Matthew Schmid is the principal and founder of MSA. Matthew studied architecture at the University of Waterloo, where he graduated as the most highly awarded student in the history of the school.

Matthew has studied and practiced architecture around the world including Victoria BC, Honolulu HI, London UK, Rome Italy, Montreal QC, Iquitos Peru, New York NY and Toronto ON. Matthew has worked on a wide variety of project types and scales, from Scandinavian spas to philharmonic concert halls.

Matthew’s most recent work experience before starting MSA was with Diamond Schmitt Architects in Toronto. While working with Diamond Schmitt, Matthew spent much of his time working on the redesign of David Geffen Hall, the home of the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center in NYC. The project was awarded as the result of an international design competition where Matthew and DSA competed against the top architecture firms in the world for the honour.

Matthew has a strong background in computational design as he develops advanced tools and workflows to enhance the design process and increase project efficiencies. Parametric modeling, advanced performance analysis and digital fabrication play a deep role in Matthew’s design practice. Sustainability in the built environment remains a major aspiration in Matthew’s work. Matthew is currently focused on maximizing energy efficiency in his projects while expanding the use of wood to take advantage of its ecological merits. Wood is the only structural material that is renewable, low energy and carbon neutral.