Approach

We take a holistic approach to design and believe spaces and objects are very much the sum of their parts, each affecting our experience of the whole. Our approach then endeavours to unify and look beyond individual components to ensure each choice—from structural to surface elements and the objects within contributes to a balanced, healthy, beautiful and functional whole for our clients.

We begin every project with deep listening to understand our clients' ambitions, budget, and needs.

This collaborative foundation, paired with a rigorous analysis of site and context, ensures our final designs are both deeply personal and environmentally responsive.

We communicate the iterative design process through sketches, models, imagery and digital visualisations to understand the spatial and material qualities of the project. We are progressive in our approach and always love to collaborate.

Along the way, we assemble a project team that is tailored to the specific needs of the project, working with specialist consultants and building contractors to integrate advice without losing sight of the vision.

We continually research and refine our systems to ensure better ways of designing, making and building, understanding sustainability, enduring and healthy habitats are intrinsically linked.

Client Testimonials

“We have worked with Lachy on a few different residential projects now and couldn’t be happier with the outcomes. He is genuinely collaborative in what he does and he always took the time to listen, and to truly understand who we are as people, our vision, and our budget.
Lachy's attention to detail and creativity were evident throughout the entire process. He offered thoughtful solutions to challenges and was always conscious of balancing creativity with affordability which we really appreciated.. Lachy is clearly passionate about his work and this comes through in everything he does.” Kat.

“Lachy worked with my design brief and was a fantastic communicator.. I have ended up with a beautiful home that suits my needs perfectly. The home, on the east coast of Tasmania, is filled with light and is wonderfully calm.” Nicola

“We found Lachy from Summa Studio was a great listener who understood our vision, and built upon it. Our renovation saw our house transform from a basic 1950s cottage to a modern living dream. Lachy has .. reimagined our layout to create a space that maximises sun, views and privacy, while creating an efficient flow.. we now have a beautiful and functional home that is still keeping with the character of the original building. Thanks Summa Studio for being so great to work with” - Jill

Drivers

• Collaboration: We seek to work collaboratively with our clients, consultants and contractors towards the best outcome

• Design: Uplifting, beautiful and practical spaces and objects designed for people and place

• Performance - High-performance architecture and spaces using passive design principles that ensure comfort and operational efficiency.

• Sustainability: -Well-designed multifunctional spaces using materials that are robust, low-carbon and detailed specifically to endure.

• Budget -Working closely with our clients and contractors to understand and manage costs proactively with clear communication at every stage

• Detail - We are obsessed with craft across all scales; no detail is too small.

• Local - We champion local materials, makers, and suppliers to ground our projects in place.

Creating architecture and design is a deeply collaborative process requiring an open mind for best results. We’re fortunate to work alongside talented builders, craftspeople, engineers, suppliers and designers and most importantly, our clients, whose trust and imagination are key to a successful creative process.

Studio

Summa was established in 2025 and is led by Lachy Taylor, a registered Architect with an extensive background in architecture, building and furniture design/making. He has worked in architecture and design since 2018 with a number of Tasmanian firms and has extensive experience in residential and commercial architecture alongside experience working onsite with builders and in the workshop. This informs a detail-focused, practical and craft driven approach to practice at all scales. Lachy is passionate about how quality design and craft can create beautiful, considered and sustainable environments for us to dwell in.