In a happy incidence of what goes around comes around, Madeleine Swain has rejoined Niche Digital Media to take up the reins of Australian Design Review (ADR) and inside magazine, along with the affiliated programs IDEA (Interior Design Excellence Awards) and 30UNDER30.

It’s a return to the fold for Swain, who has spent a couple of years in the world of the arts, as managing editor of ArtsHub, but was previously a long-time core member of the Niche editorial team, with various roles including, most recently, managing editor of Architectural Review, Better Building and the Welcome To series of travel books, as a writer and subeditor on ADR and inside, along with a slew of client publications, such as Three for AC3, Connections for the Specialised Textiles Association and The Manual.

“In a media landscape that is more fragmented than ever, long-established and trusted platforms like ADR offer readers reliability, expertise and trusted voices when it comes to putting the Australian architecture and design community in the spotlight. The platform covers the topics that resonate most with this community, and unearths the inspiring new projects and gifted practitioners that deserve highlighting,” says Swain.

“I’m delighted to be back at Niche, back working with the hugely experienced and talented editorial team, back working with the equally experienced and dedicated commercial team, and back on a platform that genuinely deserves its well-deserved pinnacle position in the Australian A+D world.”

Having spent some time steeped in the world of theatre, literature, visual arts and music, Swain says she’s looking forward to reconnecting with Australia’s designers and architects.

“IDEA is a wonderful way to dive back into the best and most innovative projects that have distinguished the Australian design world in 2025,” says Swain. “And 30UNDER30 is a fantastic introduction to some of the freshest and brightest talents in that community. But they’re all just the tip of the iceberg, so I’m eager to hear from other designers and creatives about their projects and ideas. If you are working on something that both the design world and the greater community needs to know about, get in contact with me via ausdesignreview@niche.com.au and help us spread the news.”

Niche Managing Director Paul Lidgerwood says, “We are thrilled to have Madeleine back at Niche. Having spent 20 years reporting on architecture and design, her knowledge and understanding of the industry is second to none. Couple this with superb writing, editing, video and moderating skills and you have a seriously talented storyteller. More importantly, Madeleine is a good human and enjoys a laugh. Welcome back!”