Today we’d like to introduce you to Demar Matthews.
Demar, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am an architectural designer out of Los Angeles, CA. I am a graduate of the first HBCU Lincoln University and completed my masters of architecture at Woodbury University in Los Angeles. My designs studio is centered on around the development of a black architecture. Going into the final year of my master’s I realized I was never shown any architecture from a black architect, nor was I shown any architecture in a black neighborhood. I was being given the tools to be able to design for other people’s communities and with other people’s design aesthetics and principles: But I wanted to design for my own community, with an architecture based on Black culture. Once meeting a homeowner in Watts, CA and explaining the vision, she spoke about her vision of community symmetry, and we sort of blended those ideas together. And now we are working on the first of a series of case study homes in black neighborhoods across America, unearthing the Black aesthetic.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road getting here. There were a lot of problems getting the proper exposure to this work and research. COVID has really affected our ability to engage with the community in a large gathering… Also trying to navigate this new lane in architecture and how to run a profitable design studio. Lastly, getting the funding/sponsors for the project…
We’d love to hear more about your business.
offTOP design is focused on the intersection of architecture, Black art, culture, and experience. Our vision is to continue the development of a Black architectural language that reflects the traditions, values, and cultural norms of black people, and simultaneously develop resources which the wider community can take advantage of. We are We host educational programs for inner-city youth, public panel discussions, exhibitions for local artists, and promote health and wellness.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is an epicenter of Black culture, with many black-owned businesses and predominately black neighborhoods. My work is focused in the improvement of the built environments specifically in Black neighborhoods. So, it is a perfect place for Black architecture to grow and advance. What if each hood and black business in Atlanta was defined by a beautiful architecture that represents Black culture?
Contact Info:
- Website: OffTop Design
- Phone: 9515813559
- Email: demar@offtopdesign.com
Image Credit:
Demar Matthews
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