We Are Via:
Robert Barcroft
Green hill with grazing cows and farm buildings under a cloudy sky.
Smiling middle-aged man with gray hair and beard wearing a blue plaid shirt indoors.

Robert’s Journey in Architecture

Robert’s journey into architecture began long before he recognized it as a career. Growing up on a dairy farm in Freeport, MI, he was captivated by the way homes were designed. “I would sketch different floor plans, imagining how spaces could flow and function,” he recalls. His childhood home—a traditional farmhouse—became his first mental remodeling project. When a neighbor built a new ranch-style home nearby, Robert challenged himself to sketch its layout, figuring out the floor plan by studying the placement of windows and walls.

Yet, architecture wasn’t always the plan. “When I was quite young, I loved drawing floor plans, but I didn’t know it was something I could do professionally,” he shares. It was his mother who encouraged his creativity, and high school drafting classes solidified his passion. A career assessment test confirmed what Robert had already begun to realize: architecture was his calling.

The Making of an Architect

Robert’s education took him from Calvin College’s pre-architecture program to the University of Michigan, where he completed both his undergraduate and Master of Architecture degrees. One pivotal moment came during an interim class trip to Chicago, where he toured Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses and Mies van der Rohe’s S.R. Crown Hall. “Those experiences shaped my design thinking,” he reflects.

After graduating, Robert gained experience at several architecture firms, working on projects and refining his design skills. In 2001, a former colleague invited him to join Via Design—and Robert has been an integral part of the firm ever since.

Group of 16 adults posing indoors on couches and chairs, smiling at the camera.
From the Archives: Via Group shot from 2004. Robert is on the far right in the yellow shirt
Four men smiling indoors wearing matching 'SUMMER' t-shirts and holding drinks, posing for a photo.
From the Archives: Robert (on the far left) at the Via Summer Party in 2013
The Via Design Experience
At Via Design, Robert thrives on the variety of types of commercial and residential projects that our firm works on. “It keeps the work fresh,” he says. He enjoys the balance of creativity and technical precision, and he values the strong, collaborative culture within the firm. “People here are incredibly helpful, and the technical design challenges keep you engaged.”

Robert's approach to design is versatile and client-driven. "I don’t box myself into one style. I’m guided by the client’s vision and needs," he explains. His architectural influences are wide-ranging: Frank Lloyd Wright’s creativity, Richard Meyer’s form and aesthetics, and Frank Gehry’s ability to create dynamic, engaging spaces.

Though Robert appreciates a variety of architectural styles, he is particularly drawn to modern design and early modern movements like Bauhaus. "The creativity that came out of the early modern movement was groundbreaking," he says, noting that this era was one of the first to prioritize functionality alongside aesthetic appeal.

Architecture is more than just aesthetics—it’s about ensuring comfort, functionality, and even emotional impact. Robert is meticulous about design details, for instance, from how light filters into a space to the way acoustics shape an experience.

The Architect Who Keeps Everyone on Their Toes (Literally!)

Beyond his technical expertise, Robert is known for his ability to bring levity to the office. His good nature and unexpected song lyrics keep the team on their toes. “Sometimes, he’ll stop by someone’s desk and sing some obscure song lyric just to see if we can guess it,” says a colleague. “It’s like a pop culture quiz disguised as work.”

Sara Dupin, Senior Interior Designer, adds, “Robert is incredibly personable. He’s genuinely interested in what’s happening in your life, not just at work but outside of it. Also, he seriously needs to put bells on his shoes—he’s such a quiet approacher that he manages to startle me almost daily!”

Senior Architectural Technician Max Bainbridge appreciates Robert’s mentorship. “He creates a dynamic and supportive work environment. He’s always ready to answer questions or be a sounding board for new ideas. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without his guidance.”

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Two men in an office looking at a computer screen, one smiling and one concentrating.
Man with gray hair in black shirt sitting on steps next to a brown dog wearing a blue collar.

Design, Travel, and a Four-Legged Sidekick

Outside of work, Robert enjoys traveling and watching movies. His last European adventure took him through Amsterdam, Paris, and Bilbao, where he soaked in architecture and inspiration. Closer to home, he’s been designing a renovation of his basement—adding bedrooms, egress windows, and updating finishes. “I’m incorporating mid-century modern elements, with a nod to the De Stijl movement,” he shares.

And then, of course, there’s Rizal, his strong-willed red-nose pit bull. “He’s eight years old and I rescued him three years ago—he’s definitely a COVID dog,” Robert says with a smile.

A Legacy of Positivity
When asked what makes a building truly great, Robert points to interaction. “One of my favorite examples is the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. It’s not just about the performance space inside—people can engage with the terraces and sculpture gardens outside. You don’t have to step indoors to appreciate the design.”

That same philosophy applies to his work at Via Design. Great architecture isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how people interact with it, whether they step inside or engage with it from a distance. Robert’s ability to balance precision with personality makes him not just a talented architect, but an irreplaceable part of the Via Design team. Whether he’s designing a home, chatting with a colleague, or keeping everyone guessing with his next song reference, Robert brings something special to every project and every interaction.

And if you hear footsteps quietly approaching behind you at Via Design… be ready. It’s probably Robert, and he’s about to make you laugh.
A Few Fun Questions
If you weren't an architect, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

If Robert wasn’t an architect, he struggles to imagine another career path. "I’ve never considered doing anything else," he admits.

What’s one design tool or material you can’t live without?

"The computer—AutoCAD is essential for drafting."

If you could design a building anywhere in the world, no matter the budget, where would it be, and what would it look like?

Robert notes he is a Gemini who would embrace both urban and rural environments. "I’d love to create two contrasting spaces—one in the heart of the city and one in a completely remote setting," he shares. "It would reflect both sides of my personality.”

If you had to pick one song that always gets stuck in your head, what would it be?

“I don’t think I can say my answer out loud. But I can hint – it is by the Black Eyed Peas.”