Francoise Lane

Francoise Lane is a Torres Strait Islander woman whose maternal family are from Hammond Island. Together with architect Andrew Lane they are Indij Design, a one-hundred-percent Indigenous-owned architectural and interior design practice based in Cairns and operating since 2011. Francoise was the interior designer on Synapse Warner Street Cairns, an eight-bed-supported accommodation facility for individuals with acquired brain injury. Her methodology focused on stimulating sensory memory recollection through the use of colour, textures and smells which the landscape designers adopted. She has led engagement with traditional owner groups on State and Local Government, and non government organisations in relation to built environment projects.

Francoise believes that a public project can be greatly enriched with the inclusion of Traditional Owners from the brief-development stage who live and breath connection to place, Country and ancestors. Such collaborations provide opportunities for Reconciliation through the built environment and two-way learning between client, designers and Traditional Owners. In 2013 Francoise developed Indij Prints inspired by her connection to the Torres Strait Islands. Her prints have been applied to lamp shades, fashion and soft furnishings.