Laz McCormick | Designing with Purpose

In 2021, QUT alumnus Laree (Laz) McCormick was awarded Arcadia's QUT Indigenous Scholarship. She has since gone on to establish her own architecture and design business and works with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) as a First Nations Connection to Country Committee Member in their QLD Chapter. In this Q&A, Laz details her journey, the joys of running her own business, and how she integrates Indigenous knowledge into her work.

Could you share a bit about your journey in establishing your own architecture and design business and the inspiration behind it?

It wasn’t something I’d planned to do at this stage in my career but the opportunity kind of organically presented itself, so I embraced it! A design firm approached me to assist with a landscape project, which at the time was a little daunting but gave me the confidence to enter a space where I can now work for designers I’ve long admired. I’ve been fortunate to work on some incredible projects with unbelievably talented teams. I subscribe strongly to the ‘gut feel’ approach that’s guided me through these opportunities and ultimately into working as a professional freelancer.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of running your own design business?

What are some key elements you always consider when designing a space?

My process lends focus to conversations with the communities I collaborate with. Designing spaces should be an open collaboration that gives rise to an altercentric process. The role I play as a First Nations landscape architect is most importantly ‘translator of ideas and wisdom,' using my design skills to bring a vision to life in a way that represents a community that is both human and non-human. It’s important to me that the designs I work on are deeply considered and are created not just for the sake of creating. They must serve a meaningful purpose, long after the ‘built’ phase.

Prior to studying at QUT, you worked as a Business Analyst. What inspired or motivated you to pivot into landscape architecture?

This might seem like a drastic career change, but I’ve always been more of a creative person – it just took me a while to find the right creative outlet. I actually really enjoyed being a business analyst, but I knew deep down that I wanted to be in a creative industry and I didn’t want to die wondering. I started by studying interior design at night and on the weekends, which helped me to gain acceptance into university to study landscape architecture. I chose this degree because it ticked a lot of boxes for me; working with the environment, connecting with community, making a social impact, and it was an outlet for my creativity. The idea of designing spaces that could positively impact the lives of its users as well as its ecology was really exciting to me. It felt like the perfect way to merge my analytical skills with my passion for creative and meaningful design.

What advice would you give to young Indigenous students interested in pursuing a career in architecture or design?

Stay true to your ancestral heartbeat and let it guide your creative vision. Embrace the unique perspectives and wisdom that come from your heritage and know that they are truly invaluable in the modern world. Seek out mentors and communities that support and uplift you. Your contributions are vital and can lead to meaningful, positive change.

You’re also a First Nations Connection to Country Committee Member with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). Can you tell us a bit about what you do in this role?

It’s been enlightening to get a glimpse behind the scenes and actively push for positive change from within AILA. Needless to say, I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with the First Nations Connection to Country Committee. The committee was re-established late last year, tasked with the role of enhancing cultural aptitude within the landscape architecture industry. Our purpose is to create substantial and sustainable opportunities for First Nations voices within AILA.

In your view, how can the architecture and design industry better support and elevate Indigenous voices and talents?

Be brave. Don’t feel pressured to maintain the status quo. Rupa Marya once said “I don’t want a seat at the table. I want to set the table on fire and let the ashes feed the soil underneath to give rise to a different set of relationships based on care of the earth and care of the entire web of life to which we belong.” We’re beyond the point of baby-stepping our way towards progress; it's time to rethink and rework the system at its very core.

How do you integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into your landscape design projects?

Honestly, I’m still navigating what this really means. Each project process is unique, and that uniqueness is necessary. If we commit to becoming true stewards of the places we create and uplift marginalised voices in the process, I think that’s what making meaningful progress looks like. As designers, we should demonstrate that we are genuine in our efforts to build trust. This means showing respect and care for the land, culture, and wisdom of Australia’s First Peoples. To show humility and become part of the ecosystem as our Indigenous counterparts have done since time immemorial. This prompts the question - if a project doesn’t strengthen Country, should we even proceed with it at all?

Lastly, who do you look to for inspiration in your work?

I have total respect for the luminaries of architecture and the built environment, but I think I draw more inspiration for my own work from other art forms like film and music. I grew up mesmerised by movies like Beetlejuice, Pan’s Labyrinth, and FernGully, and have always consumed an eclectic mix of music from the likes of M.I.A, Ben E. King, The Cranberries, Silverchair, No Doubt, MJ, and Danny Elfman. I’m generally drawn to the weird and offbeat and I think this helps me to pull different threads of inspiration depending on the project I’m working on. Speaking of which, I’m currently working on a personal ‘experimental’ project where I’m taking a dive into the concept of cemeteries in Australia and what a redesign with a different lens might look like. It’s an exercise in merging creativity with changing cultural norms and balancing this with environmental sensitivity and caring for Country.

Laz McCormick

QUT Degree -  Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture) (2023) - now the Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture)

Have a question for Laz? Connect with her on LinkedIn.