Matt Christie
Matt is a senior project architect at MMA. With 15+ years of experience, Matt is a design leader who approaches each project with a passion to understand and connect with clients through early discovery workshops and planning.
His diverse experience includes an array of domestic and international projects across aviation, commercial, education, institutional, industrial, and single and multi-family residential project types. By working on a range of project types and sizes, he has developed a full range of skills, spanning both design and technical aspects of a project. His experience provides an adaptable perspective that responds to a project’s unique set of parameters. As a thought leader, Matt believes team collaboration blended with a client-centric approach introduces fresh perspectives, energy, and opportunities for discovery.
Growing up, Matt was always around the design and construction industry. His father was a custom residential design builder, and he witnessed how rewarding it was to see your ideas built and impacting peoples’ lives in a positive manner. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan, and his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Since moving to the Grand Rapids area from Chicago in 2015, he quickly engaged in the local architecture community, which has included several roles in the local chapter of the AIA. In 2020, Matt served as President for the AIA Grand Rapids (AIAGR) chapter. During his time as president, he helped guide the chapter through the impacts of COVID-19 and has been part of a leadership committee that is establishing an AIAGR endowment for student scholarships. He served as the chapter’s Vice President in 2019 and as Past President in 2021. In 2022, Matt was honored as AIAGR’s Young Architect of the Year.
Matt appreciates design in all things, and is always researching the latest trends within an array of multidisciplinary design fields. He is a LEED accredited professional and believes that every project must speak to sustainability through the materials they use, the environments they create, and the cultures they reinforce. His love for architecture has led to an extensive library of over 300 design and architecture books. He also enjoys mentoring younger staff, and volunteers regularly to host job shadows from students of all ages. Outside of work, Matt enjoys photography, and is always willing to lend his talents to the benefit of the firm, through photographing projects, events, and employee portraits.