The Alastair Swayn Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, established in 2016 by the late Alastair Swayn AO to advance Australian design and architectural culture and education. Alastair was a committed member of the Australian design community for over 40 years.  

A prominent figure in architecture, Alastair served to impact the design community through his position as a founding director of the highly acclaimed architectural practice, Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn (DJAS), together with his contribution to public life through his positions of President, Senior Councillor and Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra, and most significantly the position of inaugural ACT Government Architect. During his five years of tenure Alastair ensured that design and contemporary thinking was at the fore of decision making and assisted in positioning Canberra as a ‘new world city’. 

The Foundation perpetuates and honours Alastair’s memory through our grants program and partnerships with organisations that promote Australian design.  

The Foundation provides opportunities for those in architecture and design related industries to conduct research in their chosen field. It also, aims to reward proven achievement of talented and deserving Australians with further opportunity in their pursuit of excellence for the enrichment of knowledge in architecture and all design disciplines in Australia.