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
Waterfront House, 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
Dennis House, 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.
Jenny Dennis
Winley House, Mount Colah
Bruce’s design of my home became one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of the entire building process.
From our very first conversation, he took the time to truly understand how I wanted to live in my home — not just the practicalities, but the feeling of the space, the rhythm of daily life, and the importance of capturing the site’s beautiful views.
Every detail, from the flow between rooms to the way natural light moves through the house, reflects a level of thoughtfulness and creativity that went far beyond what I expected.
At the very beginning, Bruce arranged for me to visit one of his previous projects. Seeing his work firsthand helped me understand the real value an architect brings — and it highlighted Bruce’s exceptional talent, care, and vision.
Throughout the entire process, Bruce guided me with honesty and insight. He raised issues early, always mindful of potential delays or cost implications, and together we would talk through solutions. I always felt informed, supported, and part of the decision-making.
What impressed me most was his ability to take my ideas — sometimes vague, sometimes half‐formed — and transform them into something far more beautiful and functional than I could have imagined. Bruce balanced aesthetics with practicality, offered thoughtful options I never would have considered, and approached every decision with patience and clarity.
The result is a home that feels deeply personal, beautifully designed, and incredibly comfortable to live in. I’m profoundly grateful for Bruce’s professionalism, vision, and genuine care throughout the entire journey.