For over 25 years, VIA Architects has approached design through an empathetic lens, continually exploring how people experience and interact with built form. Now, as the studio enters a pivotal phase of growth, it has refined its core values in collaboration with strategy agency ValueBull.

This process was focused on refining and strengthening the principles that have always guided our studio, ensuring they remain effusively embedded in the way we design, collaborate and deliver.

“Strong values don’t just shape a studio; they sharpen its edge,” says our Managing Director Frank Bambino. “For us, this isn’t about change for the sake of it, but rather about distilling who we are and how we work, aligning our thinking so we can continue moving forward with greater purpose.”

 

THE PRINCIPLES THAT SHAPE OUR WORK

VIA’s value of ‘Unhinged Curiosity’ drives the studio’s forward-thinking work, encouraging a mindset that embraces exploration, innovation and the pursuit of better ways to design and build. At the same time, we work on the belief that good design is never done in isolation. We invite clients, collaborators, colleagues and communities to ‘Step Inside,’ creating space for open dialogue and different perspectives to inform highly intuitive built environments.

Our commitment to ‘Razor Sharp’ precision ensures that every project outcome, from the early concept to refining the very last detail, is both intentional and impactful.

“These values are more than ideals. A solid foundation allows us to take bigger creative leaps,” says Frank. “Architecture is a collaborative pursuit and clarity around our values creates a shared language for meaningful work.”

PROGRESS IN MOTION

This renewed focus follows a strong year of expansion for the studio. In 2024, we strengthened our leadership team with the appointment of Associates Graeme Heatley and Luke Bonham, while Thomas Mitton was promoted to a newly created position of Associate Director.

“The strength of a studio is defined by the people behind it,” says our Director Mark Allan. “2024 was a year of growth, not just in the scale of our projects but in the depth of our team, positioning the studio to take on more ambitious, high-impact work.”

Alongside these appointments, our work has been recognised with multiple industry awards, reinforcing our reputation for delivering design-forward architecture. With an eye on the future, our studio continues to edge into pioneering territory, targeting sectors such as retirement build-to-rent, advanced infrastructure for the next frontier of data centres and inventive responses to the affordable housing crisis.

A STRATEGIC LEAP FORWARD

The studio is gearing up for a big year ahead, with several landmark projects nearing completion, including masterplanned over-50s lifestyle community Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters. Some of our high-profile projects are set to commence, including luxury seniors living community Beachleigh Mount Eliza.

“These projects reflect what happens when long-standing partnerships are reinforced by strong values,” says our Associate Director Thomas Mitton. “Whether we’re masterplanning or breaking new ground in the seniors living sector, our work is always anchored in our guiding principles. Our values keep us focused and push us to explore what’s possible.”

As VIA expands its reach into emerging sectors and ambitious projects, we remain as bold and inquisitive as ever, ready to forge new partnerships, strengthen existing ones and continue delivering architecture that meaningfully connects people and place.