Reconciliation Action Plan
26 May 2025
Marking the start of National Reconciliation Week 2025, ARM proudly launched its formally endorsed Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), signalling the next chapter in our long-standing journey toward reconciliation.
This plan builds on the foundation of our 2023–2024 Reflect RAP and outlines the tangible actions we’ll take to embed deeper cultural understanding, co-design, and representation across our practice.
“At ARM, reconciliation has been a journey spanning over 25 years, and it continues to shape our work,” said irector Jesse Judd. “Our 2025–2027 Innovate RAP deepens this commitment – fostering inclusive architecture that honours the past, enriches the present, and inspires the future.”
The day also marked National Sorry Day, a day holding particular significance for ARM. In 2001, during design of the National Museum of Australia, our team discreetly embedded the word “SORRY” into the building’s façade – a coded act of protest at a time when the Federal Government still refused to apologise.
“SORRY at the NMA was a kind of protest, but not yet a partnership with First Nations peoples,” observed director Mark Raggatt. “Since then, we’ve made friends and partners by working together on Country toward a lasting reconciliation.”
ARM’s understanding of reconciliation has grown over more than two decades – shaped by the projects we’ve delivered and the strong partnerships we’ve built across the country. It began with our work on the National Museum of Australia and AIATSIS on Ngunnawal Country. Since then, we’ve collaborated with First Nations communities on projects large and small – from the Barak Building on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country to the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence on Yorta Yorta Country, and more recently through our education, cultural and civic work in places such as Adelaide, Perth, Blacktown, Geelong, and Gold Coast. Each project deepens our understanding of what it means to collaborate meaningfully with First Nations communities. This evolving journey continues to reshape our thinking – and our architecture.
We know reconciliation requires humility, trust, and sustained action. We’re proud to take this next step in our journey, guided by the principles of self-determination, respect, and cultural leadership.
