MGAO is inspired by ‘the everyday’. We have a very simple approach to Architecture which searches for ‘common’ over ‘new’. We look to established conventions, such as typology, existing conditions and site context for inspiration, with the aim of producing background buildings which don’t scream loudly.

MGAO engage with the tradition of Architecture, generating designs through the realities of construction. By drawing inspiration from common construction methods, humble materials, and simple forms, MGAO aim to design projects which respond sensitively to their unique environments.

Working with a refined set of tools; Materiality, Proportion, Prospect and Light,  MGAO respond creatively to any brief whilst promoting the importance of quality over quantity and timelessness over trend.

A lecture titled ‘IDEAS & IDEOLOGIES’ discussing MGAO’s approach in more detail can be viewed HERE

At MGAO, we work collaboratively with our clients, using our unique architectural approach to flesh out and frame our client’s specific brief and ambitions, whether they are personal, social, environmental or material.

We begin each project with an initial Pre Design process, which together with our client’s involvement, enables us to explore the hopes and aspirations of each individual project, establishing the complexities and opportunities of the specific site and then developing initial design responses addressing the requirements of the client’s brief.

We have a great passion for Architecture and are excited to work on projects of all scales, large or small. We have experience in Residential, Multi-residential, Hospitality and Commercial projects, along with experience working on difficult sloping sites and BAL40-BALFZ Bush fire zones. We work actively with our clients to ensure the best result for any budget. At MGAO we offer a complete package of Architectural services from Pre Design through to Contract Administration:

– Pre Design
– Concept Design
– Town Planning
– Design Development
– Construction Documentation
– Contract Procurement & Tendering
– Construction / Contract Administration

2017: AFASIAARCHZINE.COM – Wye River House

2017: DESIGNBOOM.COM – Yarrambat House

2016: DESIGNBOOM.COM – San Remo House

2016: ARCHEYES.COM – Pyramid Rock

2016: ARCHEYES.COM – Hill House

2016: DESIGNBOOM.COM – Hill House

2016: DAILYDOSE – MGAO Projects

2016: KOOZARCH.COM – MGAO Interview

2016: AFASIAARCHZINE.COM – Hill House

2016: DIVISARE.COM – Pyramid Rock

2016: DIVISARE.COM – Hill House

2015: DESIGNBOOM.COM – Pyramid Rock

2010: TERRA #5 – Studio Thesis Project ‘Garfield Mine’

2009: Advertisement for Architecture Publication – ‘Three’

2016: Shortlisted for Dulux Study Tour 2017

2015: 2nd Place – Realflame Architectural Design Award – Park Lane House

2011: Design:Made:Trade – Chapman & Bailey ‘Sow’s Ear’ Entry

2009: 3rd Place – Advertisement for Architecture ‘Three’

2016: MGAO Lecture: Ideas and Ideologies – Deakin University

2016: RMIT Guest Critic – Ephemeral Architecture Studio

2015: RMIT Guest Critic – Common Ground Studio

2014: RMIT Guest Critic – Common Ground Studio

2013: M.Arch, Master of Architecture (HD), RMIT

2011: B.Arch Des, Bachelor of Architectural Design (HD), RMIT

2010: RMIT PHD assistant – Richard Black