Our Story
Born from three Australian architecture and design practices coming together in 2000, DesignInc is a powerful union of design talent, professional expertise, and multidisciplinary skills.
When DesignInc’s journey began in 2000, our architectural heritage was already well established. Each firm had a legacy of at least 30 years of experience. The earliest started in 1905 when Alex S. Eggleston FRAIA began practice in Melbourne, leading to the establishment of renowned architectural practice Eggleston, Macdonald and Secomb in 1954.
From the outset, DesignInc has been a leading advocate for positive cultural evolution in architectural practice. Our actions include embracing diversity and family-friendly workplaces, signing up to the Australian Architects Declare Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, adopting carbon-neutral systems and progressive mental health initiatives, and acknowledging the relationship between the environment and the design thinking of First Nations peoples.
In 2020, Nguluway led by Wiradjuri architect, Craig Kerslake, joined with DesignInc to bring Aboriginal leadership and cultural knowledge to the architectural expertise of DesignInc by forming Nguluway DesignInc. DesignInc continues to evolve.
2024
![](jpg/di-darwin-2024-bw-465x305.jpg)
2022
DesignInc Adds Brisbane Studio
![](jpg/trapp-designinc-brisbane-july-2022-465x335.jpg)
2021
![DesignInc 21 Years Together](jpg/news-2-3-scaled-465x310.jpg)
2020
![Craig Kerslake, our story image, black and white](jpg/craig-informal-landscape-scaled-465x284.jpg)
2019
Nic MacCormac appointed to Director of DesignInc WA
![](jpg/nic-maccormac-465x479.jpg)
2008
Stafford Architects merges with DesignInc Adelaide
2000
DesignInc established
![DesignInc logo](png/designinc_logo-465x136.png)
1976
SHPH is formed through a merger in Sydney
1976
Nairn Architects established in Adelaide
1954
Harold H Smith established in Sydney
1954
Eggleston, Macdonald and Secomb established
![](jpg/ems-grattan-street-carlton-scaled-465x301.jpg)
1905
Alex S. Eggleston FRAIA established
We thank our entire team of talented people, past and present, and our amazing clients. They helped DesignInc shape the fabric of Australia’s cities and regional towns, contributing to a huge output of work that has garnered global recognition.
DesignInc Directors
Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth