How listening to Country can lead to better design

Ms Reti said while there have long been architects, academics and Indigenous people pushing for a collaborative approach to design, this way of thinking has been building traction over the past few years.

"There's a widespread recognition that beyond the cultural and ethical reasons of why it's the right thing to do, it also just makes better architecture," the Palawa woman told AAP.

The newly-completed Baaka Cultural Centre in Wilcannia, a tiny town in northwestern NSW, is one example of the architectural results which can stem from working with community and Country.

The centre, set to open in mid 2025, will be home to exhibition and makers spaces, a keeping place and a language hub, in the hopes of preserving Barkindji culture and increasing tourism in the town.

Integrating the heritage shopfront, which used to be the Knox and Downs general store, and adding contemporary elements which reflect community practices are important parts of the design, Ms Reti said.

"The building itself was designed based on the bends of the Baaka (Darling River) and the interactions and complex relationship Barkindji people have to the Baaka," she said.

Ms Reti, alongside Kaunitz Yeung director and co-founder David Kaunitz, will hold an architectural master's design studio in Wilcannia from Friday.

Part of a collaboration between the University of Sydney and Kaunitz Yeung Architecture, the program offers an opportunity to students to study firsthand how cultural knowledge can inform contemporary architecture.

Mr Kaunitz, who is also a University of Sydney associate professor of practice, said students will get to experience the cultural centre project, which exemplifies how meaningful architecture can empower communities.

"Architecture is at its most powerful when it listens," he said.

"The Baaka Cultural Centre was shaped by deep collaboration with the Barkindji community, ensuring it is more than just a structure.

"It is a place where culture, identity, and community come together."

Ms Reti said it is important to see that the 18 students heading along to the studio have a "hunger and respect" for culture, and want to incorporate this into their future practice.

Students will have the opportunity to walk on Country with Barkindji Elders and hear the community's stories, which Ms Reti said "moves beyond theory".

"We want to be able to show them built forms, finished projects and communities with firsthand experience of when this has gone right, but also a history of when it does not go right, when they're not listened to and not valued and respected," she said.