We favour simplicity.
We labour on the details.
We respond to the context of the site.
We appreciate robust yet familiar materials.

Founded by Matt Ross Goodman in 2016, MGAO is a team of dedicated architects, working across residential and commercial projects, Australia-wide.

About

365 Bay Street
Port Melbourne
3207 VIC AUSTRALIA



We carefully examine the existing conditions. As a studio, we care about context, and enjoy the process of crafting buildings. It’s about being collaborative and solving design problems. 

We bring simplicity to complex briefs. Wherever possible we use natural, robust materials and a limited palette to create refined designs. 

For us, architecture should be equally functional and beautiful.

Approach

Context is our starting point. We explore constraints and opportunities to create responsive designs. We consider landscape, views, vernacular and function to design with purpose and precision.

Our process focuses on simplicity. We strip back to uncover pure forms and materials. We solve problems and create clarity.

We use tried and tested methods with humble materials and familiar forms. Our work may appear uncomplicated, but the value is in the details.

We aim to do more with less, letting the landscape be the focus. Our buildings are respectful, providing spaces where our clients, businesses and lives can unfold with ease.

Process

MGAO is a full-service Architecture Office. We work with you from concept to completion.

Concept Design — the conceptual starting point

Town Planning and Development Applications — a tricky stage to navigate that we help make easy through our experience

Design Development — the project is refined

Tendering and builder selection — an important step where we can advise and guide.

Construction Documentation — turning the ideas into reality

Contract Administration — Continued involvement during the construction stage to ensure a smooth process.

Furniture selection and procurement — managing the supply and delivery of materials, finishes and products

We can tailor our services depending on your own individual needs. Please reach out to find out how we can work together.

Services

Matt Goodman is the founder of MGAO. With a natural talent for drawing, a passion  for creating and a head for solving problems, Matt’s skills naturally led him to a career in architecture.

At the helm of MGAO, Matt's approach is driven by strong ideas that respond to context. He balances the purity of a concept with practical, meaningful considerations. His philosophy emphasises quality and simplicity. The importance of making thoughtful decisions in every project is never underestimated.

Matt's commitment to creating functional and resolved spaces reflects the studio's core values of being considered, honest, refined and passionate.



B.Arch Des, M.Arch, RAIA
reg. 18672 (VIC)
reg. 9683 (NSW)


Matt Ross Goodman

Edwin Jiang focuses on creating spaces that evoke unique feelings and memories. 

Edwin is passionate about the building process, and how different methods yield diverse outcomes. As an Associate Architect at MGAO, he excels as an all-rounder, with a notable strength in conceptualising spaces with a keen three-dimensional awareness. He is motivated by seeing ideas come to life as a project is built.

Edwin Jiang

Jonas Balano approaches architecture by deeply understanding the relationship between the site, its history, and the people who will inhabit the space. He values building strong relationships with all stakeholders, believing that collaboration brings out the best in people and results in better, more enjoyable projects. His goal is to create simple, responsive and quiet architecture.

Jonas’ passion for architecture stems from its ability to shape environments, evoke emotions and ultimately enhance everyday life. As an architect at MGAO, Jonas works across all project phases and uses a range of delivery methods– all while bringing an innate attention to detail.

Jonas Balano

Elias Hanna believes that architecture both reflects and shapes society, acting as a backdrop for life to unfold in meaningful ways. His multicultural upbringing inspires his architectural approach, cultivating a deep love for people, community, places and nature. As such, he aims to foster a sense of place through MGAO’s projects.

Elias approaches architecture with empathy. He enjoys being on-site and developing design and construction details alongside the MGAO team, builders and consultants. Elias embraces and responds to the complexity and constraints of sites and client briefs with good design as the focus.