Derek Swalwell is an Australian architectural, interiors, landscape, lifestyle, food, travel, and art photographer based in Melbourne. With a career spanning over two decades since 1999, he is celebrated for his masterful use of natural light and compelling visual storytelling. His work, which began with collaboration with Melbourne’s design and architecture community, now includes international commissions and frequent publication across leading design media.
Known for images that convey both clarity and emotional atmosphere, Derek’s photography captures the essence of space—whether residential, commercial, or environmental—with precision and narrative depth. His portfolio spans architecture, lifestyle, and editorial genres, always grounded in a thoughtful and engaging visual approach.
LOCATION: Melbourne, Australia
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The Sorrento Coastal House by Rob Kennon Architects was designed to adapt to changing patterns of occupation over time while fully embracing its coastal surroundings. Set back from the street behind a belt of native vegetation, the…
Ackmans House by Rob Kennon Architects transforms a historic warehouse in Melbourne into a contemporary inner-city dwelling while preserving its industrial character. The design highlights the building’s original fabric, celebrating the beauty of bluestone, brick, and timber…
Tucked behind a heritage 1930s façade in Mount Eagle Estate, Eaglemont Garden House by Zen Architects transforms a dark, disconnected home into a luminous sanctuary that celebrates its garden. By carving out a sculptural glass void at…
Wolveridge Architects’ Linea House redefines suburban living by embedding every room within its lush landscaped garden. Designed for a growing family and welcoming guests, the home adapts over time thanks to a winged floor plan that balances…
Austin Maynard Architects transformed a single-storey weatherboard cottage into a dynamic family home. By embedding solutions into the design language, they crafted a space that balances togetherness with private retreats—perfect for work-from-home parents and two teenage daughters.
Yarra Bend House embodies a forward-thinking approach to “ageing in place” while celebrating warmth and community. When Jane, the long-term owner and sole occupant, decided to renovate her two-bedroom, single-storey terrace cottage in Clifton Hill, she sought…
Nestled in the heart of Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia, the Victoria Hotel by Porter Architects exemplifies the perfect blend of heritage charm and contemporary elegance. Completed in 2024, this impressive two-level hotel spans an expansive 2,000 square meters…
Tucked into the vibrant inner-city suburb of Golden Point, Golden Point House by Porter Architects tells a story of evolution and balance. Surrounded by homes ranging from the 19th century to contemporary builds, this early 20th-century residence…
Kosloff Architecture masterfully transformed the ground floor shells of the historical Gatwick Private Hotel into a versatile single-family home and studio in Melbourne, Australia. This project not only provides flexible living arrangements but also respects and incorporates…
