As a part of an ongoing series, the following is an interview to dig a little bit deeper and learn what makes our team tick, what fascinates us about the design industry, and what is most important to us right now.
Matt is an Associate and volunteers as co-chair of Arrowstreet’s ARE study group. Having just passed his exams and obtained his registration, he imparts his wisdom and encouragement on staff looking to achieve licensure. Matt is also captain of the AST volleyball team and recently organized the office mini-golf tournament.
K: How long have you been at AST?
M: About 3.5 years.
K: What projects are you currently working on?
M: I’m working on the master planning of Summer Court in Chelsea, Denney Block in Freeport, Maine, a couple Brooklyn Boulders projects, a retail development in Framingham, and a couple other emerging projects.
K: What, in your opinion, is the most interesting facet of the design industry today?
M: I am fascinated by the effect our industry can have on people—not that this is particularly new concept, but to me is very interesting. The recent increase in popularity and success of public interest design is a fantastic example of how purposeful design can positively impact a community or region in a myriad of ways.
K: Where do you like to find your inspiration?
M: I believe site context—whether historical, demographic, cultural, or even something as specific as materiality, adjacencies, or views—can be a great place to draw inspiration. These considerations are also important in creating a project which is more likely to succeed.
K: Who are your mentors, and how have they affected your career?
M: Fortunately for me, there have been several people that have taken the time to help me learn and grow to where I find myself today. They have helped shape my approach to design and the profession in many ways, both tangible and intangible. It would be difficult to single out something or someone specific, but I look forward to continuing to learn from my peers and mentors. Hopefully I can repay the favor to the next generation of designers!
K: What is the best advice you can give for furthering your career?
M: This is what I have learned and taken to heart: don’t be stagnant—always strive to accomplish something new. I also believe in stepping out of your comfort zone and putting yourself into new and potentially uncomfortable situations to broaden one’s experience. Finally and most importantly, keep learning, expand your knowledge base, and meet new people.
Topics: Interview