MACKINNON DESIGN

Exquisite, Sustainable Design

About us

About us image
At MacKinnon Design, we believe in the cohesive intersection of architecture and landscape, building within our environments for a greater experience of living.

We work across scales, from smaller sustainable dwellings, extensions, and renovations to impressive high-end projects. We now have the capacity for institutional and civic projects. We are experienced in fundraising and grant applications to turn your commercial ideas into reality.

Ross has 38 years of experience working on a wide variety of projects in Australia and the U.K. We have assembled a core team of highly skilled building designers and have a close network of interior and landscape specialists. We are close to our builders and trades to ensure synergy from concept to build.

We specialise in crafting the best in modern regional and rural Australian designs, that work harmoniously with their surroundings for an outcome you can't find anywhere else. We work all around Australia, focusing mainly on regional Victoria and NSW. We have offices in Mansfield, Sydney, and Melbourne.

We ensure your custom design will be an investment that will not only capture and bring your home's natural beauty but also guarantee a great atmosphere that is sure to last. Our buildings are designed to the highest environmental and energy efficient practices.  

We are very approachable, and welcome discussion. We look forward to hearing from you.

Portfolio

Ross MacKinnon worked as the principal visionary and grant writer to secure 5 million dollars from federal and state government in seed funding for this project.

The Team

Ross Mackinnon - Principal

Ross Mackinnon - Principal

Ross Mackinnon studied Architectural Design and Environmental Policy at RMIT in Melbourne. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has worked alongside renowned architects in both Melbourne and London, contributing to a wide range of projects—from intricate contemporary designs to historically significant and heritage-listed developments. His portfolio spans residential, civic, and institutional architecture. Ross’s vision for MacKinnon Design is rooted in a collaborative approach that fosters exceptional, sustainable outcomes. His work embraces a contemporary vernacular, thoughtfully integrated with the surrounding landscape. Recognised for his professionalism, creativity, and intuitive design sensibility, Ross is known for capturing the essence of each client’s brief. His work is meticulously detailed, uniquely expressive, and delivered within well-managed project timelines. Approachable and insightful, Ross values the conversations that lead to meaningful, well-crafted design solutions. He operates studios in both Mansfield and Sydney, and looks forward to partnering with clients to bring their architectural visions to life.

Gallery

Services

DESIGN

Architecture, Building Design, Landscape Architecture, Planting Design, Interior Design

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Contract administration, Project management, Sourcing service, Cost estimation.

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PLANNING

Planning, Reports, Liaison with relevant stakeholders.

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FUNDRAISING

Pitch Decks, Grant writing, Business planning, Feasibility studies, Visual impact assessments, Conceptual advice.

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Mission

KNOWLEDGE

MacKinnon Design is built on an intimate connection with the land. Our team utilises this innate understanding of environment and living design to create beautiful, enduring structures for cohesive living.

INTENTIONALITY

Making all decisions from a place of purpose and specificity, we pride ourselves on fully understanding your brief to envision how the space can be utilised for greater living through functional, intuitive solutions.

TRUST

Exquisite design adds value to your investment. Breathe easy as we prioritise a service that maximizes your return on investment. Our goal is that you will be nothing short of delighted.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable design means lower running costs by creating optimum building performance and less impact on the environment by a thoughtful use of materials. It means a well thought out and integrated landscape from the house to beyond and into the greater environment.

Investing in a healthy, sustainable home can maintain our physical and mental well being. It is an investment into a better life today that can be passed on to future generations.

LONGEVITY

We are passionate about enduring design. Creating design that stands the test of time aesthetically and environmentally is the guiding star for all that we do.

PHILOSOPHY

Know the land and move in pace. Breathe deeply and return. We specialise in Architectural design, interior and landscape architecture, reuniting people with land.

AESTHETICS

By a deep understanding of space, form, light, shadow and material, we pride ourselves on exquisite aesthetics that complements the land and beyond.

INTENT

There is something deeply spiritual in our approach, and in the reverence for the land in which we build.

Contact us

  • 17 Highett Street, Mansfield VIC, Australia

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Testimonials

 “COMPREHENSIVE AND DETAILED, NO STONE UNTURNED.” “We found the overall design, documentation, project management and delivery processes by MacKinnon Design to be very comprehensive and detailed. No stone was left unturned. The scope of our works and building size was extensive, and we love the uniqueness of the design and construction. MacKinnon Design has been very responsive to us as clients and to our project. The team was always happy to discuss changes and offer appropriate suggestions – we found them to be always very knowledgeable and polite. Thank you for providing such a wonderful service. The creative and unique ideas initially proposed encapsulated the design brief and have been subsequently transformed into a distinctive dwelling that is testament to the professionalism of MacKinnon Design.” 

