Matthew came to engineering via a unique path that includes a BA in Art History. While working at an art gallery in San Francisco, he met folks through volunteering who were working on green tech and sustainable buildings. After a few years, several night classes, and a lot of conversations, Matthew decided to pursue engineering. He now holds an EIT license, and is LEED BD+C and Living Future Accredited. He says, “I’ve seen artists and folks in the art world do some incredible work around the things I’m most passionate about – the environment, social equity, and education – but I just couldn’t forge a path for myself the way others created on that route.” He jokes, “Maybe engineering was the easier path?” Now, Matthew is a solid champion of decarbonization and social equity.
Recently, Matthew has been working on our new waterfront office at Pier 54. He is guiding our tenant improvement project through CORE certification at the ILFI. It involves creative thinking on his part as we consider the obvious items like energy and water reductions and reducing our footprint on the planet as much as possible, but it also involves living on land stolen from indigenous tribes. He uses similar approaches to design with his clients, bringing added dimensions and thinking deeply about projects holistically. He says, “sustainability compliance standards like LEED are sometimes seen as inconsequential or overly burdensome, but I’ve seen so many projects where those standards facilitate important conversations. They can have enormously positive outcomes, and I’ve seen some amazing work generated as a direct result.”
As an advocate with local and federal building electrification and decarbonization groups, Matthew shares his passions for energy equity, community health, and rapid decarbonization of building projects. He brings that enthusiasm and commitment to every project he works on. Clients rely on Matthew’s creative thinking and commitment to making every project better.