about us
Home / About Us
Creative design with a practical approach
Design 21 Architecture brings ideas to life through building designs for new homes, extensions, and renovations. We work closely to understand client goals, guiding them through every stage of the process, from concept and planning to builder coordination and material selection. We focus on creating high‑quality, personalised outcomes with a clear, simple experience, delivered on time and within budget.
our history
After working with an Architectural firm for just under a decade, Lucas branched out and engaged in freelance drafting before undertaking the necessary registration process to begin his own practice in 2015.
Drawing on experience across diverse projects, from residential alterations and additions to commercial and reinstatement works, Lucas has gone on to lead a number of standout projects and mentor emerging building designers, many of whom now work within leading architecture firms.
This collective expertise underpins the versatile operation process of Design 21 Architecture into a well respected building design practice.
Design 21 Services
Founded in 2015 by Director Lucas Ryle, Design 21 Architecture offers a range of professional services including:
Building Consultation
Advice that clarifies brief, budget, and site potential, providing a clear direction before design begins.
Schematic & Detailed Concept Design
Initial layouts and concept options developed into refined, build‑ready designs that respond to clients’ lifestyle, site, and budget.
3D Computer Generated Modelling
Immersive 3D models that help you visualise spaces, test proportions, and make confident decisions before construction starts.
Documentation
Clear drawings and technical documentation prepared to industry standards, supporting both approvals and the build process.
Planning & Building Approvals
Practical support through planning schemes and coordination of building regulations, permits, and applications.
Builder & Consultant Co-ordination
Ongoing coordination between builder, trades, and consultants to keep design and documentation aligned through every stage of construction.
our team
A collaborative studio of building designers who work closely with clients, builders, and consultants to create clear, build‑ready projects through every stage of the design and construction process.
Lucas Ryle
Director
Bio Details
Lucas is the founder and lead building designer of the team, bringing both expertise and a genuine passion for thoughtful design. He graduated from RMIT in 2005 with a Diploma in Building Design and became a registered Building Designer in 2015.
Over the years, Lucas has worked across a wide range of projects, building strong relationships with clients and helping bring their ideas to life. He takes a collaborative, down-to-earth approach, creating spaces that are not only functional but truly enjoyable to live in.
When he’s not designing, Lucas is spending time with his two kids or heading outdoors, skiing in winter and enjoying the lakes in summer, keeping a healthy balance between work and life.
Richard Latimer
Senior Draftsperson
Bio Details
Richard is an integral part of the Design 21 team, bringing both skill and a thoughtful approach to every project. He graduated from RMIT in 2017 with an Advanced Diploma of Building Design and has been with the team ever since.
With experience across both residential and commercial projects, Richard has developed a strong understanding of every stage of the design process. Whether working on a new build or a renovation, he focuses on turning ideas into well-considered, buildable environments, ensuring each plan moves closer to bringing a client’s vision to life.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys French cinema, playing tennis, and painting, creative outlets that reflect his eye for detail and design.
Matthew Maselli
Senior Draftsperson
Bio Details
Matthew is a valued member of the Design 21 team, bringing a strong attention to detail and a practical, design-driven mindset to every project. He completed his Advanced Diploma of Building Design at Holmesglen TAFE in 2020.
Originally trained in Mechanical Engineering, Matthew made the move to building design to pursue his passion, an approach that now shapes his precise, functional drawings and creative problem-solving. He plays a key role in supporting projects through each stage, helping guide ideas into well-resolved, buildable outcomes.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys playing soccer and golf, as well as spending time cooking.