Dinan Mao

Hello, I’m Dinan Mao, currently in my final year studying Interior Architecture at Swinburne University of Technology. My design journey centers on shaping spaces that respond to emotions and invite everyone in, with a deep commitment to mental well-being, sustainability, and fostering genuine social bonds. For me, interior architecture is about more than aesthetics; it is about crafting environments where people feel at home, inspired to move, and truly connected.

In my latest project, Mantra Collingwood: The Social Wellness & Fitness Centre, I set out to transform the typical gym into a sanctuary that eases gym anxiety and welcomes diverse cultures through adaptive reuse. Drawing inspiration from mid-century design, nature-infused elements, and zones that respond to mood, I strive to create environments where every visitor feels embraced, secure, and uplifted.

With a background in design research, photography, and the art of spatial storytelling, I am passionate about shaping spaces that serve a purpose, empower communities, and look ahead to the future. My approach weaves imagination with empathy, always led by one guiding question: how can design help people feel truly seen, supported, and inspired?

Artist housing at botanic garden

This lakeside pavilion is designed to create a seamless connection between architecture and nature. The curved concrete form softens the structure, guiding the eye gently across the water. Floor-to-ceiling glazing maximises natural light and draws in the landscape, creating a calm and grounded atmosphere within. The soft material palette and minimal form enhance the sense of stillness, while the cantilevered edge allows the structure to gently float above the lake’s surface. Reflections from the water change throughout the day, bringing movement and life into the space. This is a retreat that blends privacy, softness, and sensory connection with the environment.

Artist housing at botanic garden

The bedroom is designed as a warm, intimate retreat that reflects comfort and care. Curved walls, natural timber flooring, and soft golden tones create a cocoon-like atmosphere that supports relaxation and emotional ease. The ceiling is textured with reddish tones that complement the earthy palette, while pendant lighting adds softness and focus to the bed area. Large glazed walls bring in natural views without compromising comfort, offering a balance between openness and privacy. The room layout supports slow, personal rituals like reading or rest, making it an ideal space for reflection and restoration—designed to feel both personal and serene.

Mantra Collingwood project

The spin room features bold circular lighting and high-contrast colours to build rhythm, focus, and shared energy. The design motivates users through immersive atmosphere, while maintaining distance between bikes for personal comfort. This sensory-rich space helps reduce social pressure and encourages a group experience that still feels safe and empowering

Mantra Collingwood project

This private studio offers a calming space for low-sensory training, perfect for yoga or quiet strength work. Green acoustic walls, soft lighting, and a view-focused layout promote mindfulness and emotional safety. Designed for people who value quiet, comfort, and personal space, it supports peaceful movement and self-led practice.

Mantra Collingwood project

This bathroom interior celebrates texture, contrast, and mood to create a space that feels luxurious yet grounded. The focal point is a custom stone basin with a smooth green marble top and natural rock base, anchoring the design in earthy materiality. Golden floral wallpaper adds vibrancy and softness, referencing nature while enriching the sensory experience. Warm timber wall panels balance the visual depth, while the amber-toned lighting reflects off the circular mirrors to create a calming glow. Together, these elements form a tranquil space that blends art, ritual, and functionality—ideal for moments of stillness, reflection, and personal care.

Acknowledgement of Country

The School of Design and Architecture respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and knowledge-keepers of the lands, waters and sky that surround us, where we work, learn, create, communicate and make place. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded and this always was and will always be Wurundjeri Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to make a better world through design.

We extend our acknowledgement to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, real-life clients, and knowledge keepers, who have contributed to our own education diversity and growth. We will continue to ensure that staff and students respectfully honour ancestral connection to Country and Place in everything that they do.

We are dedicated to the notion of design to make a better world and we acknowledge that making tools, shaping place, sharing stories, making meaning, wayfinding and collaborating have long been and continue to be both central and integral to First Peoples' cultures. We recognize that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural contributions have continued relevance to design practice and commit to: reconciling ancestries of design and contemporary practice as well as pursuing culturally and professionally appropriate ways to engage with a diverse population of colleagues, industries and clients. In a time of treaty-making and voice we understand that there are overlaps between caring for Country and the sustainable production of goods, services, experiences, products and buildings.

Guided by the principles of respect, reconciliation, and reciprocity we undertake to indigenising and decolonising design practice by dismantling colonial structures and challenging biases that have marginalised Indigenous voices and design.

As students of SoDA you will be given opportunities to both engage with and educate yourself in Indigenous creative practices and cultural protocols through a lens of inclusivity, diversity, respect, mutual understanding, inter-cultural dialogue in all aspects of design practice. Indigenous people have been telling stories, making tools, and connecting to Country through visual media, placemaking and place marking for more than 60,000 years and these practices are part of an ongoing, evolving and live tradition.