Sumich Chaplin Architects is an Auckland-based architectural practice specialising in refined residential architecture and carefully considered commercial work. Led by directors Lawrence Sumich, Matt Chaplin and Sam Baxter, the practice brings together decades of collective experience grounded in design integrity, technical discipline and enduring client relationships.
Our work is defined by clarity of concept, careful response to site, and an uncompromising attention to detail. We believe architecture should feel both purposeful and timeless — thoughtfully tailored to each client, while grounded in craftsmanship and material honesty. From bespoke new homes and significant alterations, to interiors and select commercial projects, we guide each commission from initial idea through to construction with precision and care.
Collaboration sits at the heart of our process. We work closely with clients, consultants and builders to ensure that design intent is carried through every stage.
Over many years, our projects have been recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, reflecting our commitment to architectural excellence.
At its core, our practice is about creating considered architecture – work that is quietly confident, carefully crafted, and designed to stand the test of time.
B.Arch., N.Z.C.D, A.N.Z.I.A
Lawrence Sumich is a founding Director of Sumich Chaplin Architects, with more than 30 years of architectural experience and a long history of leading design excellence within the practice. He established Sumich Architects Limited in 1984, bringing a strong commitment to crafted, enduring design that responds sensitively to both site and client brief.
Before founding the practice in New Zealand, Lawrence worked in California, contributing to high-end residential projects across the United States. This early international experience helped shape his architectural approach — one that combines careful conceptual thinking with practical, build able solutions.
Throughout his career, Lawrence has guided project teams from concept through to completion, ensuring design quality, thoughtful detailing, and cost-aware outcomes. His breadth of experience spans bespoke residential work as well as commercial projects delivered both in New Zealand and internationally.
Under his leadership, the practice has received numerous accolades from the New Zealand Institute of Architects, reflecting his enduring focus on design excellence and collaborative client relationships.
B.Arch, A.N.Z.I.A
Matt Chaplin is a Director at Sumich Chaplin Architects, with more than three decades of professional design and detailing experience. His architectural work is distinguished by a strong command of both discipline and creativity, spanning high-end residential, interior and commercial projects.
Matt’s leadership is evident in his ability to steer complex projects through all stages of design development, achieving solutions that respond clearly to the client brief while also exceeding expectations. He brings precision and clarity to each project, with careful attention to architectural
detail and practical functionality.
Across his significant body of work, Matt has successfully led design teams to deliver outcomes that balance aesthetic refinement, technical resolution, and project delivery requirements. His collaborative approach ensures a cohesive and rewarding design process for clients and consultants alike.
Projects driven by Matt have been recognised with awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architects, underscoring his contribution to continued design excellence within the practice.
M.Arch (Prof) (Hons), A.N.Z.I.A
Sam Baxter is a Director at Sumich Chaplin Architects, bringing depth of design insight and technical discipline to the practice. Since joining the firm, after completing his Master of Architecture with first class honours, Sam has become a key leader within the studio.
With more than a decade of experience in high-end residential architecture, Sam has developed a strong portfolio spanning bespoke new-build homes, significant alterations, and refined interior projects. He approaches each design with a balance of contemporary clarity and contextual sensitivity, ensuring that form and function are resolved with care.
Sam leads project teams through all stages of the architectural process, from concept development and detailed design, through to documentation and construction. He places particular emphasis on careful detailing and material selection, working collaboratively with consultants and clients to realise thoughtful, enduring architectural outcomes.
During his tenure at the practice, Sam has contributed to numerous award-winning projects recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, reflecting his commitment to design excellence and client satisfaction.
We have established a body of work over more than 45 years which consistently raises the standard and is admired and recognised around the world.
Renowned for an overall sophisticated, enduring style, we apply this to a diverse range of projects and briefs encompassing:
Contemporary
Traditional
Coastal
Country
Alteration
Working collaboratively with our extended team, key partners and clients, our work ultimately seeks to maximise the brief, unlocking the potential of any site and its unique setting and circumstances.
We have gained well established credentials in managing high-end, high-budget projects of scale, and in working across geographies and time-zones, where required, to meet the unique needs of individual projects.
At Sumich Chaplin Architects, our process is grounded in clarity, collaboration and careful execution. We believe that strong outcomes are shaped as much by the way we work as by the ideas themselves.
Every project begins with understanding-the site, the brief, the budget and the ambitions of our clients. We take time to test ideas, explore constraints and establish a clear strategic direction before moving forward. This early discipline forms the foundation for confident, well-resolved design.
Our design process balances creativity with precision. Concepts are developed through careful analysis of site, scale, light and material, ensuring each project feels grounded and enduring. We refine ideas methodically, resolving proportion, planning and detail to achieve clarity and coherence.
We carry projects through all stages — from concept and developed design to documentation and construction. Detailed drawings and specifications are prepared with accuracy, supporting reliable pricing and a smooth build process. Attention to detailing and material selection remains central throughout.
Successful projects rely on strong relationships. We work closely with clients, consultants and contractors to maintain alignment between design intent and built outcome. Open communication and proactive coordination help ensure that decisions are timely and the process remains transparent.
Our involvement continues on site, where we review construction progress and assist with resolving details as they arise. This ongoing engagement ensures that the final result reflects the original vision — carefully crafted, enduring architecture that stands the test of time.
Through each stage, our approach remains consistent: thoughtful, measured and committed to excellence.
At Sumich Chaplin we work in collaborative teams, formed around the unique requirements of every job. Our clients are a respected voice in project teams and play a vital role in our combined, collaborative efforts. We work in an inclusive way and welcome client participation and contributions.
It is usual for a new client to meet with no less than two of our three directors for the initial brief. This first step is critical to establishing the right foundations for success of the project. Our best heads combine at the outset to ensure each project is designed from the strongest possible base of thinking.
The end-to-end design process is typically around 10 – 12 months, but we maintain an active role in a project right through to the end of construction. This ensures that oversight of project delivery maintains the exacting quality and standards we demand.
Our fees are linked to the total cost of the job and accurate budget information is provided to assist client decision making. Overall, we take client budgets seriously and make every effort to operate on a no surprises basis,
If you have a potential project you’d like to discuss with us, please get in touch.
Our Newmarket, Auckland Studio services a national and international clientele, with a focus on projects in New Zealand and Australia.
Our team of Architects work collaboratively with in-house interior design, project management and other specialist professionals, to provide a seamless service. Our full team is committed to excellence and the highest standards of project delivery.
With a more than 45-year history in business, Sumich Chaplin can be relied on for robust business practices and financial discipline, which affords our clients greater trust and confidence.
We aim to establish long-term relationships of mutual respect and value with a talented staff team.
If you are proven to be an outstanding Architect, or student of architecture, interested in career opportunities at Sumich Chaplin, please send your resume along with a brief cover letter to enquiries@sumichchaplin.com
2024 NZIA Award — Stud Farm Residence
2022 NZIA Award — Speargrass House
2020 NZIA Award — Cantilever House
2019 NZIA Award — Korora Grove House
2018 NZIA Award — Pukemoremore House
2017 NZIA Award — Closeburn House
2017 NZIA Award — Millbrook House
2017 NZIA Award — Bardon House
2016 NZIA Award — Pauanui House
2013 NZIA Award — Christchurch House
2012 NZIA Award — Horizontal House
2011 NZIA Award — The Pines
2007 NZIA Award — Glanville House
2002 NZIA Award — Matarangi House