After four years studying industrial design at Swinburne, alum Lachlan Mackay and director of Space-man Studio had many epiphanies. To be open minded, to listen to others and to reflect on his observations.
They might be simple mantras, but these ideas have guided the values of his business and landed him in the Australian Design Review's 30 Under 30 list . While Lachlan has never been one to look too closely at accolades, being shortlisted gave him validation and assurance that his career is on the right path.
"It has been an amazing experience, even more so to meet and be inspired by so many other incredible, talented and hungry creatives all trying to forge their own paths," says Lachlan.
Space-man Studio director Lachlan Mackay prides himself on working in collaboration to find solutions, producing amazing results for his clients.
After living and breathing design in the workforce for many years, Lachlan took the plunge to set up his own studio. In August 2024, he ventured out on his own and Space-man Studio became its own entity.
"It really was an instance of when you know, you know. The timing was right, and it felt like something that had to happen. I wanted to make Space-man Studio my only priority so badly that I was unable to stop myself."
Lachlan has an immense sense of pride of what he's accomplished for himself in the short time that his business has been in operation, and so much gratitude for the people connecting with his work and designs.
At its core, Space-man Studio is a space available for everyone. While generating products and ideas for its clients is important, the studio prioritises the energy it puts out into the world and its connection to people.
"Everyone is doing amazing things, so I think it's really powerful to hype up your peers."
Lachlan says having a space for positive energy is vital and he feels a sense of accomplishment from ensuring projects are well-thought out and from coming up with great solutions for his clients.
Though he pauses his own style when creating for others, the dedication and empathy it takes to create a solution is a journey he always loves to take. "The design journey can be a scary journey, but I believe the way we tackle it is what makes Space-man Studio so unique and what makes me most proud."
From concept to a fully fleshed-out product, Space-man Studio ensures quality and collaboration.
Lachlan credits his time at Swinburne for the tools and skills that helped him build his talent for design in his career.
"I am transported back to my days at Swinburne to projects where I realised that I am not designing for myself, but for others. Therefore, the answers to my problems are usually outside of myself."
Contributing to his career-defining experience at Swinburne, Lachlan underwent an exchange program that took him overseas. He claims it was a crucial experience.
"Exchange was pivotal in my development and those experiences - of which there were so many - has really shaped my attitude to the real world outside of design itself. If I could transport myself back there, I would in a heartbeat," he says.
If students have the chance to do it, Lachlan highly recommends the experience. He acknowledges the luck he has in his life, but insists attitude, trust and connection are essential to any student looking to progress further in their chosen career.
With no direct pathway in today's workforce, he says backing yourself is just as important as the skills you have. "Just keep rocking up and doing you."
As for himself, Lachlan is still happily figuring out what comes next. There are ambitions for his studio to become internationally recognised and to continue collaborating with amazing people. For now, he plans to work hard and stay consistent.
"I'll just keep doing me."
