Summertown’s approach to creating sustainable workplaces.
Sustainability is no longer just about achieving certifications. It is about making informed decisions that improve performance, wellbeing and long-term value. Summertown shares how clear briefs, responsible specification and evidence-led choices can transform workplaces into healthier, more efficient environments built for the future.
Nicola Trivett, Managing Director, Summertown. Published: July 30, 2026
What is the first thing you look for in a brief that tells you whether a project is set up for success?
Certain indicators stand out immediately. I look for a clear vision, well-defined priorities and alignment between the client, consultants and delivery partners. A successful brief should articulate not only what needs to be delivered, but why it matters to the organisation and its people. When expectations, responsibilities, sustainability ambitions and decision-making processes are established from the outset, the project has a strong foundation for success.
What is the biggest misconception clients still have about the ROI of sustainable materials and fit-out choices?
Cost and value are rarely the same conversation. At Summertown, we often see the misconception that sustainable materials and fit-out choices simply increase upfront costs. Our experience delivering LEED and WELL-certified workplaces shows that, when sustainability is embedded from the outset, it can improve efficiency, reduce long-term operational costs and enhance employee wellbeing. The real ROI lies in creating healthier, resilient workplaces that perform better for both people and the planet.
What do suppliers and manufacturers most often get wrong when pitching their products to you?
The pitches that work are transparent, evidence-led and focused on how a product will perform within a project. We want clear information on quality, durability, lead times, sustainability credentials and after-sales support. The pitches that never work rely on vague claims, inflated promises or price alone. Our team value suppliers who understand our standards, provide verified environmental data and approach the relationship as a long-term partnership.
You’ve delivered LEED and WELL certified projects for years. Where do certifications genuinely change outcomes, and where have they become box-ticking?
Certifications genuinely change outcomes when they are embedded into the project strategy from the outset. At Summertown, we have seen LEED and WELL frameworks drive better decisions around materials, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, waste management and occupant wellbeing. They become box-ticking exercises only when pursued as a badge rather than a commitment. The real value lies not in certification alone, but in creating healthier, more efficient workplaces with measurable, long-term benefits.
What does a product need to prove before it earns a place in a LEED or WELL certified project?
A product must prove far more than a sustainability claim. We look for credible third-party certifications, transparent environmental and material health data, low-emitting credentials, durability and responsible sourcing. It must also meet the project’s technical, aesthetic and performance requirements. Every product must contribute measurable value to the certification strategy while supporting a healthier, more sustainable workplace over its full lifecycle.
You began your career in Scotland before moving to the UAE in 2013. What does this market do differently when it comes to specifying sustainably, for better or worse?
The UAE brings an impressive ambition and pace to sustainable development, supported by strong national targets and a willingness to adopt global standards such as LEED and WELL. However, specifications can sometimes prioritise certification credits or immediate cost over whole-life value. The opportunity now is to move beyond compliance by considering local availability, material durability, embodied carbon and long-term performance from the outset.
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