Our story.

Shelter represents architecture as more than just a physical structure; its a functional, beautiful refuge, and feels like home. Canopy Architecture believes the spaces we inhabit should enrich our lives, offering comfort and purpose. Every home designed nurtures those who live within it, transforming the everyday into meaningful experiences.

 

Nature has always been at the heart of our architectural vision. Inspired by the canopy of trees, our name reflects how landscapes and the natural world should inform the spaces we create. Just as a canopy of trees evolves with the seasons, modulates light, and adapts to its surroundings, Canopy Architecture’s designs are tactile, seasonal, and deeply connected to the land, blending seamlessly with the environment.

The name Canopy Architecture derives from shelter and nature.

Back in 2013, I envisioned Canopy Architecture as a firm that embodies these fundamental concepts, and today, they remain central to everything I do. I believe architecture is more than just building—it’s about creating spaces that connect people to nature while providing a nurturing, functional and beautiful shelter.

Today, Canopy Architecture continues to design functional, sustainable, and holistic homes and outdoor spaces. Drawing inspiration from nature, our architecture captures the seasons to ensure your home feels connected to the landscape and your story.

I’m looking forward to learning your story and creating a home designed for life and built for you.

Carolinna Lee, Director

Our Philosophy & Values.

Canopy Architecture believes that architectural design should go beyond constructing buildings—its about creating environments that enrich your life and connect you to nature. Our philosophy is to design sustainable, personalised homes and spaces that blend seamlessly with the landscape.

Every project undertaken is approached with a holistic perspective, considering how your home or space will interact with its surroundings, evolve over time, and function for you.

Our goal is to guide you through the architectural design and build journey from start to finish, ensuring the result is a space thats functional, timeless, and uniquely yours.

Canopy Architecture combines sustainability, regional expertise, and collaboration to create architectural solutions that adapt and grow with you. Every home should tell a story, and our mission is to create spaces that authentically reflect those stories in harmony with the environment.

Sustainability

Designing homes and landscapes that blend luxury with nature, minimising environmental impact. Our approach to architecture prioritises working with the environment—incorporating natural light and maximising energy efficiency for heating and cooling wherever possible. By blending luxury with sustainable, environmentally conscious practices, Canopy Architecture aims to design homes that enrich your life and respect the natural surroundings.

Personalisation

Every project reflects our client’s unique vision and lifestyle. Every client is unique, and thats why each project is tailored to meet your specific needs and aspirations. Time is taken to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and vision, ensuring that the spaces designed reflect who you are. Whether its a new build, renovation, or landscape design, your home should express and embody your identity and lifestyle.

Regional Expertise

Local knowledge creates designs ideally suited for the region. Based in Bright, Victoria, Canopy Architecture deeply appreciates the local landscape and community. Our designs are influenced by the natural beauty, climate, and environment of regional Victoria, ensuring that each project feels at home within its surroundings. This regional expertise allows us to create architectural solutions that respect and enhance the local environment, integrating seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Timeless Quality

Homes and landscapes built to last in form and function. Canopy Architecture believes that true quality will stand the test of time – focusing on designing and building homes and spaces that are not only beautiful today, but will remain functional and elegant for generations to come. Our attention to detail, use of quality materials, and commitment to craftsmanship ensure that every project is an enduring testament to our dedication to timeless design.

Collaboration

The connection between our clients, builders, and partners to deliver seamless results. Every project is a collaborative journey. Canopy Architecture works closely with our clients, builders, councils and partners to ensure every detail is carefully considered and executed. This collaborative approach means you are involved in the process, and we maintain open communication at every stage. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Our team.

Canopy Architecture combines extensive experience in architecture and design with a passion for creating personalised homes and spaces that reflect our clients’ unique vision. Based in Bright, Victoria, Canopy Architecture understands the nuances of designing in regional Victoria, bringing a deep appreciation for the local landscape and community to every project.

Carolinna Lee

Director and Principal Architect

With over 15 years of experience in the architecture and design industry, Carolinna Lee brings her knowledge and passion to every project.

After establishing herself as a leading architect in inner Melbourne, Carolinna founded Canopy Architecture. She then moved to Bright, in northeast Victoria, where she could focus on regionally inspired projects connected to the natural environment.

Carolinna specialises in creating functional, sustainable, and beautiful homes that reflect her clients’ lifestyles. Her approach emphasises integrating architecture with the natural surroundings, ensuring each design feels timeless and uniquely suited to the regional Victorian landscape.

Carolinna has a clear vision—designing homes rooted in nature and offering a true sense of home.

She is committed to helping clients bring their architectural dreams to life and ensuring that each project is “designed for life and built for you.”

Monty

ENTERTAINER and nature lover

Monty joined the Canopy Architecture team in April 2024 and has been a great source of entertainment that uplifts the team’s spirits.

He is happy to sit around all day and sleep while Carolinna works, and then he is also happy to take a break and go for a walk in the local bushland or visit clients on site. 

Apart from barking at magpies, Monty enjoys bananas, green apples, and classical music.

let's chat.

Curious about how Canopy Architecture can bring your build or renovation dreams to life? Wed love to discuss how we can help design your ideal space, no matter where you are at in the process.