About

Hi there, I'm Lara. Thanks for dropping by. 

I am a digital design leader with over 20 years experience helping organisations solve complex problems through a blend of data, empathy, and strategic design thinking. I am motivated by purposeful work that makes life easier for users and creates genuine value for communities and customers. My expertise spans design strategy, team leadership, mentoring, DesignOps, and cross-functional delivery, underpinned by a strong foundation in UX and content design. While I enjoy setting direction and enabling others to succeed, I also welcome opportunities to contribute hands-on where needed.

I use my design training to strategically apply design thinking to solve real business problems with empathy and research. I especially love leading DesignOps activities; supporting designers with what they need to solve user and business problems. 

I am based in Sydney. When I am not working, you can find me at some op shop, or on Etsy, searching for vintage fabric to re-purpose at my sewing machine, or running behind my kids on their next big adventure.

Let’s solve problems together!

Wearing a ‘Me made’ using an up-cycled vintage bedsheet.

Working with me

“Congratulations to Lara Summers and the DTS team with their co-collaborators in the Web Team on being recognised at last Friday's Celebrating Success afternoon tea with the Vice Chancellor for the Digital Design Toolkit.  #outcomesfocused”

— Direct line supervisor

“Your positive attitude, inspiring leadership style and commitment to our team is impressive. Thank you for setting such a positive example. ”

— Office the Chief Digital and Information Officer,
Digital Technology Solutions, University of Newcastle

“Lara’s advocacy gave me confidence to keep going when facing pushback and created space for service design and research to be taken seriously.”

— Retro comment from team member

Experience

Education