Guy Evans + Liza Karras
'Y a r r a n'

 "RECOGNITION OF CLIENTS REQUIREMENTS HAS RESULTED IN REMARKABLE DESIGN" His perspective on the environment, combined with recognition of his client requirements has resulted in remarkable designs.” Though quietly spoken and modest about his achievements, Ross MacKinnon is a man who exudes confidence in his own unique approach and style. His designs are built to suit the individual needs of each client, and to endure,  at one with the Australian landscape. 

John Baker, Chairman of the Monash Business Incubator

 ROSS AND HIS TEAM HAVE SHOWN INCREDIBLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND WE HAVE HAD GREAT COMMUNICATION ALONG THE WAY. We have been incredibly thrilled to work with MacKinnon Design over the past 12 months as we step through the process of remodelling/rebuilding our property here in Merrijig. Our final design is beyond what we could have hoped for and we're excited to see the project complete! Can highly recommend. 

Ben Annear

 "THEY LISTEN INTENTLY" Ross from MacKinnon Design is an interested and engaged designer, who maintained his connection to our project from the beginning to the end, including the undertaking of tasks (not included in the brief) when others were unable to assist.  We achieved a fantastically sustainable and contemporary renovation which continues to please us. Working with many constrictions, Ross created light-filled spaces, with clever capture of limited winter sun. Ross is passionate and committed and continues to weave sustainability principles into all his work. 

The Kilby Family, Euroa

 "THE RESULT IS A SPACE THAT MEETS ALL MY CRITERIA" Ross Mackinnon combines empathy with experience, practical skill and a profound design aesthetic to bring life, joy, and logic to the complex project he worked on for me. The result is a space that concurs with my philosophy and meets all my criteria. Importantly, the project came in on time and on budget. Ross's commitment to understand me and my life (style) was central to the result. That he uses traditional hand drawn techniques rather than CAD ensured the project was both unique and not formulaic. I would recommend Ross without hesitation. 

Shirley Sawell, Sevens Creek

 "A DELIGHT TO WORK WITH" I am delighted to write a review for Ross Mackinnon. If you are looking for a building designer who does all of the following, then I strongly suggest you have a chat to him. He designs stunning homes, listens to your vision for your home, works in partnership with you to make sure the design reflects the way you want to live. Respects your budget and designs accordingly. Designs for practicality and maximum energy efficiency. He is brilliant with landscape design concepts and is a delight to work with. 

Jeremy Drew, Mulkirri

 FANTASTIC Ross and his team are fantastic to work with. 

Josie Logan

 "WE WOULD RECOMMEND MACKINNON DESIGN FOR ANY FUTURE PROJECTS AND WOULD RE-ENGAGE THEIR SERVICES" Ross MacKinnon has a very hands-on approach and a great attitude, always returning calls and was available all hours of the day.  He was able to sort out a number of issues with infrastructure, telecommunications, electricity, and meet people on site and worked well to resolve things on our behalf, especially as we are some two hours away in Melbourne.  Ross has a very unique approach to design which ensures practicality and innovation whilst maintaining environmental and budgetary concerns. Efficiency and blending with the surrounds are high on his priority list.  We were very much limited by budget but also had some features and luxuries we would not compromise on. Ross ensured that, within our budget, we were able to achieve our ultimate features that will enable us to enjoy our new home for many years to come.  We would recommend Ross MacKinnon Design for any future projects and would ourselves re-engage their services. 

Jo + Chris Knorr
'O R A N A'

 "TIMELESS" The team behind MacKinnon Design is renowned for innovative, timeless building design that combines liveability with beauty - in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Principal designer Ross MacKinnon is passionate about building and design that will endure – both in terms of aesthetics, and of environmental impact. 

Barb Denny + Sharon Grogan
'C O O I N D A'
     

 'What these photos can't illustrate is the joy of a life lived within the walls of a MacKinnon designed home. Investment in our souls' 

Warren + Leonie Bradford
Howqua Track
     

 "Ross and his team designed our beautiful new rural house. The house is joyous! The building is thermally efficient, functional and works perfectly for us as an off-grid build. In addition, we had recent bush fires and lost our orchard, many trees and all fences......but not our new house. Thanks to Ross and team and builder Jake." 

Pauline Branley + Peter Richardson
'R U F F Y'