CoDesign + Sheldon’s CEO
Professor Richard ‘Cooma’ Swain
Richard Swain grew up with a connection to Country, as a Wiradjuri man. His father taught him the history of the Australian landscape, and his grandfather taught him how the Aboriginal people moved through and respected the country.
He completed his trade as a carpenter in 1989 under Sheldon’s CEO Peter Law, developing a deep understanding of the office fitout process and the Australian construction Industry. In the following years, Richard has become a beacon for healing Country, holding several key positions in environmental organisations and spearheading land regeneration initiatives. For CoDesign + Sheldon, Richard uses his expertise in both construction and environmental regeneration.
Richard has a long history of participating in local environmental and community projects and has first-hand understanding of the huge impact feral animals are having on Australia’s natural environment. Richard is currently the Indigenous ambassador for the Invasive Species Council, and a Board Member of the Indigenous organisation Back to Country.
As CoDesign + Sheldon’s CEO, Richard advises across all company operations, strategising on how to design and construct offices in a way that positively contributes to the environment. Richard also controls CoDesign + Sheldon’s environmental endeavours, developing new opportunities for healing Country through the use of the company’s profits.
Richard has been instrumental in creating the Reclaim Kosci campaign, which aims to overturn legislation that protects destructive feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park.
Richard is an Hon Associate Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University (ANU).
