Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 56.
Occupation: Architect.
Instagram: @matthewbairdarchitects
Hometown: For 30 years, we’ve been living in New York City. During Covid, we decamped to Mount Desert Island, Maine.
Studio location: Mount Desert Island and New York.
Describe what you make: Our studio engages in design work ranging from programming and planning of arts organizations and residential projects to a focus on compelling detailing and material invention, all united by a commitment to exceptional design. Our investigations into the unique cultural and material language of each project are tempered by a sensitivity to economic and environmental concerns, and we exploit these constraints to generate novel building forms and planning concepts.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The team that I get to work with every day.
Describe the problem your work solves: Each project brings a myriad set of conflicting inputs and the effort that runs through all that we do is the endeavor to create lasting resolution.
Describe the project you are working on now: At any given time, the studio is engaged in anywhere from 15-20 active projects. We’re currently working on a deadline for a museum master plan in Philadelphia.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We’re excited to be starting construction this spring on a ground-up arts complex in Rockland, Maine. This project will provide studios, housing, exhibition, and performance space for emerging artists.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Great people. Even better coffee.
What you do when you’re not working: Spend time with family, get outside, and learn about interesting art!
Sources of creative envy: The list is long. Among the top: Buckminster Fuller, Louis Kahn, Jerry Garcia.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Making cappuccinos.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts.
Dark or light? Dark.
