In this episode of Hearing Architecture, Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore speak with Associate Professor Liz Cameron from the University of Newcastle. Since joining the School of Architecture and the Built Environment in 2022, Liz has played a pivotal role as one of four Indigenous academics shaping architectural education and practice in New South Wales. With a background in occupational therapy, spatial design, and art, Liz brings a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective to her work, enriched by her commitment to cultural integrity and authentic engagement with Country.

Our conversation explores the meaning and practice of Design with Country, and the ways in which Indigenous Knowledge Systems and sensory ways of understanding place can expand architectural thinking. Liz reflects on her role as an educator, researcher, and consultant, and introduces the University of Newcastle’s new Designing with Country postgraduate course, launching in 2025. She also speaks to the broader shift underway in the profession, as architects respond to the NSW “Connecting with Country” framework and explore how design can embody cultural values, community identity, and custodianship of land.

Through her work, Liz advocates for an architecture that is both culturally grounded and deeply human-centred, offering valuable insights for practitioners seeking to embed authenticity, respect, and sustainability in their design practice.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

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This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.