The recipients of the 2025 Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, Australia's largest and longest-running bequest of its type, were announced recently.
Byera Hadley, an esteemed architect and educator, envisioned a future where architects would be both globally informed and locally impactful. His bequest has enabled generations of architects to undertake a scholarship abroad and pursue an architectural research project of their choosing.
The scholarship has been awarded since 1951. The scholarship involves a period of travel, followed by a report detailing the outcomes, which is then published by the NSW Architects Registration Board. Successful applicants receive between $15,000 and $30,000 in funding to cover flights, accommodation and other expenses while travelling.
In 2025, the New South Wales Architects Registration Board awarded four scholarships with a total value of $105,000.
The 2025 Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship recipients include:
First Works; How Young Architects Begin their Practice
Harrisson's project explores how emerging architects navigate their first independent commissions and establish their early practice trajectories. Through interviews with recently formed practices abroad, the research delves into the challenges, opportunities and decision-making processes at this formative stage. The project will also examine policies and strategies that support young practitioners to secure and deliver early projects.
The Last Straw; There is No Time for Wasted Waste
This project investigates how biogenic and circular construction materials can improve environmental outcomes in Australia. Focusing on straw as an abundant, annually renewable by-product, the research examines its potential as a low-carbon, high-performance building material. By studying prefabricated straw panel technologies in Europe and consulting with industry experts, the project aims to identify pathways for integrating these materials into the Australian context.
Local Legacies; Procuring Architects to Deliver Public Buildings
Macchia's project explores how local governments across Australia have used effective procurement processes to engage architects who deliver high-quality public buildings. Through case studies of small- and medium-scale civic projects completed in the past decade, the research examines procurement methods that foster strong design outcomes. The project aims to develop resources that advocate for the value of architectural services and provide guidance to local government clients on best-practice procurement.
Designing for The Spectrum; Guidelines for Autism Inclusive Public Spaces
This project investigates how architectural design in public environments can better support people with autism. By reviewing exemplary case studies in Egypt, Ireland and the United Kingdom, the research explores spatial and sensory strategies that improve comfort and accessibility. The project will produce a practical set of guidelines to help designers create inclusive, autism-friendly public spaces.
To celebrate 75 years of the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, we asked eminent past scholars to reflect on the legacy of the prize and their research. You can find these reflections here.
