What we stand for
CoDesign + Sheldon is the accumulation of our co-founders’ 35+ years of shared experience, mentoring, and knowledge in workplace fitouts and caring for Country. Our vision is to change design and construct methods to reduce environmental impact and incorporate Indigenous cultural ways of thinking and being.
The CoDesign + Sheldon Story
In 1986, Richard Swain and Peter Law began working together in the office fitout and joinery industry, with Richard starting out as Peter’s apprentice. The pair built a relationship based on a combination of quality workmanship and caring for Country, which flourished in subsequential ventures leading to the formation of CoDesign + Sheldon in 2023.
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Owner / CEO / Policy Maker
A Wiradjuri man, Richard grew up with a strong connection to Country. Richard has been working to reduce the impact modern society has had on the Australian landscape for years. Richard founded his own ecotourism business on the Snowy River, working as an Indigenous river guide, and is the Indigenous Ambassador for the Invasive Species Council, where he helps to raise the profile of the role Indigenous people have in caring for Country.
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Sales Advisor
In 1990 Peter and Robyn Law founded office fitout company Sheldon Interiors, pioneering the D&C model. Since then, the pair have built 1000’s of fitouts across Australia, with a team that spans multiple divisions. For many years, Sheldon has always instilled a commitment to First Nations cultural regeneration, developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and Indigenous procurement network
CoDesign + Sheldon is a continuation of Richard and Peter’s relationship and commitment in providing a Voice to Country. CoDesign + Sheldon was created to combine Peter’s experience in turnkey workplace design and construction with Richard’s knowledge and experience in practices that support the regeneration of Country and Indigenous cultural values.
Our work
Give a Voice to Country, and work towards healing Country through environmental regeneration.
Provide opportunities for Indigenous people to work on their own Country and manufacture traditional artefacts and Indigenous designed furniture.
Increase cultural immersion, truth telling and connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, clients and community.
Its impact
Generate income through workplace design and construction to increase resources and capacity for Indigenous-led environmental initiatives.
Build and develop skills and business capacity in workplace design and construction, Indigenous tools and artefacts, and Indigenous designed furniture.
Empower Indigenous people to connect to Country, increasing wellbeing and economic outcomes.
Our Values
Our Values
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As custodians (carers) of the land, it is important that all Australians accept responsibility for the health of the land.
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We care for the landscape, people, species, soil, and water that CoDesign + Sheldon was founded on.
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Support the education of staff, clients, and the wider community on the importance of caring for Country.
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Acceptance for people and who they are, including their beliefs, abilities, personal situation and achievements.
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Give Australia’s landscape a voice, through making knowledge and action more accessible.
How we give a “Voice to Country”
We provide resources to fund
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Back to Country is an Aboriginal cultural organisation established by Yuin Elders for the purpose of addressing and relieving the systemic disadvantages that are prevalent and suffered by many Aboriginal communities. Sheldon regularly donates to Back to Country so they can continue to extend their reach.
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Yambulla adopts a co-custodian approach to help regenerate the landscape of Yambulla in south-eastern NSW, as well as promote Indigenous land practices and Caring for Country. Sheldon is involved with Yambulla through physical and financial support.
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Our Co-Founder Richard Swain is the Indigenous Ambassador for the Invasive Species Council, leading the Caring for Country initiative which implements Indigenous practices to eradicate invasive species.