2025 Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship announced

The Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship is Australia’s largest and longest-running bequest of its type. Byera Hadley, an esteemed architect and educator at the Sydney Technical College around the turn of the Twentieth Century, envisioned a future where architects are globally informed and locally impactful. His bequest has enabled generations of architects to expand their horizons and contribute significantly to the field of architecture in Australia.

Successful applicants receive $15,000 to $30,000 in funding to cover flights, accommodation, and expenses. The scholarship requires travel, followed by a report that shares the results of the scholarship, which are published by the NSW Architects Registration Board. Applications for Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarships open in July each year and close on 31 August. The scholarships are presented with the assistance of the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship fund, which is administered by Perpetual.

2025 Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship recipients include:

Graduate Category

Isaac Harrisson

First Works; How young architects begin their practice

Isaac’s project examines how emerging architects take on their first independent commissions and establish early practice pathways. Through interviews with recently formed practices overseas, the research investigates the challenges, opportunities and decision-making involved in this formative stage. The project will also review policies and strategies that support young practitioners to secure and deliver early projects.

Michael Jones

The Last Straw; There is No Time for Wasted Waste

Michael’s project investigates how biogenic and circular construction materials can improve environmental outcomes in Australia. Focusing on straw as an abundant, annually renewable by-product, his research examines its potential as a low-carbon, high-performance building material. By studying prefabricated straw panel technologies in Europe and speaking with industry experts, the project aims to identify pathways for adoption in the Australian context.

Paulo Macchia

Local Legacies; Procuring Architects to Deliver Public Buildings

Paulo’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 within the last decade, the research examines procurement methods that support strong design outcomes. The project aims to develop resources that advocate for the value of architectural services and guide local government clients toward best-practice procurement. 

Student Category

Illiana Jones

Designing for The Spectrum; Guidelines for Autism Inclusive Public Spaces

Illiana’s project explores how architectural design can better support Autistic people in public environments. By studying exemplary case studies across Egypt, Ireland and the United Kingdom, the research investigates spatial and sensory strategies that enhance comfort and accessibility. The project will produce a practical set of guidelines to help designers create inclusive, autism-friendly public spaces.