“As architects, we're in a privileged position, shaping the lives and health of people and habitats. We have a responsibility to make sure we're changing things for the better.”

Yorta Yorta man James Gilliland leads CHC’s efforts to embed Designing with Country principles and practises into our projects. As Associate – First Nations Lead he’s supported by a network of non-Indigenous Designing with Respect for Country leads across CHC, which is building impact and reciprocal relationships through meaningful engagement and co-design with Traditional Custodians and other First Nations communities.

James leads by example through deep listening, reciprocity, and culturally responsive, sustainable design with benefits for all. He relishes both the responsibilities and opportunities associated with Indigenous cultural heritage, from knowledge systems to songlines, spiritual connections and living landscapes. In collaborating and co-designing with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders he looks for ways to create shared, intergenerational wins.

As a highly respected architect and project leader, James is responsible for a project’s progression through all stages of design and delivery. His expertise spans residential, commercial, mixed use and community architecture. His Indigenous social housing project for Aboriginal Housing Victoria, AHV Dandenong, was awarded the 2024 Urban Developer Award for Industry Excellence - Development of the Year - Social Infrastructure. It was also a finalist in the 2024 INDE Awards for Multi-Residential Building.

Advocating for progressive sustainability is integral to James’ approach. His Laurens Street mixed use development achieved a 5 Star Green Star rating, and he has recently completed the design of a Net Zero commercial project using PassivHaus and mass timber construction. His ESD exemplar Lt Miller-NGBE won PCA and UDIA awards in 2021 for innovation and excellence.

Generous-spirited, community-oriented and excited by challenge, James is a director of IADA (Indigenous Architecture & Design Australia). He also volunteers his time with the Country Fire Authority in his local community. He has found in Designing with Country a way to serve Country, culture and communities, and is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility that’s both personal and professional.