Kelly Mackinnon

Kelly MacKinnon is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Northumbria University whose research focuses on participatory architectural design, cultural infrastructure and equity in architectural education. Her work explores how architectural design research can engage communities, particularly young people, in shaping cultural spaces, and how more inclusive approaches to architectural education can influence institutional practices and professional pathways.

Kelly has developed and led a programme of architectural design research in collaboration with cultural organisations, including BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Creative Central Newcastle and New Writing North. Her research investigates how participatory design methods can engage communities, particularly young people, in shaping cultural infrastructure. Through a series of live architectural projects, public exhibitions and youth workshops, her work with BALTIC examines how design research can contribute to public dialogue, institutional thinking and the future development of cultural spaces. This research is also informing a developing Research Excellence Framework impact case study.

Kelly is Co-Founder of Females in Architectural Education (FIAE), a national research-informed network established in 2025 to address gender equity in architectural education. Through national forums, exhibitions, research and collaboration with professional bodies, FIAE brings together educators, students and practitioners to examine educational cultures, representation, belonging and progression. She also co-chairs the FIAE × Standing Conference of Schools of Architecture (SCOSA) Working Group, leading the development of a national research programme examining the experiences of students and staff across architectural education, with the aim of informing institutional and sector-wide change.

Alongside her research, Kelly has held a number of academic leadership roles at Northumbria University, including Co-Director of Cultural Partnerships, Faculty Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Programme Leader for the Master of Architecture. Her work has involved developing partnerships between the University and cultural organisations, supporting inclusive educational practices and creating opportunities for students to engage with live architectural projects and external collaborators. She also leads Northumbria University's partnership with the British Council Venice Fellowships Programme, which provides opportunities for international research, creative practice and professional development.

Kelly is an ARB-registered architect and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her external professional roles include RIBA Validation Panel Expert and Chair, Independent Academic Advisor to the Architects Registration Board, and External Examiner for the Master of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde. She also chairs BALTIC Voices, contributing to dialogue around participation, audience engagement and the future development of BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

Her research interests include participatory design, cultural infrastructure, architectural education, gender equity, youth engagement, inclusive design, live projects and the relationship between architectural research and institutional change.