Our Practice
VIA design focuses on collaborating with clients, communities, and local organizations to design impactful, elevated architecture and landscape architecture. We are client focused, site driven, and dynamic in skill. We believe in bringing the best imaginable idea forward and celebrating that journey.
Our clients are more than customers, they are partners. We take great pride in the relationships we build as we would be nowhere without these strong relationships. Through a collaborative process we gain unique insights into our client’s needs and create designs that fully embrace and reflect the client’s core culture.
As a firm, we plan and design projects that range from large public spaces to small private properties. Regardless of project size, type, or market segment we believe that each design is anchored by the surrounding environment and cultural elements. This practice enables each project to be a unique piece of architecture that fits our client’s needs and surrounding environment.
Our design team is creative and nimble in the ability to adapt to new environments and challenges. VIA transformed the Essex, a structure permitted for construction in 1905 in Downtown Norfolk, to become our new home and design headquarters. We honored the original design elements and structural intention of the building while simultaneously “future proofing” it. This piece of demonstrational architecture exemplifies our mission to inspire, design, and elevate the daily lives of our clients and the surrounding communities. VIA’s growth in leadership and expansion of services to include landscape architecture and site planning, along with the enhancement of our interior design capabilities, graphic design capabilities, and wayfinding and branding services, allows us to offer a full suite of essential design services. These integrated services enhance each project’s potential and enables us to further care for our client’s design needs to help them find the unrealized potential before them.
The VIA Team
Leadership

Donna Phaneuf, FAIA
Founder and Principal
Donna Phaneuf is a true force of nature, leading us all with her graceful and passionate approach to design! Her infectious enthusiasm for her work is simply unbeatable, and it's no wonder that she's been instrumental in bringing so many incredible projects and Client Partnerships to fruition. Donna's journey has been a unique one. It started out with the pursuit of a Music Studies degree from East Carolina University and ended with a degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech. She began her career in Switzerland, but it wasn't long before she was back in Norfolk and starting her own adVIAture! Donna's incredible talent has earned her a place in the AIA College of Fellows, and she is widely recognized as one of the top designers in the industry. When she's not busy making Norfolk a more beautiful place to live, you can find Donna out on the water with her husband, Bill, and their beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Tide. With her passion for community engagement and unwavering commitment to excellence, Donna is a true inspiration to us all!

Andrew McKinley, AIA, LEED AP®
Principal
Andrew McKinley is a project-winning wizard! Andrew not only knows how to design a killer building, but he also understands how to translate his clients' missions into architectural masterpieces. He's a true business-savvy architect who takes the time to get to know his clients and their stakeholders. With a degree in architecture from Virginia Tech and a license to create, Andrew is a triple threat. He's also a LEED AP Certified Principal at VIA, where he serves as Secretary. When he's not building a better world, he's leading sustainability efforts, like VIA's AIA 2030 Challenge. Andrew is also a proud father of four girls who keep him on his toes!

Scott Campbell, AIA, LEED AP® BD+C
Principal
Scott Campbell is the man with the plan! He's got the skills to pay the bills and the charm to keep his clients happy. With a degree in architecture from Virginia Tech and a license to build, Scott's got the know-how to get any project off the ground. Plus, he's a LEED AP BD+C Credential holder and a Principal at VIA. When he's not busy being a boss, you might catch him serving on the boards of the Downtown Norfolk Council and d'Art Center. But don't worry, Scott knows how to have fun too! He loves spending time with his family, playing sand volleyball, and getting his hands dirty in the yard.

Keith Oliver, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP®
Principal Landscape Architect
Keith Oliver is the master of Landscape Design. Not only is he a pro at creating stunning outdoor spaces, but he also knows how to keep things fun and exciting. With a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona, Keith is a true expert in his field. He even started his own design firm, InSites, before joining the VIA family in 2019. As a Principal, Keith is always bringing the cool factor to VIA's culture. He's a natural teacher, sharing his passion for Landscape Design with others and leading by example. And let's not forget about Keith's partner in crime, Rick! These two love to travel the world and always know how to have a good time. Where would we be without Keith and his infectious spirit?!

