How Mckimm Became The Design Force Powering A New Era Of Architecture
from the ground up
It’s official. We have entered a new architectural age, and it’s one marked by sleek finishes, raw elements, and nature’s influence. Refined design is making its way into the world’s most luxurious spaces, and as Brisbane’s appetite for thoughtful, concept-led living continues to rise, Melbourne studio mckimm is bringing a signature balance of craftsmanship and calm to Queensland’s evolving architectural landscape.
Inside the new design era
The new era, defined by a rush of glass and steel excess, is giving way to something more grounded: homes that breathe; that prioritise natural light, texture, and tactility. At the forefront of that movement is mckimm – a Melbourne-born design studio now expanding its timeless aesthetic to Queensland’s luxury landscape. At its helm is founder Nick McKimm, a designer and builder whose journey from carpenter to industry leader has shaped the studio’s philosophy from day one.
From carpentry to artistry
“The early years working on site were the best education I could have asked for,” Nick says. “Carpentry gives you a hands-on connection to how materials come together. How each stage depends on precision, and how early decisions can shape the entire build.” This first-hand experience became the backbone of mckimm, which Nick founded in 1991. What began as a design and build practice has evolved into a fully integrated studio, encompassing architecture, interiors, construction, and project management under one roof.
“In the early days, I saw the disconnect that could happen when architects, builders, and clients worked independently,” he recalls. “I wanted to create a more transparent, collaborative way of working, where every decision serves the same vision.” It’s an approach that has
come to define mckimm’s success – holistic, detail-driven, and deeply human. For more than three decades, mckimm has built a reputation for timeless design; spaces where clean lines and natural materials meet an effortless sense of calm.
Balancing innovation and restraint
Yet for Nick, the pursuit of good design isn’t about following trends. “People’s lifestyles and priorities are constantly changing,” he says. “Wellness, light, connection to nature – these have become central to how people want to live. Pushing boundaries means responding to these shifts with thought and intention.” That balance between innovation and restraint is something Nick has refined through years of experience.
While his work has expanded beyond Melbourne’s Bayside, the region remains central to mckimm’s identity. “Designing in Bayside has taught us so much about flow, privacy, and light,” he says. “Every project responds to its environment – how it sits in the landscape, how it breathes, how it connects indoors and out.”
Ever evolving
Walk into a mckimm home, and you immediately sense that connection. Raw yet refined, sculptural but liveable. Concrete, timber, and stone are recurring elements, not because they’re fashionable, but because they endure. “Enduring quality is about honesty in materials and intent,” Nick explains. “We design homes that evolve with the people who live in them. Spaces that feel timeless rather than fleeting.”
Inside the studio, collaboration is everything. Nick leads a team of designers, architects, and builders who are encouraged to challenge conventions and think holistically. “Today’s clients come to us well-informed and with strong ideas,” he says. “That’s exciting. It pushes us to innovate and to look at how light moves through a space, or how a room can shift from day to night without ever losing the essence of who we are.”
The next generation of design
As mckimm moves into luxury developments and boutique apartment projects, including in Queensland’s growing high-end market, the challenge is scale – how to maintain individuality while expanding reach. Looking ahead, Nick’s focus is on legacy – both in the homes mckimm creates and the next generation of designers it inspires. “I hope our legacy is one of thoughtfully designed, sustainable homes that stand the test of time,” he says.
“But just as importantly, I want to inspire others to see architecture as a connected process – where design, construction, and craftsmanship are all part of the same conversation.” And for the man who started with a hammer in hand, that vision remains firmly grounded.
