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Thomas R. Mathison

Tom Mathison - 2023 Headshot
Founding Principal

Tom is a co-founding principal of MMA and has been practicing architecture for over 40 years.

His primary focus is early phase planning, programming, master planning, concept design, project management, and firm management. His expertise ranges from complex renovations to new construction for educational, housing, civic, commercial, and institutional clients. His projects have received several design awards and recognitions. For his contributions to the profession, Tom was elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2005.

Prior to founding MMA, Tom was a Senior Principal and Chairman of the Board of Directors at his previous firm. As a leader in higher education planning and design, he employed his skills in programming, concept design, and consensus building for education projects throughout Michigan, including numerous master plans and building projects for community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. As a Recognized Educational Facilities Professional (REFP), Tom successfully led numerous K-12 building programs through consensus building, bond issue planning, and project implementation as Principal-In-Charge or Project Manager.

Tom earned his Master of Architecture degree with distinction from the University of Michigan, where he was also awarded the Booth Traveling Fellowship, which provides recent alumni with an opportunity to research a special aspect of architecture that requires international travel. Tom is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), where he has served as local chapter president, state president, Regional Director, and National Vice President. He was awarded the AIA Michigan Gold Medal and the AIA Michigan Hastings Service Award and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AIA Grand Rapids. Tom recently served as President of the Michigan Architectural Foundation. As a supporter of education, Tom founded the Michigan Mentoring Network, linking practicing architects with architecture students at all five of Michigan’s accredited schools of architecture. He also serves on National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) accreditation teams for colleges of architecture throughout the United States. 

Tom is a past president and active member of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and recently served as Vice President of the Grand Rapids Rotary Charities Foundation. He is a Past Chair and active member of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and former board member of the National Small Business Association. He is an advocate for Michigan, architecture, small business, and community service.