Ayesha Shaikh
Project Designer
Ayesha Shaikh is an accomplished Project Designer with extensive experience in architecture and design. With a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Architecture from Thakur School of Architecture and Planning in Mumbai, India, Ayesha has a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of design. As a licensed architect in India, she brings a unique perspective to her work that is informed by her cultural background and experiences. Ayesha is a strong communicator and collaborator, and enjoys working closely with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to ensure that all needs and expectations are met. Her creative problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box make her a valuable asset to any project.

Beatrice Nzeyimana, Assoc. AIA
Project Designer
We are thrilled to have Beatrice Nzeyimana on our team at VIA! She brings a unique perspective and impressive skills to her role as a Project Designer. Beatrice graduated with a BFA in Architecture from SCAD and gained valuable experience through our Summer Intern Fellowship program. In addition to her work at VIA, Beatrice has been dedicating her time to designing and constructing her family's new home back in Burundi, Africa. And let's not forget her impeccable sense of style - she always looks fabulous when she comes into the office!

Blair Valdivieso, CDFA
Operations Director
Blair Valdivieso keeps things in order as VIA’s Operations Director. With a degree in Business Management from Virginia Tech, Blair is a pro at thriving in busy environments. She wears many hats in the office, but you'd never know she was stressed because she does it with so much charm. Blair is always trying to put others first and give a helping hand, and seeing others succeed is one of her favorite parts of working at VIA. When she's not busy at work, Blair loves to donate blood, get involved in her neighborhood Civic League, and go on walks with her husband, Jeff, and dog, Mayer.

Bradley Foster, AIA
Project Architect
Bradley Foster studied Architecture at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo and recently aced all of his licensure exams. Bradley is our go-to guy for all things Revit and leads the team in training and project standards. When he's not busy designing projects and training, Bradley likes to get creative with carpentry and woodworking. We love having him on board as a Project Architect. Fun fact: Bradley started as an intern at VIA, and we are thrilled that he decided to start his career with us!

Clare Mischler
Project Designer
Clare Mischler is a talented Landscape Designer with a fresh perspective and a passion for innovation. Her recent graduation from Louisiana State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture has equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the field. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and unrelenting thirst for creativity make her a valuable addition to our team. As a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Clare is particularly attuned to the nuances of what it means to work with water, allowing her to incorporate these elements into her work at VIA. We are excited to have Clare on board and can't wait to see the unique creations she brings to the table.

Delaney Bement
Project Designer
Delaney Bement is a Project Interior Designer at VIA, where she brings her unique vision to every project. She has a BFA degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Virginia Beach and is a pro when it comes to making spaces beautiful. When she's not designing, you can find her hanging out with the office pups or grooving at music festivals with her boyfriend. With Delaney on the job, you know your space will be both functional and fabulous!

Jacqueline Childress, Associate IIDA
Project Designer
Jacqueline Childress is a singular talent at VIA, where she works her magic as a Project Interior Designer. With degrees in both Interior Design and Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Jacqueline has a unique perspective on what makes a space truly special. Her keen eye for Interior Design is matched only by her love of plants, curiosities, and oddities - all of which she incorporates into her work whenever possible. While Jacqueline supports our architectural projects with a deft touch, she likes to work under the radar, quietly making our spaces more beautiful, more functional, and more inspiring.

Laura Read
Summer Intern
Laura Read is a true creative force hailing from Hampton Roads. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Architecture at the University of Virginia and is set to graduate in May 2024. When she's not busy studying, Laura loves to express herself through music and theater. She's a talented singer and pianist who also has experience on the stage. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Laura is also the proud owner of an Etsy shop where she sells stunning prints of her original works.

Marshall Dreiling, MBA
Branding Director
Meet Marshall Dreiling, the mastermind behind VIA's branding and graphic design efforts! With a B.S. in Industrial Design and MBA under his belt from Philadelphia University, Marshall is comfortable throughout the design world. When he's not busy creating stunning visuals for VIA, you can find him cheering on his favorite team, Arsenal, or chowing down on some delicious Jack Browns burgers. Oh, and did we mention he's also a flag aficionado? Talk about a well-rounded individual! And let's not forget about his crucial role in keeping our technology up and running smoothly. With both of his parents in the architecture field, it's no surprise that Marshall found his way into the creative industry as well. We're grateful to have him on our team!

