Dawn Architecture reflects on the practice’s win at the 2024 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) for Murran, a First Nations business, retail and arts hub.

Located on Wadawurrung Country in the Victorian port city of Geelong, Murran provides business opportunities, cultural enrichment and educational experiences to First Nations and wider communities. The bustling space accommodates a retail store, art gallery, café, coworking areas, and meeting and conference rooms, all led by not-for-profit organisation Ngarrimili.

Local design studio Dawn Architecture, operating just a bit further along the Surf Coast in Jan Juc, had the task of uniting this array of spaces and uses under one roof. The finished result caught the attention of the IDEA jury.

“Murran has been carefully designed to offer the best flexibility for the range of activities to be hosted in the space,” jury member Manuela Millan says.

“The material palette is neutral and quite restrained, seamlessly incorporating Indigenous design to offer the perfect backdrop for this important community space for First Nations people.”

Murran earned Dawn Architecture the Mark Robinson Community Award at IDEA 2024, making them the first practice to take home the Community award after it was renamed in honour of the late Mark Robinson, former principal of Flack Studio.

Australian Design Review (ADR) caught up with Dawn Architecture after the IDEA 2024 Gala to discuss this feat, and what we can expect next from the small practice.

ADR: What did it mean for you to win your category?

DA: Dawn Architecture is excited and honoured to win the Mark Robinson Community Award for the project Murran. Mark Robinson was a dedicated advocate who promoted using one’s voice and resources to create a more inclusive and positively impactful design community.

It is great to have Murran recognised on a national scale and a great acknowledgement of the design and end product. It is also great recognition of First Nations not-for-profit organisation Ngarrimili, which led the creation of and owns and operates Murran.

Tell us about your winning project. What does it offer to its intended communities?

DA: Murran is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations business, retail and arts hub located on Wadawurrung Country in the Geelong CBD, Victoria.

Murran is a First Nations-owned and managed, world-class multipurpose hub supporting First Nations business and economic development. This premise is unique and a Victorian-first. Murran provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, businesses and brands, while also offering a space for community to gather to share in Aboriginal culture. Owned and managed by First Nations not-for-profit organisation Ngarrimili, Murran provides First Nations business and economic development with the purpose of encouraging First Nations self-determination, intergenerational wealth and economic success. 

Meaning ‘to dance’ in Wadawurrung, Ngarrimili was established to nurture and support business and entrepreneurship opportunities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

The hub carries on from a legacy of over 80,000 years of First Nations economic development, acknowledging the historic success derived from trading, agricultural practices, ceremonies and various other contributions to the prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across the country.

What were some of the design challenges and how did you overcome these?

DA: Murran was designed in close consultation with an all-female First Nations advisory group to ensure best practice and success in the design outcome and built form. Without this vital ingredient, the project would never have succeeded. 

The site itself presented many challenges, being an existing shop in the Westfield precinct of Geelong. The design strives to be more than just another Westfield shop and is achieved through careful response to the site and the owner Ngarrimili’s requirements for a world-class space that embodies First Nations excellence. The design, material selection, finishes, detailing, budget management and sustainability were all considered with this in mind and aimed to inspire patrons and staff to strive for excellence. 

Murran provides a culturally safe and inclusive space, awarded by the open plan, abundant natural and artificial lighting, and close connection to the street.

Commercial architecture and shop fitouts typically have a short lifespan, which leads to the creation of a lot of waste. The fitout of Murran was designed for reuse and ease of de-fitting in mind. Joinery, lighting and furniture have been designed and built for easy removal, including the circular point of sale, cafe and amphitheatre seating. The intent was to do more with less and create flexible spaces for easy adaptation. 

What did you learn from this project that you hope to bring to future designs?

DA: The key factor for the successful design and construction of Murran was the importance of listening to others and working as a team. 

Murran is the culmination of listening, collaboration and teamwork. Dawn Architecture worked closely with key contributors, including client Ngarrimili, the First Nations advisory group, design consultant Chris Connell Design, builder Laney Constructions and Worimi man and artist Gerard Black of Baiyama Art. Black designed the Murran branding and also designed and led the First Nations community in painting the circular interior mural.

How would you describe 2024 for your studio?

DA: 2024 has been a busy year for Dawn Architecture. As a young practice, we have been busy designing and overseeing the construction of multiple residential, commercial and school-based projects – as well as sneaking in a surf here and there.

What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming or current projects you’re working on?

DA: Dawn Architecture has an exciting year ahead in 2025, starting with an alterations and additions project at Northern Bay College, Tallis Street Campus in Norlane – a challenging but highly rewarding project working closely with the school and students. More on the horizon…

IDEA 2024 is proudly brought to you by our sponsors Miele, Cult, Crafted Hardwoods, Neolith, Halliday + Baillie, Krost, MillerKnoll, Laufen, ForestOne,Zenith, Designer Rugs, and supported by our event partners Axolotl,Four Pillars Gin, Moo Brew Beer and Artfull.

A special thank you to our jury chair Clare Cousins, and our jury members Brooke Lloyd, Davina Bester, Graham Charbonneau, Melissa Bright, Michael Alvisse and Manuela Millan.

View all the winners of IDEA 2024.