The MAI Team
Dugald Mackenzie – Director
Bachelor of Architecture, NSW ARB #6033
Leading the MAI team, Dugald designs buildings that make a statement. He crafts custom homes and commercial properties to match your vision, budget and timeframe – and takes a considered, matter-of-fact approach to every project.
Dugald’s career commenced in 1979, joining Stephenson and Turner Architects. In 1986, he obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from the NSW University of Technology.
From 1981 to 1988, Dugald joined John Andrews International on several significant projects:
- Garden Island Car Park, Sydney
- Hyatt Hotel, Perth (site architect team)
- Adelaide Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre
- Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
In that time, Dugald not only honed his seamless ‘conception to construction’ skills; he also coordinated consultants, managed on-site operations and ran the busy office.
During the late 80s and early 90s, Dugald did various design management projects across NSW.
In 1993, Dugald established his own practice. He has since made his mark creating custom contemporary residences and cutting-edge commercial developments – and has featured in key media publications.
Dugald also belongs to many industry associations:
- Royal Australian Institute of Architects
- NSW Architects Registration Board
- Northern Region Architectural Panel for Sydney Anglican Dioceses
- Western Region Architectural panel for Sydney Anglican Dioceses
He is also a family man, married with five children.
Contact Dugald
Felipe Ayala
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Design Science (Digital Media)
Inspired by architect Rogelio Salmona, Felipe takes pride in his craft and enjoys its many challenges.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Artitect from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, Felipe completed a Master of Design Science from the University of Sydney, appearing on the dean’s honours list.
Since then, Felipe has worked with Vanovac Associates and Cox-Richardson, before joining us in 2009.
Felipe has a “big appetite for acquiring new knowledge” and takes a modern, contemporary approach to architecture, focusing on function and simple lines.
When he’s not designing, Felipe enjoys spending time with his children and “going to see rock bands that no one else cares about!”
Alex Sarmiento
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Design Science (Facilities Management and Digital Media)
After working in Latin America, Alex moved to Australia to undertake Design and Facilities Management at the University of Sydney. He joined the MAI team in 2007, specialising in context-specific design.
Alex ensures all projects under his guidance are perfectly suited to the client’s brief and revenue goals.
John Trajkovski – Architectural Designer
Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Science (Environmental Design)
Hard work and a passion for outstanding architecture got John to where he is today. He’s been with MAI for seven years, after working with HPDR Architects.
Inspired by the late German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and American architect Lebbeus Woods, John adopts a modernist design style.
“What I like most about MAI is that I can be creative, and collaborate with the team,” John says.
When he’s not at work, John can be found fishing, renovating and supporting Sydney’s live music scene.
Tania Ryan – Office Manager
With a high attention to detail, can-do attitude and “wicked sense of humour”, Tania keeps our busy office organised. She joined our team after a career with Manly Council, while also running her own photography studio.
Tania has a postgraduate certificate in Management Studies, from London’s Guildhall University.
She is always striving to automate manual processes in the office, while ensuring proper procedures are in place to keep our office humming.
Outside the office, Tania keeps busy with her three children. When she has the chance, she likes to escape to a quiet corner with her Kindle, or catch up on her favourite TV shows.