Moti Marziano, AIA
Senior Project Leader
Moti Marziano relocated to the United States from Israel in 2003. He earned his degree as a Practical Engineer in Architecture from The Technological College of Beer-Sheva and he’s Licensed in Israel. Upon moving to the States, he earned his bachelor’s in architecture from Hampton University, VA, and he’s Licensed in VA.
His education and professional experience from both countries gives him a strong technical background in construction documents in addition to a creative approach to design. Moti is also skilled at producing photorealistic conceptual renderings and graphic design. He has expertise that spans from private residential homes to larges commercial projects. In addition to expressing his creativity through architecture, he is a talented artist who works in the medium of oil paint on canvas in a surrealist style.
In his free time Moti likes to travel and enjoy the outdoors, mountain biking, and work on his cars. Moti and his wife, who is also an architect, have been renovating and expanding their home all by themselves.

Saeed Sakhdari
Summer Intern
Originally from Iran, Saeed Sakhdari has already obtained degrees in Architectural Engineering and Computational Design, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in architecture at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. During the schoolyear, Saeed works as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Virtual Reality Lab, contributing to the research efforts in the field of VR and architecture. He modeled and textured a traditional building in Bahrain, using photos and videos to accurately recreate the building in a virtual environment. We were thrilled to have Saeed recommended to us by a previous intern who participated in our very first Intern Fellowship Program.

Sam Kohlmann
Summer Intern
As a dual citizen of Canada and America, Sam Kohlmann brings a unique perspective to his work as a visionary landscape architect. Currently pursuing his Masters in Landscape Architecture at the prestigious University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Sam is constantly expanding his creative boundaries and honing his skills. With a Bachelor degree in Business Management, Sam has a rare combination of artistic and business acumen that sets him apart. At this year's ASLA conference, Sam meet VIA’s Principal Keith who encouraged him to apply for our Summer Intern Fellowship. Sam is deeply rooted in the local community, with family nearby, and is passionate about applying his talents to projects that will benefit the region for years to come.

Taylor Spruill
Project Designer
With a degree in Finance from San Diego State University, you might think Taylor Spruill is a numbers guy, but nope! Taylor has always had a passion for the arts and design, which led him to pursue a dual Masters degree from Virginia Tech in both Architecture and Building Construction. As a Project Designer at VIA, Taylor brings an individual perspective to his work that we all love. In his free time, he enjoys going on runs and attending local cultural events. Taylor always keeps things light with his sense of humor, making him a joy to work with.

Tessa Bartell
Marketing and Event Coordinator
Tessa Bartell is our jack-of-all-trades Marketing and Event Coordinator at VIA. With her previous experience as an event coordinator for corporate events, weddings, and private parties, as well as a marketing coordinator at a civil engineering firm in Texas, Tessa brings a dynamic skillset to the table. She graduated from Asbury University with a BA in Media Communications, and when she's not busy creating amazing marketing campaigns, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her family. And let's not forget about Gracie-Lou, her adorable pup who also happens to be VIA's Chief Morale Officer. With Tessa's creativity and infectious personality, the office is always a fun and inviting place to be.

Zoque Wahid
Summer Intern
Zoque Wahid hails from India and is already a licensed architect in his home country. Currently pursuing his Masters in Urban Design at the University of Virginia, Zoque is constantly expanding his creative boundaries and honing his skills. In addition to his academic pursuits, Zoque has also started an Instagram account called @thearchpod with a friend, where they share their knowledge and expertise in Adobe workshops and tips.
Our Mission, Vision, Philosophy, and Values
Mission
“Inspire, design, and elevate” the daily lives of our clients and the communities we embrace. We believe imagining together is foundational to creating enduring relationships.
Vision
Curate an experience for our clients and communities of positive inspirations, a new awareness of “why” design matters, and an elevated appreciation for impactful architecture and site design.
Philosophy
Values
- A positive, respectful, and collegial environment for our team
- Impactful, healthy lifestyle habits that attract, support, and nurture
- Doing the right thing
- The honor of our profession and the unrealized potential before us