Arcadia has appointed respected cultural and creative leader Johnny Bridges as its inaugural National First Nations Design Director, reinforcing the practice’s ambition to lead the industry in co-design.
A Ngunnawal man raised on Gadigal lands, Johnny brings more than 25 years of experience working at the intersection of Indigenous public realm, storytelling and contemporary design across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Arcadia Managing Director Alex Longley said Johnny’s appointment marks an important step in deepening the practice’s commitment to meaningful collaboration with First Nations communities.
“Johnny brings a deeply considered and culturally grounded approach to his work and will play a key role in strengthening Arcadia’s co-design processes, approach and relationships with First Nations communities and Knowledge Holders,” said Longley.
With Johnny’s design experience, all project aspects will include meaningful Caring, Connecting, Designing with and Delivering Country, ensuring cultural intent from concept to long-term stewardship. In his new role, Johnny will embed culturally informed design across Arcadia’s national studios, strengthening links between Country, community, and contemporary practice.
“I’m incredibly proud to be joining Arcadia at a time when there’s a genuine commitment to elevating First Nations voices in the design process. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by the power of storytelling and design to create places that are meaningful, respectful and connected to Country. Arcadia’s ambition to lead in co-design, and to embed Caring for, Connecting with and Designing with Country into every project, really resonated with me. I’m looking forward to working alongside teams across the practice and with communities to help shape places that honour cultural knowledge, strengthen relationships and create lasting impact.”
Johnny Bridges, National First Nations Design Director
Johnny has led creative and cultural programs across fashion, media, infrastructure and place-based design, and brings a wealth of experience that will help guide Arcadia’s continued evolution in co-design. His work is grounded in collaboration, cultural authority and Country-led thinking, bringing together Traditional Custodians, knowledge holders, artists, communities and project teams to develop meaningful cultural outcomes.
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