projects who has dedicated her career to understanding the relationship of culture, design and architecture with First Nations peoples. She is co-chair of the First Nations Advisory Committee of the Australian Institute of Architects, a member of the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel, and a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland.
Session Facilitators
KAVITA GONSALVES ASSOCIATE RAIA
Kavita is the Associate Principal and Sustainability Design Lead - APAC at Populous and has over 15 years of experience in sustainable design, workplace design, architecture, urban design, and design strategy. She channels her efforts towards forging sustainable futures at the intersections of people, place, and technology. She leads a 20-person team that ensures transformative design in projects, and engages in academic-industry collaborations which includes Circular Economy-Building 4.0 CRC, “Climate Action in Architecture” research, Climate Forum 2024, and QUT-Populous Circulate M.Arch Studio 2024-25. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Architects (Associate RAIA) QLD Chapter Climate Action and Sustainability Committee and is a RAIA QLD Chapter Councillor for the term of 2025-27.
DOMINIKA RICHARDS RAIA
Dominika is a registered architect with over 7 years’ experience across a wide range of projects in multi-residential and commercial sectors. Dominika finds fulfilment in working on affordable housing projects as well as having experience across independent living, education and community projects. Dominika’s experience spans across various stages of project delivery from client briefing, sketch design, developed design, project procurement, construction documentation and administration through to project completion. Dominika is the leader of the Sustainability group at Deicke Richards and has a strong interest in socially and ecologically sustainable design practices. She is passionate about fostering communities through sustainable architecture and believes that a true difference can be made in the way we live through climate responsive, regenerative design, spatial configuration and architectural articulation.
Price
$10 This contribution helps us provide fair remuneration to our speakers for sharing their time, expertise, and knowledge.
We want this webinar to be accessible to everyone. If the ticket price presents a barrier, please contact [email protected] and we will be happy to provide a complimentary ticket.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms and conditions for information about refunds and cancellations. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to these terms.