Josh Duke becomes Nguluway DesignInc’s new Chairperson
Leadership at Nguluway DesignInc (left to right): Josh Duke (Chairperson), Niwili White Forrest (Associate) and Craig Kerslake (Managing Director)
Experienced commercial leader and proud Dunghutti man, Josh Duke, today joins the Nguluway DesignInc team as Chairperson following inaugural Chairperson Damien Barnes stepping down from the role due to increasing work and board commitments.
A proud Bidjara man from Central Queensland, Damien has overseen the growth of Nguluway DesignInc since its inception in 2020—an upward trajectory which leaves an overwhelmingly positive legacy for First Nations architecture and the business itself.
‘We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Damien Barnes for his exceptional contributions towards the establishment of Nguluway DesignInc and his role as inaugural Chairperson over the last four years,’ said Managing Director, Craig Kerslake. ‘While Damien will be greatly missed, his transformational vision has left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape our practice. We sincerely thank him for his dedication and leadership.’
During his tenure, Damien has helped grow the business as it is today. In 2025, Nguluway DesignInc has five practicing Indigenous design professionals, operates in over six sectors, offers a full suite of architectural design services (architecture, urban design, interiors and landscape) and has delivered over 50 projects since its inception.
‘I am very proud to have been the inaugural Chair of Nguluway DesignInc and wish Josh Duke, Craig Kerslake, Ian Armstrong and the team every success. Nguluway DesignInc is reshaping Australian architecture by infusing Indigenous culture into the built environment. Thriving Indigenous businesses, like Nguluway DesignInc, are key to creating economic empowerment, strengthening cultural identity, and exercising self-determination for Indigenous Australians. They ensure we are not sidelined and participate in the economic prosperity of Australia,’ said Damien.
Josh Duke assumes the role of Chairperson officially in March 2025. With his appointment comes years of commercial experience which includes operating as a highly accomplished Chartered Accountant and Consultant. Josh said:
‘For over 65,000 years, First Nations people have been the world’s oldest continuous designers, architects, and innovators—crafting environments, art, and storytelling traditions that are deeply connected to Country. Ngulaway DesignInc stands at the intersection of culture, creativity, and community, redefining how Australia experiences this legacy through contemporary design.
‘As Chairperson, I see an incredible opportunity to amplify First Nations design on national and global stages while ensuring our stories are told with authenticity and respect. This role is about more than leadership—it’s about opening doors. I want young First Nations creatives to see that their voices, artistry, and cultural narratives not only matter but belong at the forefront of Australian design, shaping the future just as our ancestors shaped the past.’
Josh’s appointment comes off the back of a recent leadership appointment in Niwili White Forrest, Nguluway DesignInc’s newest Associate. Highly experienced Principal, Lynne Hancock also joins the Nugluway DesignInc leadership team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in urban design and community engagement.
Supported by over 80 architects and design professionals at DesignInc Sydney, Nguluway DesignInc now is home to an eight-strong team—including six Indigenous professionals, five of whom are designers. This team includes (left to right, top to bottom):
- Craig Kerslake, Managing Director (Wiradjuri)
- Josh Duke, Chairperson (Dunghutti)
- Lynne Hancock, Principal
- Niwili White Forrest, Associate (Ngangiwumerri/Ngangikurrungurr)
- Liam Khan, Architectural Graduate (Kamilaroi)
- Zoe Borchert-Jonker, Architectural Assistant (Mamu)
- Ty Olsen, Architectural Assistant (Biripi)
- Stefenie Lai, Architectural Graduate
About Josh Duke
Josh is a proud Dunghutti man with over ten years’ experience providing providing commercial advisory services to a wide range of clients across Australia including Federal Government, listed and non-listed entities. Josh is a highly accomplished Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) that was the recipient of the 2021 ACT Young Chartered Accountant of the Year award and the Indigenous Leaders Program Scholarship through the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Josh is currently a Director within the consulting industry.
Josh is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently holds and has held a number of directorships including the Deputy Chairman of Bangarra Dance Theatre and Chairs its Audit, Finance and Risk Committee, the Y Canberra and Chairs its Audit, Finance and Risk Committee, Inaugural Chairman of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Panel for CA ANZ, Treasurer - Ausdance ACT, Deputy Chairman - ACT Young Chartered Accountants’ Committee.
