Situated on Ngunnawal Country in the expanding Canberran suburb of Taylor, Aunty Agnes Shea High School in Gungahlin is a landmark project which integrates First Nations art and culture into its design.

The school strives to celebrate its connection to the land through close collaboration between CK Architecture and five talented First Nations artists, whose work is thoughtfully interwoven into the design of the school.

CK Architecture co-owner, Cassandra Keller, shared the meaning behind the collaboration.

"This project embodies our commitment to meaningful collaboration with First Nations communities," she said.

"We believe every project should honour and respect the rich history and culture of the land it occupies.

"At Aunty Agnes Shea High School, First Nations art is not merely showcased, it is deeply embedded into the essence of the building through a co-design process and close collaboration with the artists from start to finish."

In collaboration with Richie Allan - a Ngunnawal Kamilaroi custodian and Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (TOAC) cultural director - CK Architecture's design approach was guided by the principles of the Ngunnawal six-season calendar.

The participating artists, all with connections to Ngunnawal Country, were commissioned to create unique artworks that reflect the essence of these seasons.

CK Architecture collaborated with First Nations artists to co-design interpretive applications of their art within the school. The project was undertaken with the support of Hindmarsh Construction and the ACT Government.

"Our relationship with CK Architecture is a collaboration," Allan said.

"They're the experts in architecture, and Mother Earth is the expert of architecture outside.

"Together, we bring the western world into the cultural world and immerse them together. It's my job to make sure CK has an understanding of how to bring the outside world inside."

The spaces bring the stories of the seasons to life, drawing inspiration from the flora, fauna, and cultural narratives of each season.

Carefully selected imagery, materials, textures, and finishes are woven together to create a school which respects and honours the spirit, connection, and significance of the site, guided by the wisdom and traditions of First Nations peoples.

Cassandra Keller said the project is just one example of how the business strives to assist in being a fundamental part of engaging and educating students.

"By embedding First Nations culture as an integral part of our architectural and design approach, we're creating a platform to share their stories for generations to come," she said.

With a a strong track record of facilitating and incorporating First Nations influences and artwork into its projects by building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, CK Architecture opted to join forces with a school and organisation that highlighted both the artists' work and the artist themselves.

Ngunnawal woman and artist, Kristal Matthews, explained the meaning behind her work

"The cooler months are my favourite time of the year," Ms Matthews said.

"My artwork captures the beauty and harmony of nature during this transitional season; the calm and flowing waterways.

"The water has been here for thousands of years and I wanted to make sure it was part of the design, connecting the past, the present and the future.

"It was really important for me to include these symbols as it was my way of paving homage to our old people."

The original artworks are displayed in the school library's Seasons Room.

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