Architecture Competition Iceland Movie Pavilion Honorable mention winner - Carmen Matiz

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our "Iceland Movie Pavilion" competition – Carmen Matiz from United Kingdom!

Carmen Matiz from United Kingdom

An accomplished executive architect by day with a proven track record of contributing to the delivery of complex building projects that shape the built environment of London. Beyond my architectural expertise, I am also a passionate computational designer and robotics enthusiast, utilizing my creativity and technical know-how to push the boundaries of design and technology.

Whether working on large-scale projects or exploring new technologies, I am always looking for ways to create value and make a positive impact. If you're looking for a dynamic and results-driven architect with a passion for innovation, I'm your girl.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been involved?

I am currently employed, working on the technical design of large-scale project designed by renown architects from concept design to construction. I didn't have the courage to venture on my own just yet, but I believe this competition is a good step in that direction.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture, to me, is the way we shape the physical and emotional environment around us. As a computational-savvy architect, I believe an architect's role in society is to plan, design, and oversee the construction of buildings, leveraging advanced computational tools and techniques to create more efficient, sustainable, and innovative designs. By utilizing artificial intelligence and other computational tools to explore and test various design options, an architect can assist in creating buildings that are not only functional, safe, and environmentally responsible, but also an experience that contributes to the quality of life of those who inhabit and use these spaces.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Sincerely, competitions are a pain and a blessing. A competition can provide an opportunity to work on projects that are different from the typical work, which can help expand a designer’s skills and knowledge, but it also involves unpaid hours of work that might not be visibly rewarded. I personally participate in competitions because it allow me to get out of my comfort zone and experiment with new challenges. By pushing myself to explore new ideas and approaches, I find new inspiration and approaches to design that I can bring back to my regular work.

Participating in competitions also helps architects develop their ability to respond to new constraints, and communicate ideas effectively. By stepping outside of our comfort zone, we can discover new opportunities and experiences that can help us grow both personally and professionally.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Evaluate your capacity: Participating in architecture competitions can require a significant amount of time, effort, and resources. Make sure you have the capacity to commit fully to the competition before entering, but the most important part: ensure the brief is something you are passionate about and sparks your creativity - as enthusiasm and fun are an important part of any competition.