Social Impact, Culture, and Community
Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
HOW Group is proud to have received formal endorsement and approval from Reconciliation Australia for our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
This marks an important step in our commitment to supporting the national reconciliation movement and strengthening our understanding of First Nations histories, cultures, and perspectives. More importantly, it represents the beginning of an ongoing process of listening, learning, and building meaningful relationships over time.
Our Reflect RAP focuses on four pillars: relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance. These pillars form our framework to improving cultural awareness within our business, strengthening connections with First Nations communities, fostering a culture of respect and understanding, and creating more thoughtful and inclusive ways of working.
We recognise that reconciliation is not something achieved through a single document or initiative. It requires long-term commitment, accountability, and a willingness to keep learning, but, getting these first steps right is the key to having a meaningful impact.
Acknowledgement of Country
HOW Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We respectfully engage with First Nations people on cultural, economic, social, educational and employment matters, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Featured Artwork
Featured Artwork by Rheanna Lotter, a proud Yuin woman and Aboriginal artist who places great significance on highlighting cultural connections through symbolism. Rheanna works with many clients around Australia to showcase modern and contemporary Aboriginal art, sharing culture in unique ways. We thank Rhe for her generosity, creativity, and the learnings she shared with us through this process. Her creativity continues to inspire us every day.
Education & Industry Connection
HOW Group is deeply committed to the future of design. Through our partnership with RMIT University, we’re proudly sponsor to back the Ian Howard Memorial Scholarships. 3 scholarships are available, for students in Architecture, Industrial Design, and Interior Design, and are designed to help the future generation develop in ways that the classroom alone does not provide. The scholarships provide unique travel opportunities including access to international furniture fairs, network opportunities with global design firms, and firsthand experiences to see how the world approaches manufacturing and eco-friendly design.
We also know that the industry only gets better when we talk to each other. That’s why we host everything from panel discussions to informal "chat nights" in our Melburnian Showroom. By bringing manufacturers, designers, landlords, builders, and project managers together into the same room, we move past theory and into the real work: circularity, workplace innovation, and the future of the built environment.
Community Impact
We believe quality furniture should continue serving a purpose wherever possible. Through partnerships with landlords, clients, and not-for-profit organisations, we actively support the reuse and rehoming of surplus furniture to reduce waste and extend product life. In collaboration with Dexus, HOW Group helped facilitate furniture donations to Lighthouse Foundation, supporting spaces that provide care and accommodation for young people experiencing homelessness.
Similar initiatives with organisations including Movember and the Red Cross have helped ensure quality furniture remains in use within the community rather than being sent to landfill.
People & Culture
At HOW Group, we’ve found that the best ideas rarely come from a single perspective; they are the result of a truly collaborative environment. Our diverse and design-driven team is based in one of the world’s most creative cities, and HOW Group reflects the vibrant design culture that comes from Melbourne’s multicultural heart.
Rather than following a singular mold, our team draws on an array of life experiences and perspectives to shape our approach to problem-solving. This internal diversity fosters a culture of openness and respect, allowing us to stay curious. For us, this means a continuous commitment to deepening our cultural awareness and understanding the real-world social impact of every space we help bring to life.