About Us | Communitas Architecture

Communitas is the spirit of togetherness that arises when people cross a threshold together, it's raw real and unfiltered. We create environments that offer ease, reflection, and connection. Every space is a collaboration — shaped by real lives, shared decisions, and lasting intent.

Our strength lies in sensitivity. In thoughtful gestures and clear structure. We bring equal focus to design and delivery, ensuring that the feeling of the space remains strong from first sketch to final fitout.

We are a small studio, and we stay close to our work. The people you meet at the beginning are the ones who remain by your side. That presence is part of the architecture, too.

Designing spaces that hold people, quietly and meaningfully

Architecture should feel close. Close to the people it serves, the stories it shelters, and the places it belongs to.

Our focus is on interiors, homes, and small-footprint projects — because we see depth in detail and beauty in constraint. We create environments that offer ease, reflection, and connection. Every space is a collaboration; shaped by real lives, shared decisions, and lasting intent.

Our strength lies in sensitivity. In thoughtful gestures and clear structure. We bring equal focus to design and delivery, ensuring that the feeling of the space remains strong from first sketch to final fitout.

We are a small studio, and we stay close to our work. The people you meet at the beginning are the ones who remain by your side. That presence is part of the architecture, too.

Our Philosophy

We design with empathy, and we deliver with care. Communitas places deep emphasis on the earliest stages of a project — listening intently, understanding context, and establishing shared purpose.

We are active collaborators. By engaging with clients, users, and communities from the outset, we ensure that what we build together is not only possible, but powerfully relevant. We prototype ideas, explore possibilities, and co-create solutions — making the design journey transparent, accessible, and fulfilling for all involved.

Once the vision is set, our experienced documentation and delivery team takes the baton — translating design into buildable reality without compromise. We steward every project with accountability and presence, ensuring that what was imagined, can be realised with integrity.

At Communitas, BIM (Building Information Modelling) underpins how we coordinate. It gives consultants clarity early, helps resolve issues before they hit site, and keeps everyone working off the same page. For us, it's not just about 3D — it's about smarter decisions, tighter teamwork, and fewer delays.

Our Approach

Communitas is led by Noel Surti, a Registered Architect with more than 12 years of experience, a sharp focus on community-centric design & creation of neighborhoods that thrive. His work spans across Residential, Civic & Educational projects across Victoria, where he has contributed to the delivery of private and public spaces, that balance functionality with quiet impact.

Significant Projects contributed to

Bundha Sports Centre, Fitzroy
Mildura Sporting Precinct, Mildura

Other Sports & Recreation Facilities for

Bayside City Council
Mildura Rural City Council
City of Monash
Cardinia Shire Council
Brimbank City Council
City of Yarra
City of Whitehorse
City of Darebin
Manningham City Council

Educational & Open spaces for

Huntingdale Primary School
Maranatha Christian School
Templeton Primary School
Wedgepark Primary School
Stevensville Primary School

Past Clients (In previous Associations)

Development Victoria
Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA)

NOEL SURTI

Principal & Architect
noel@communitasarchitecture.com.au

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Our Team

Pierre brings over 30 years of architectural expertise and senior leadership experience, having held key roles at Bates Smart, BAR Studio, and Woods Bagot & COOP Studio. He is recognised for resolving complex technical challenges and guiding large-scale projects from concept to completion.

He has led multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless integration of design, technical, and construction aspects across sectors including luxury, residential, and civic architecture. His career reflects a balance of design leadership and practical delivery expertise.

Significant Hospitality & Luxury Hotel Projects

Rosewood Hotels (Brisbane & Shenzhen, China)
Kapok Hotel (Hangzhou, China)
Crown Towers Perth (Public Areas Fitout)
Crown Casino Melbourne (Refurbishments)
Dinner by Heston – Royal Atlantis Hotel, Dubai

Residential & Student Accommodation

IGLU Student Accommodation (Claremont St & Franklin St, Melbourne)
Luxury Residential Extensions (Raheen 3 – Kew)
Apartment Fitouts (Sunday Apartments, Melbourne; Montebello Towers, Baltimore; Waterfront Apartments, Baltimore)
Various Residential & Mixed-Use Developments (Heidelberg Heights, 437 St Kilda Rd, 4 Panther Place, Locksley Road)

Civic, Sports & Recreation Facilities

Fitzroy Sports Complex, Melbourne
Carnegie Memorial Swim Centre, Melbourne
Baushar Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman

Commercial, Office & Workplace

Medibank Private Office Building, Melbourne
735 Collins St, Village Docklands, Melbourne
McConnell Dowell Office Fitout, Richmond
Department of Treasury & Finance, Melbourne
Lonely Planet HQ, Melbourne
RMIT Lobbies, Melbourne
CSC Tenancy Fitout, Melbourne
Toyota Corporate HQ, Port Melbourne

Cultural & Entertainment

Crown Casino Melbourne (Gaming Floors & Hospitality Spaces)
City of Dreams Casino, Macau (Main Gaming Floor)
Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre

Educational & Institutional

Australian Catholic University, Melbourne
Deakin University – Performing Arts Centre, Burwood
University of Melbourne – Underground Carpark & Plaza; College of Agriculture & Horticulture, Burnley Healthcare

PIERRE MENDONCA

Associate Director

pierre@communitasarchitecture.com.au