Generational change continues at BVN with the appointment of new principal Matthew Blair.

One of the youngest principals of a large architecture practice in Australia, Matthew brings skills and experience beyond his years.

Last year he took over the leadership of BVN’s Canberra Studio in the ACT at the same time as leading major projects.

He played a key role in the Sovereign House in Auckland that recently won several major awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

His talent was evident early, at age eight he was drawing plans of how hotels would work, as he watched a development near his childhood home in Coffs Harbour. From that tender age, all he wanted to do was become an architect.

That deep and passionate interest led him to being accepted into a design exchange programme with leading British firm Richard Murphy Architects in Edinburgh.

Matthew joined BVN in 1999 and has made a remarkable contribution to many projects across the built spectrum from University buildings to public buildings including the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and houses.

In one of the landmark projects in workplace development, the National Australia Bank’s National@Docklands, he was a key member in the lead design team that set new benchmarks for office accommodation, a fact that has been recognised with several architecture awards.

‘I am passionate about making the best buildings for us – humans – using contemporary design and construction technology that is more than generic,’ said Matthew

‘New technologies, such as building information modelling (BIM), parametric and relational design and visualisation techniques allow us to create richer environments that holistically incorporate sustainable design principles so crucial to our future and the wellbeing of the occupants of the space,’ he said.

Currently working on the Belconnen Police Station and a new 3,000 seat stadium for Netball ACT amongst other things, Matthew continues his impressive contribution to BVN’s expanding portfolio.