About Bruce Swalwell, BSA Architecture
Both Economy and Efficiency are goals which are embraced along with Design Excellence.
Bruce Swalwell has 35 years experience and qualifications in Architecture (M.Arch) and Urban Design (M.CP) from the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
He has extensive experience in residential and commercial projects and Major Redevelopments in Australia and Asia.
Competitions
The National Archives Competition.
Finalist in the Canberra 1980 Competition for The Australian Archives Building;
The First Government House Site Sydney.
Commission for the preparation of the Architectural Competition Brief for the NSW State Government.
Walsh Bay Sydney Harbour.
Finalist in the Selected Competition for the Redevelopment of the Historic Sydney Harbour Finger Wharves;
The Quadrangle Castlecrag.
Commission for the preparation of the Urban Design Controls and the Architectural Brief for the Selected Design Excellence Competition;
Awards
Winner
Kirribilli Grande, Kirribilli.
The Year 2000 Best Residential Development in NSW. The NSW Housing Industry Association.
Winner
Ching Chu Gardens, Shanghai PRC.
The Best New Residential Development in Shangai, The Real Estate Institute of Shangai.
Urban Design Award
Xiangyang City Centre.
Wuhan Land & Spatial Planning Centre for Outstanding Urban Design and Redevelopment of an Historic Regional City.
Winner
Hopetoun Quays Birchgrove.
Excellence in Brick & Block Construction, The Masonry Contractors Association.
Winner
Jinkou New Town Redevelopment, Hubei PRC.
The International Competition for the Urban Design Redevelopment of an Historic Regional City on the banks of the Yangtze River.
Testimonials
12 Lodge Road Cremorne
It was an incredible north-facing 1100 sq m waterfront site, located ten minutes from the CBD, with a woeful 1950’s home whose only redeeming feature was its large footprint. Nearby, new home developments told the story of Architects whose designs overrode the site aspects and considerations of westerly afternoon sun blasts that required large shade sails post construction.
From the moment BSA’s Bruce Swalwell stepped on site he listened to our vision for a new home and immediately counselled on the best way of using the site aesthetics along with incorporating sun-protection balconies. We also wanted a home that grew from the slope, organically reflecting the site contours. Bruce’s plan achieved everything we wanted and more. It is a great open plan home with large expanses of glazing bringing the bay views into our living areas.
It is a triumph, a true example of where the Architect listened to the client and worked with us to create a wonderful home.
Christine Schlipalius
Owner, 12 Lodge Road, Cremorne
57 Tourmaline Ave, Pearl Beach
What was it like working with Bruce?
I really enjoying working with Bruce who designed our Beach House. He respected my ideas, comments and feedback and incorporated many of my ideas into the final design solution. He listened and provided inspiration and imaginative solutions to the normal issues of designing a house with multi uses – for a small household for most of the year and the needs of a large extended family for a few weeks of the year. Bruce resolved these conflicting needs during the design phase.
Value added?
The design outcome exceeded our expectations. The central living room is a spectacular and liveable space that has wonderful proportions that maximises excellent views of the Bush Garden. Bruce placed, on angle, a Beach Shed in the rear garden that provides extra bedroom space during the holidays, but is a light-filled creative working space for most of the year. The design of the house maximises its Bush Setting and delivers a smart casual environment that is relaxed and sophisticated.
It is a lovely space to live in and share with family and friends.