Designing Connection to Country
The collaboration between Lucy Simpson and Planex began in 2019 through a shared belief that design can tell stories, bring people together, and create a lasting connection to Country.
As Creative Director and Principal Designer / Maker behind Gaawaa Miyay, Lucy brings a deep connection to Country, culture, and storytelling through her work. Together we explored how these stories could become part of everyday architectural products through patterns, material, and design.
“I see design as a way to connect to Country … to map time as an imprint of memory, and as a means to stay connected and tethered forever to the place I call home.”
Three custom designs were created exclusively for Planex: Buunhu (Kangaroo Grass), Yuurra-gi (Movement) and Miimii (River’s Edge / Grandmother). Applied to locker doors and storage systems, the perforations allow each story to flow across the surface with continuity and presence.
“I think of Aboriginal design and the role it plays in bringing story, and understanding connection to objects of function, and I really feel the relationship with Planex brings that to life.”
This collaboration has brought genuine First Nations storytelling into workplaces, education spaces, and community environments and shows how design can honour culture, share story, and create a true connection to Country.
“The designs created and developed in collaboration with Planex speak of these stories, they speak of this relationship to country, and they articulate for me something that is very special.”