When Craig Kerslake set out to establish an Indigenous-led architecture firm, he wasn't just driven by design. He was driven by the desire to create lasting cultural impact—through buildings that honour Country, tell local stories, and bring communities together.
Now the Managing Director of Nguluway DesignInc, Mr Kerslake leads a team that's reshaping the future of Australian architecture by embedding Indigenous knowledge, collaboration, and cultural authenticity into every project.
"Nguluway means 'come together'," said Mr Kerslake.
"For us, it's not just a name—it's a guiding principle. We're here to build more than structures. We're here to build connection."
Founded in 2020, Nguluway DesignInc emerged from a long-considered vision: a joint venture that would bring Indigenous perspectives into the architectural mainstream through partnership with a nationally recognised firm. After five years of searching, Mr Kerslake found the right fit in DesignInc Sydney.
"They stood out for their values," he said
"They'd already invested in Indigenous talent, offering a $150,000 scholarship for a first-year student. That showed me they were serious, not just about ticking boxes, but about creating real pathways."
Like many new ventures, the early days were uncertain. Mr Kerslake recalls the first nine months with little to no work. But things shifted when the firm became involved in the Tubbah-Gah Wiradjui Keeping Place, a project that, while initially lost in a design competition, eventually came back to them.
"That project really helped solidify our presence. From there, we began to build momentum, gain trust, and attract projects that aligned with our vision," said Mr Kerslake.
Today, Nguluway DesignInc is recognised for its ability to deliver culturally rich and community-led design. But educating clients on what Indigenous design really means has been part of the journey.
"Sometimes a client will say, 'We want the Indigenous thing,' but they don't really know what that is," he said.
"They might expect a decal on glass or a yarning circle in the foyer. But what we offer is much deeper—we co-design with Traditional Owners to bring their stories, values, and identities into the built environment in meaningful ways."
That level of authenticity requires care, time, and trust—something Kerslake and his team prioritise in every relationship.
"Everything moves at the speed of trust," said Mr Kerslake.
"We don't rush conversations with community. We meet with Elders, listen to the right knowledge holders, and work at their pace—often over a cup of tea. It's about building respect, not just delivering a brief."
One of the team's most exciting current projects is Auntie's House, a housing initiative for women transitioning out of domestic violence, developed in partnership with the Bundjalung Tribal Society. The design centres on the idea of "threshold spaces"—areas where people can gather and connect before retreating to private rooms, blending community, safety, and healing.
"It's not just about providing shelter—it's about creating places that support connection, dignity, and access to nature," Mr Kerslake.
"That's how real healing begins."
Recognition has followed. Nguluway DesignInc. was recently named a finalist for Indigenous Business of the Year by the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, an honour Mr Kerslake says holds deep personal meaning.
"You can put all the other awards away—this one means the most," he said.
"To be acknowledged by your own community, by a body you truly respect, is something I'm incredibly proud of."
Looking ahead, Kerslake sees a bright future for Indigenous-led design—and believes it's not just important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but for Australia as a whole.
"For so long, this country has struggled with identity,"
"There's been shame, silence, and a tendency to bury the truth. But Indigenous design offers something Australia desperately needs: a cultural vernacular that reflects who we really are." said Mr Kerslake
And for the next generation of Indigenous designers, Mr Kerslake hopes the road will be a little smoother.
"We went through the hard yards so others wouldn't have to," he said.
"Now, we're seeing young designers coming through with confidence, vision, and a sense of pride. That's exactly what we hoped for."
Ultimately ,Mr Kerslake believes Indigenous design offers more than aesthetic or cultural value—it offers sustainability at its core.
"In our communities, we don't need a word for sustainability. It's embedded in how we live," he says.
"Looking after Country is like looking after your grandmother—you don't question it. You just do it." Said Mr Kerslake.
Nguluway DesignInc are shaping conversations, shifting mindsets, and showing that the future of Australian design is inclusive, respectful, and deeply rooted in place.