Y2 Architecture

15/06/2026

We’re proud to share that Y2 Architecture has received full endorsement of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from Reconciliation Australia! Since receiving endorsement, we’ve been actively progressing our commitments and deliverables, and it has been an incredibly rewarding and inspiring journey so far.
 
This milestone reflects collaboration, learning and careful development, including ongoing dialogue and feedback with Reconciliation Australia to ensure our plan is meaningful, practical and impactful. It captures the work we’ve been doing over many years - investing time, listening deeply and collaborating closely with First Nations voices to embed reconciliation principles across every stage of our projects, from pre-design through to post-occupancy. We are excited to formalise this commitment through our RAP.
 
Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and this RAP reminds us that the spaces we create and the way we work must reflect respect, inclusivity and connection. The Y2 team is inspired to continue this work, designing environments that honour and celebrate the rich histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations peoples.

09/06/2026

At the recent LEA Unleash Conference, on Whadjuk Noongar Country, Matt Dwyer and Sarah Jasenia from Y2 Architecture presented “Unlearning Empire: How Timor-Leste can break from colonial schooling and build its own educational future.”
 
Our presentation shared the story of Colégio Marista Lautem, an educational project in remote Timor-Leste developed in collaboration with Marist Schools Australia. Framed through the lens of decolonising practice, the talk explored how architecture can support educational change when it is grounded in local culture, climate, community knowledge and long-term partnership.
 
We reflected on the realities of working in a context shaped by colonial legacies, rigid curriculum structures, limited resources and complex translation across language, culture and construction practice. We discussed how the school’s design - including open-air learning environments, verandas, village-scale planning, natural ventilation, locally resonant materials and spaces that support hands-on learning, exploration of local craft traditions and project-based learning - aims to create a more culturally responsive and future-focused model of education.
 
The presentation also highlighted the importance of ongoing pedagogical support, including Y2’s involvement in a Pedagogical Development Team working with local educators to shape teaching practices and learning environments that respond to Timorese culture, community, and ways of learning.

Together, the project demonstrates how architecture can act as a catalyst for dignity, belonging, educational opportunity and long-term community involvement and growth.

05/06/2026

This National Reconciliation Week, we’ve been doing the work - and more importantly, showing up to listen and learn.
 
As a practice with a Reconciliation Action Plan, we’re committed to moving beyond acknowledgement toward meaningful action. This week gave us some truly rich opportunities to do that.
 
We visited the Blak Dot Gallery, attended the MSO First Voices Showcase, held an internal reflection session on Cultural Protocols, and tuned into Dr Jefa Greenaway’s ARBV webinar on Country Centred Design - a powerful reminder of what it looks like to embed First Nations knowledge and perspective into the built environment.
 
We’ve also got our noses deep in Design: Building on Country by Alison Page & Paul Memmott - and it’s one of those books that makes you rethink everything.
 
As architects, we recognise our responsibility to advocate for Country Centred Design beyond our own studio. Our profession has a powerful role to play in ensuring First Nations voices and knowledge are embedded in how we design and build.
 

20/05/2026

Kerribana Supported Inclusion Primary School & Kindergarten in Leneva, Wodonga is a carefully crafted learning environment where architecture, landscape and culture are intrinsically connected.
 
Designed in response to the site’s natural topography and shaped through meaningful collaboration with local First Nations Elders, community and artists, the project embeds Indigenous storytelling and a strong connection to Country within both the built form and landscape. Flexible, inclusive learning spaces are woven throughout the campus, creating a place that is intuitive, welcoming and adaptable - supporting diverse modes of learning while fostering a strong sense of belonging.
 
Kerribana is architecture that is purposeful, grounded in place, and designed to leave a lasting impact on both students and community.

24/04/2026

15/04/2026

We’ve loved having our work experience student join us from Bendigo this week 📐

She’s been getting hands-on experience in both architecture and interior design, working closely with our team on a design brief.

Here’s a moment with our interior designer Chantel, collaborating on material boards and bringing ideas to life ✨

Always inspiring to see the next generation step into the studio!

13/04/2026

Easter Sunday at the Bendigo Easter Parade was an incredible experience. A few of us headed up to Bendigo to witness the dragon, Dai Gum Loon’s, ceremonial exit from and return to the Museum, alongside nearly 100 dedicated carriers and spotters bringing the tradition to life. One of these carriers was Y2 Director, Matt Dwyer 🐉

It was a valuable opportunity to observe the rich rituals of Bendigo’s Chinese community and gain a deeper understanding of the day’s operations. These insights will help us ensure the new development supports the parade’s future needs and continues to enable this iconic event to run smoothly for years to come.

We love connecting with our clients not only through the design, but through meaningful ways that support and celebrate what matters most to them!

10/04/2026

Vale Richard ‘Paddy’ Young OAM.   June,1928 – April, 2026
 
A visionary, a creative, a human-centred architect.
 
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Richard ‘Paddy’ Young, a founding Director of Young Lehmann & Co Pty Ltd, trading as Y2 Architecture. 
 
Paddy co-founded the practice in April 1972, alongside Paul Lehmann, with a belief in architecture as something thoughtful, human and grounded in relationships. What began as a small partnership grew over time, shaped by his steady influence and quiet conviction to value social connections and relationship through architecture, and the conservation of its heritage.
 
He was an astute architect and a significant figure in the profession, serving as both Victorian Chapter President (1977-1978) and the National President (1983-1984) of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.  Young Lehmann & Co Pty Ltd was the first firm of architects registered under the Victorian Architects Act on 9 April, 1973.  Paddy was recognised in 2013 with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for ‘service to architecture, and to heritage conservation.’ 
 
Paddy was a presence - sharp, observant and witty, with an ability to cut through to what mattered. He never strayed far away from his drawing board.  Even in later years, he remained connected to the practice he helped establish, a place he continued to call his own.
 
His influence lives on quietly here at Y2 - in the work, in the culture and in the many people who carry forward what he began.
 
We feel fortunate to have known him.
 
Rest in peace, Paddy.

01/04/2026

Experience in action — our Studio Principal, Laura, sharing her expertise with graduate architect, Jui, through one-on-one Contract Administration mentoring!