Matthew is Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve, receiving his Masters of Architecture from the University of Calgary and his Bachelor of Design from the Ontario College of Art and Design. His Mohawk background continues to have a significant impact on his work. Practicing architecture at Two Row Architect for 16 years, he currently oversees design and development for the firm. Their core focus is on Indigenous design and architecture, designing buildings, landscapes, and installations, on and off-reserve located all over Turtle Island.
Matthew’s focus for sustainability is on regenerative and restorative design – encompassing ecological, cultural, and economic principles. His work pushes the concepts of Universal Inclusivity through integrated landscapes, food equity, the importance of water, and place-keeping for all species, including humans. His research includes Indigenous history in architecture of Northern & Middle America and the realignment of western ideology towards historic sustainable technologies for the contemporary North American climate. Matthew is an Assistant Professor at the Ontario College of Art and Design University. He believes that giving back and encouraging younger generations is the key to moving our way of thinking about design and architecture forward.
Further, he has lectured all across Canada, including most recently at the Healthy Cities Conference in London, UK. Art being in his blood, he is proud to be a Director on the Board of Toronto Artscape Inc. and a member of the Waterfront Design Review Panel.