VIA Architects

21/08/2026

Our Managing Director Frank Bambino joined Clare Burnett on The Urban Developer’s Blueprint podcast for a conversation on ageing and the future of later-life living in Australia.

From intergenerational precincts to the role of planning, design and social connection, the discussion explores how aged care and retirement living can become more integrated with communities rather than sitting at the edge of them.

Thanks to Clare and The Urban Developer for a great conversation. Read more and have a listen at our link in bio 🎧

05/08/2026

// The missing middle in ageing //

In an opinion piece published by Architecture & Design, our Managing Director Frank Bambino asks why Australia’s ageing conversation often begins at the point of crisis.

By then, a home may have become difficult to manage, social contact may have narrowed and support may already be urgent. Frank argues for a broader later-life system that considers the communities and environments helping people stay independent, active and connected before residential aged care becomes the only option.

Read the full piece here: https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/editorial/opinion/the-missing-middle-in-australias-ageing-conversation-designing-the-years-before-aged-care-becomes-inevitable

28/07/2026

// Responding to context //

Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove was shaped by place.

Designed by VIA for Palm Lake Resort, with interiors by Studio Collective | Brisbane Interior Design Firm, the masterplan is embedded within Yamba’s riverside landscape. The response draws on the Clarence River, surrounding coastline and the town’s intimate scale to create a lifestyle proposition that feels both elevated and grounded in its setting.

Design choices blur the boundaries between indoors and out, wellness and leisure, community and privacy, creating an expansive over-50s living experience.

24/07/2026

// Responding to context //

Across mission critical projects, context is no longer only physical. It now includes the grid, local resources and the broader urban setting these buildings sit within.

As data centres become more visible within metropolitan areas, responding well means considering energy and water demand, planning constraints and the wider role these projects can play in the community around them. That broader lens can be seen in VIA’s work alongside Construction Management on NEXTDC’s M2 Melbourne, where campus thinking reflects a more integrated urban response.

23/07/2026

// Responding to context //

Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters demonstrates architecture shaped by place. Bella Rose expresses that same principle.

A collection of 27 townhomes developed by Sinclair Brook, the architecture feels at home among Rosanna’s village setting, tree-lined streets and established neighbourhood character.

Rather than imposing a singular architectural statement, the design takes a more measured approach, using layered gardens, gabled forms, natural materials and a softened street presence to create a collection of homes that feels settled from day one.

Full read on the VIA journal at our link in bio 🔗

16/07/2026

10/07/2026

// Designing for 4 to 104 year olds //

Intergenerational design is not a radical idea. To us, it’s common sense.

At Pavilions Blackburn Lake, that meant designing a wellness centre with a family-friendly pool and kids’ playground, giving the grandkids spaces they can genuinely enjoy. The public-facing café welcomes in the broader community, and a 340-seat auditorium was specifically designed for programming with local schools.

More than a decade in the making and completed last year, the award-winning project shows how later-life living can feel connected rather than closed off. 

07/07/2026

// Designing for 4 to 104 year olds //

Off the back of the recent award win for Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters, we’re reflecting on the design principles that underpin human-centred seniors living environments. One of them is designing for 4 to 104 year olds, or creating places that feel welcoming across generations.

That thinking sits behind TLC Healthcare | Mordialloc, where newly released University of Melbourne research has validated the outcomes of the Jellyfish program; bringing children and aged care residents together through shared activities. 

Full read on the VIA journal at the link in bio 🔗

03/07/2026

// Thinking out loud //

Winner winner, more than just a steak dinner. There was a lot to reflect on from the recent Property Council of Australia Retirement Living Summit, including an award win for the studio. But the bigger takeaway was the reminder that the brief in this sector has always been human.

Our Associate Director Thomas Mitton has shared his thoughts on the three-day summit and the ideas that cut through. Full read on the VIA journal at our link in bio 🔗

01/04/2026

We did it 🏃‍♂️

On Sunday, we gathered alongside our friends at to Run for the Kids. The VIA team brought along their families and joined 30,000 other Melburnians in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The sun was out for the 4.7km course we completed together, supporting this meaningful cause. We’re more than halfway towards reaching our $5k goal, and there's still time to help us make a difference!

Every contribution goes directly to supporting the incredible work of the Royal Children's Hospital. If you can, please donate at the link below 👇

https://runforthekids.gofundraise.com.au/page/TEAMVIAARCHITECTS