"Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see." Mark Twain
I am completing a Masters Degree of Historic Preservation and have a Bachelors Degree in architecture. I am an artist, a designer, a traveler, a cyclist, an amateur chef, aspiring stone mason, "tinkerer", a dad, and husband to Stephanie.
I consider myself a Kentucky native and I grew up in Lexington. My parents live in the same home where I was raised and my siblings live near by. I have lived in Kenton County for over a decade and my family and I have settled into Park Hills, KY. I have three amazingly beautiful kids (aren't they all?) and an even more amazing wife- Stephanie.
I love to travel - as kids we took scores of family vacations in the family station wagons. From Washington, DC to Wilmington, NC; Danville, IL to Denver, CO; Madison, WI to Miami, FL . As an amateur cyclist, I lived between Boston and Tallahassee and virtually raced in every state East of the Mississippi for a few amazing years.
In late 80's and early 90's I was a competitive USCF cyclist, ultimately competing as a Category 2 cyclist. We raced just about everywhere along the Eastern Seaboard, but my cycling career was cut short by an injury while training in the off season in Kentucky.
I found my way back to the University of Kentucky. I completed my coursework for a degree and decided that Architecture school was the next logical step. That was the best decision I ever made and I have passionately embraced the profession ever since.
I traveled throughout much of Western Europe during my studies at the University of Kentucky. Venezia, Italia was my home for nearly two years as I pursued my architectural degree. I was privileged to study and work with Leonardo and "Pucci" Ricci who led the Atelier Veneziano, a satellite program with the University of Kentucky. It was during those studios and travels that I developed my passion for architecture.
But no matter how far I travel, I always end up back "at my old Kentucky home". The legacy and landscape of Kentucky have greatly influenced who I am and what I have become.
I am 1/2 Irish and 1/2 Italian (genealogical/ poetic licenses taken) which also significantly shaped my personality. I've traveled and seen the origins of my families' ancestors - that in and of itself is both humbling and grounding. To know where one "springs from"- to have that sense of place is also a powerful experience. This too has shaped my identity as I've grown and engaged the world as both a person and a designer.
I am in the process of developing this site and will be adding new material regularly. Thank you for visiting and feel free to leave comments or ask me any questions.
Ciao,
Matthew
* I have an architectural degree (B. Arch) but am not an NCARB licensed. I am not soliciting any work. My NCARB Counsel Record resides with the State of Kentucky.
