ETHOS

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DESIGNING WITH THE LAND FOR Cohesive living

Before a home can feel settled, the land must be understood; every decision begins there and is resolved with care.

A modern house with wooden exterior, wooden deck with two chairs, a pond with green algae, and a landscaped garden with hills and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

Mackinnon Design works across architecture, interiors and landscape design with a shared respect for place. We consider orientation, materiality, movement and planting as connected parts of one living environment, creating homes that feel calm, useful and naturally held by their setting.

  • Close-up of tall, yellowish desert grass or prairie grass in a natural landscape

    01 Environmental Intimacy

    We begin by observing the site closely: its light, wind, outlook, slope, shelter and the quiet cues that shape how a home should sit.

  • Light blue sky with scattered white and beige clouds.

    02 Purposeful Design

    Every decision has a reason. From plan to planting, we design with clarity, restraint and a strong sense of how people will live each day.

  • An aerial view of a dry, winding river flowing through a landscape with sparse trees and dry terrain.

    03 Material Honesty

    Materials are selected for their character, performance and relationship to place, allowing each home to age with confidence and quiet integrity.

  • Rolling green hills with patches of darker grass and some small shrubs, under a cloudy sky.

    04 Enduring Beauty

    We design beyond trend, seeking proportion, detail and atmosphere that continue to feel resolved long after the project is complete.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE WORK

Our studio thrives on the creativity and dedication of our team. These are the expert hands who couldn’t be more passionate about their craft.

A man with light skin, a beard, and short curly hair, wearing a white button-up shirt and dark plaid pants, standing outdoors in front of a building with wooden panels and black structural elements, with plants in the foreground.

Ross Mackinnon

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.

Recognised and awarded by Design Matters National 2025

Close-up of a modern building with wooden and metal elements, against a clear blue sky, with a bright yellow box overlay containing a black number four and the text 'Building Design Awards 2025 Winner'.
Modern house with large overhanging roof supported by angled columns, large windows, and built with wood and metal materials. The house is set against a sunset sky, with trees in the background and a garden with drought-tolerant plants in the foreground.

Past President Award
Giselle Grynbaum Award
Excellence in Use of Steel
Rural Design 
East Coast Residential Design of the Year
Excellence in Use of Bricks
New House $3m+
People’s Choice Award
Excellence in Use of Timber
Excellence in Documentation