Three talented architecture students from the University of Canberra have been awarded the prestigious Alastair Swayn Masters Research Grant.

What does ‘HOME’ mean to you? This question is at the heart of HOME, Australia’s official exhibition at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, presented by the Australian Institute of Architects and led by an inspiring team of First Nations designers.

Lisa Garner to undertake Architectural Research at the American Academy in Rome

An architect and academic, renowned for her expertise across practice, teaching and collaborative research projects, Erin brings over 20 years of experience in the design and built environment industries.

Swayn Gallery of Australian Design Named Curatorial Partner for HOME at La Biennale di Venezia 2025

We are pleased to announce the second round of grant winners for 2024, with a great number of applications received for Design Audio and International grant opportunities.

It is with deep sadness that the Alastair Swayn Foundation acknowledges the passing of Terry Snow AM, a visionary entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Canberra, and beyond.

We are pleased to announce the first round of grant winners for 2024 with the start of the year recording a notably high number of applications for the Foundation.

The Swayn is delighted with the appointment of Dr Fleur Watson as the second Legacy Exhibition Creative Director. Her wealth of experience and knowledge in curation, creative production, and cultural leadership will assure a thought provoking and forward-thinking design exhibition

Architect Stephanie Pahnis has been awarded the 2024/25 Alastair Swayn Foundation-RMIT Architecture Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome, marking a significant milestone in her career.

The successful candidate will use a transdisciplinary design approach and methods from UX/UI, participatory design and co-design to identify, prototype and share ways for galleries, libraries, archives and museums to make digital content more accessible for people identifying as neurodivergent.

The ASF and The Swayn Boards express their appreciation of Susie’s valued contribution to the realisation of the vision of the ASF’s and The Swayn’s founder, Alastair Swayn AO, and wish her every success in her future endeavours.

The Foundation was overwhelmed by the quality of applications we received in our first grants round of the year, making it one of our most competitive to date. We are pleased to be able to share the news that we are awarding a total of $65,000 of funds in support of projects at the cutting edge of design research.

Simon Robinson, Director of the not-for-profit multidisciplinary design and research practice, OFFICE, has been awarded the inaugural Alastair Swayn Foundation-RMIT Architecture Affiliated Fellowship.

A biodegradable surfboard, an ornate side-saddle, a regenerative bone substitute and an adaptive First Nations spearhead are all part of Material World, a new exhibition now open at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.

The Alastair Swayn Foundation and the National Museum of Australia are proud to announce the appointment of Dr Lyndon Anderson as the new Swayn Senior Fellow in Australian Design.