The Architect’s Stair / Edition #1 competition 1st Prize winner - Matthew W Wilde

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st Prize winners of our The Architect’s Stair / Edition #1 competition – Matthew W Wilde from United States!

1st Prize winner Matthew W Wilde

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I am an architectural designer originally from Dundee, Scotland, where I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Dundee School of Architecture. I later completed my Master of Architecture at Yale University. Following my studies, I worked for O’Donnell and Tuomey Architects for two years, where I gained valuable experience on a variety of projects at different scales. Having recently relocated to New York, I am now engaged in the city’s vibrant architectural community. My design philosophy is deeply rooted in both immediate and historical context—an approach often described as critical regionalism. I strive to counter the “placelessness” of much contemporary architecture with what I call “place-form”: architecture that responds to and engages with the specific character of its surroundings.

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?

My work spans a range of scales, from intimate domestic interventions to larger urban studies, but I am particularly drawn to projects that reveal the overlooked potential of existing urban fabric. During my time at O’Donnell and Tuomey Architects, I contributed to both large- and small-scale competition and institutional projects, including the Johns Hopkins University Student Center. Recent independent explorations include reimagining New York’s fire escapes as adaptable communal spaces—transforming a utilitarian relic into a platform for neighborhood life. Across academic and professional settings, my work consistently focuses on contextual design strategies, material experimentation, and layering history and culture within contemporary forms.

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

To me, architecture is the physical narrative of place—it carries the stories of its context, its people, and its time. The architect’s role is both storyteller and steward: to listen deeply to the environment and community, and to shape spaces that are responsive, meaningful, and enduring. In a world where globalization often erases local identity, I believe architects have a responsibility to create work that anchors people to their surroundings and enriches the cultural fabric of society.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I see competitions as a way to test ideas outside the limits of typical practice. They give me the freedom to experiment, refine my design identity, and engage with topics or contexts I might not encounter in day-to-day work.

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

Competitions are valuable learning opportunities. Start with topics that genuinely interest you, and use the process to learn, explore, and build your portfolio. The experience can inform new ideas and different schools of thought.