Architecture Alumnus Matthew Findlay's Graduate School Journey From Research to Practice

When Matthew Findlay completed his Bachelor of Architecture at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design in 2024, he knew he'd eventually become an architect. What he didn't know yet was what kind of architect he wanted to become.

Instead of immediately entering professional practice, Findlay chose to spend another year fostering his learning through the school's Master of Design Studies (MDes) program. Looking back, he sees that decision as one of the most important steps in his professional journey.

"I strongly believe I would not be in the position I am in currently, had I not taken the extra time to invest in my education," Findlay said. "I can say confidently that the program can help students grow through the opportunities it opens as well as the curriculum."

Today, he works as a technical designer in Gensler's Chicago office, but the path there was built through research, sustainability-focused design, professional experience and a growing confidence in his own abilities.

One of the factors that drew him to the MDes program was the Integrated Wood Design concentration. The Fay Jones School's leadership in mass timber research and innovation provided an opportunity to study a material he had long found fascinating. What began as an interest in treehouses and log cabins evolved into a deeper understanding of timber's role in sustainable design.

"The MDes program helped me understand the environmental importance of timber and circular construction," he said.

The curriculum encouraged Findlay to think beyond aesthetics and consider the broader environmental impacts of buildings, eventually inspiring him to pursue LEED accreditation and further sustainability credentials. A turning point came through an independent study with Tahar Messadi, associate professor of architecture, in which he researched the feasibility of developing a mid-rise mass timber building sourced and constructed within the Ozark region.

The project examined everything from carbon sequestration and embodied carbon to material availability, cost and accessibility. While mass timber often receives attention for its environmental advantages, the experience taught him that sustainability requires a much broader perspective.

"I learned sustainability is not just about choosing the best material," he said. "It's about understanding the entire construction process."

The project challenged him to think about buildings as interconnected systems rather than isolated design exercises — an approach that continues to influence his work today.

Another transformative opportunity came through a research project with Jinoh Park, assistant professor of interior architecture and design. Mentored by Park, Findlay conducted a systematic literature review examining how participatory design can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. The project eventually led to an opportunity to present his work at the 2024 Architectural Research Centers Consortium Conference in Washington, D.C. For someone who had never conducted formal research before, the experience was eye-opening.

"It was my first time seeing my work become part of a larger academic conversation," he said. "Learning the fundamentals of research while getting to present my own work gave me confidence I never would have achieved without the MDes program."

The experience not only expanded his skill set but also reinforced his belief that innovation and inquiry can play an important role in professional practice.

That mindset continued to develop during his graduate internship with DLR Group in Portland, Oregon. While it wasn't his first professional experience, it became one of his most meaningful. Working in a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering environment allowed him to see firsthand how collaboration drives successful projects.

"The MDes program had encouraged me to think about design as a collaborative and systems-based process, and DLR Group gave me the chance to see that play out in a professional setting," he said.

Weekly reflections helped him evaluate what he was learning and identify the type of professional environment in which he would thrive. By the end of the internship, he had discovered a passion for fast-paced, collaborative work and the opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives.

Now, as a technical designer at Gensler, he continues to apply lessons learned during the MDes program. Whether collaborating with project teams, pursuing licensure or exploring research opportunities within the firm, he credits the program with helping him develop both confidence and curiosity.

"The program taught me that curiosity is a valuable contribution," he said.

That confidence came not from mastering every answer, but from learning how to ask better questions, embrace collaboration and approach design with intention. For students considering their next step after graduation, his advice is simple: sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is give yourself time to grow.

"The MDes program gave me the opportunity to better understand what kind of architect I wanted to become," he said. "It challenged me to think more critically, pursue new ideas and contribute to the profession in ways I never would have imagined."