Today we’re joined by Amy and Lachlan from By Mysa. Amy is an interior designer and Lachlan is an architect. They started By Mysa only a few short years ago, but they've already amassed several great projects including Richmond Hill House that we featured a while back. We’re excited to feature more of By Mysa’s work and excited to see this practice grow. We predict great things for the future!
Welcome, Amy and Lachlan! While this is a virtual lunch, if we were grabbing lunch together in person, where would we be heading? What’s your favourite lunch spot?
Lachlan: If we were picking, it would probably be something like Japanese food. There’s a great spot just around the corner from us. We love Asian cuisine.
Amy: Yeah, we’re all about quick lunches day-to-day, but for special occasions, we’ve had some beautiful dining experiences, like a memorable meal at Carlton Wine Room a few years back. It was our first dinner celebrating the business—amazing food and atmosphere. It’s always stuck with us.
By Mysa's beautiful heritage Richmond Hill renovation.
That sounds incredible! Now, I’d love to hear about what led you both to start your business in architecture and design. How did it all come about?
Lachlan: We’ve been friends since our teens, and over the years, we always found ourselves talking about the industry, sharing the challenges we were facing in our respective fields. It became clear that we wanted to create something different—something that solved those issues we kept discussing. Fast forward to COVID lockdowns, and that’s when we really got serious about it. We were living close by, so we took a lot of walks and hashed out ideas. That’s when the business was born. It wasn’t just about what we wanted to do, but also what we didn’t want to replicate from our previous workplaces.
Amy: For us, starting this business wasn’t just about career changes. It was a lifestyle change. Both of us loved design, me with interiors and Lachie with architecture, but we needed more autonomy and balance. We wanted to continue doing work that inspired us but in a smaller, more personal framework where we could have closer relationships with clients.
That one-on-one client contact must be such a game changer compared to your experience in bigger firms, right?
Lachlan: Absolutely. One of the things we really enjoy is the efficiency of working together. In bigger firms, it’s often "death by committee." Making decisions can be slow, and personalities can clash. Here, we’re just next to each other, talking through designs, making quick, seamless decisions. It’s such a pleasant working experience.
Amy: It can be risky going into business with a friend, but for us, it’s worked out. We complement each other in the right ways. Lachie’s the architect, I’m the interior designer, and our skill sets overlap perfectly. That diversity in expertise brings so much to our projects.
A very functional and modern kitchen has become the heart of Richmond Hill House.
I love that dynamic. I often see smaller architectural firms collaborating with external interior designers, but you’ve fully integrated both. How does that benefit your projects?
Lachlan: It’s all about instant collaboration. We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other. For some architects, the process is more segmented—they do their thing, pass it on to an interior designer, and then incorporate their feedback. But with us, it’s a fluid process. We’re sitting next to each other, discussing how the interiors integrate with the architecture and vice versa.
Amy: It’s not just about the creative process either. From a project management perspective, it’s a game changer. Lachie handles the macro side—town planning, structure, council approvals—while I’m focused on the details, down to the type of tapware that will impact the client’s daily life. Together, we cover a wide scope, and we’re seeing the benefits now, especially with larger residential projects.
That sounds like a perfect balance. As quite a young firm, you already have quite a large number of finished projects, which is impressive because architecture can be a slow burn. What has your experience been like in the early stages of your practice?
Amy: In the beginning, we were working on smaller projects, but now we’re tackling larger residential designs, which is exciting. The scale is different, but we’re seeing the fruits of our labour come to life. We’ve also been lucky with clients who took a leap of faith with us, even without a huge portfolio behind us. That early trust has been invaluable.
Lachlan: Yeah, and it’s more than just getting the work. Once we sit down with a client, the way we talk through the architecture and the process builds a relationship that can last for years. Some of these clients even become friends, and that’s really special.
Speaking of relationships, I’ve heard you’ve developed some great partnerships with builders. How has that helped in your projects?
Lachlan: It’s been crucial. Especially with renovations or single-dwelling projects, having a builder involved early is essential. It helps manage constructability and budgets right from the start. We’ve built strong relationships with a couple of builders, and we’re about to start our fourth project with one of them. It just makes the whole process smoother.
Amy: Exactly. Early collaboration with builders mitigates risk. It’s not just about finding the lowest bid; it’s about trust and communication throughout the project. We’ve been lucky to work with builders who share our vision and approach.
It’s great to hear that level of trust between architect, designer, and builder. Now, let’s shift gears—what’s the first album you ever bought?
Amy: Oh no, don’t judge me! It was the Backstreet Boys’ first album. I was a 90s kid through and through.
Lachlan: Mine was The Living End, back in my punk rocker days. Silverchair was a close second.
Nice! Both solid choices. Now, a question about residential architecture—what’s your favourite aspect of working in this field?
Amy: I came from a commercial background, so scaling down to residential has been refreshing. I love the personalisation that comes with it. Every detail matters because it impacts the client’s daily life. There’s something really special about improving the quality of someone’s home in ways that might seem small but are actually huge for them.
Lachlan: I agree. What I love most is designing for a specific person or family. In bigger projects, like apartment buildings, you’re designing for everyone, but with residential, it’s tailored. You get to know the client, understand their needs, and craft a space that fits their life perfectly. That personal connection must make the work even more rewarding. How do you stay inspired when working on renovations or projects that bring the past into the present?
Lachlan: It’s about celebrating the details that already exist. We’re working on an Art Deco house in Northcote right now, and we’re recycling bricks from the demolished section and using them in the new extension. It’s those small touches that keep the integrity of the old while adding something new.
Amy: Yes, restoring and reinvigorating a space is incredibly rewarding. When we bring a project like that into the present, it’s about honouring the past while creating something that will last for the future. It’s more than just design—it’s almost like giving a house new life.
That’s beautifully put. Is there a book or resource you’d recommend for someone planning to build or renovate?
Lachlan: Absolutely! There’s a fantastic book called 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School. It’s full of really nice diagrams and explains the architecture process in a way that’s not too lofty or intellectual. It breaks things down in a way that makes sense to people who aren’t in the industry. I actually showed it to my parents, and they found it really helpful. It’s definitely one I’d recommend.
Amy: I completely agree with Lachie, but from an interior design perspective, I’d say visual inspiration is just as important. Clients often struggle to articulate their style, but they can show you images of things they love. Pinterest, for example, is great for helping clients express their aesthetic. Alongside books that explain the process, it’s key to have visual prompts to start setting the framework of the design.
That’s a great idea. I think people often find it hard to define their style, but visual inspiration really helps. Thank you, Pinterest, right?
Amy: Exactly, Pinterest is a lifesaver!
Great tips! Finally, do you have any advice for someone looking to start a build or renovation?
Lachlan: Take the time to get to know your architect. It’s a long journey, and you want to make sure you align with your architect’s values and vision. It’s all about forming that connection.
Amy: Yes, and be prepared! Write down your goals, needs, and aspirations for the project. Even if it’s just a basic brainstorm, it helps set a clear framework from the start. That way, when we begin the design process, we have a transparent foundation to work from.