This paper focusses on an 'Embedded Doctoral Design Program' (EDDP), comprising a cohort of design PhD candidates who are 'embedded' outside the university for a substantial part of their candidature. Specifically, the paper details the framework and outcome for Australian doctoral candidates in architecture placed in contexts outside their experience and immediate expertise, and outside the traditional academic research setting. These contexts can be drawn potentially from professional practice, industry and commerce; in associated areas of interest as diverse as planning, property, construction, civil and infrastructure engineering, ecology, manufacturers, financial institutions and communication companies. They could also be placed within local government, NGO and NFP project teams involving community health, political science and policy definition, social science and anthropology, and even cultural sectors such as museums.