2009 - Matt Huffman is a project architect at Brawer & Hauptman Architects and received a 2009 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Community Design Collaborative. Matt volunteered on a project with the Center for Literacy to help assess their needs and provide them with guidelines and advice on selecting a new site.
Why do you volunteer with the Collaborative?
Volunteering with the Collaborative provides an opportunity for me to give back to the community. In addition, volunteering provides opportunities to meet other design professionals along with the professionals at the client organization.
What have you gained through working with the Collaborative?
In addition to gaining relationships with Collaborative volunteers, workers, and clients, I also got tickets to the Phillies division clinching game. It was my son’s first baseball game. He was only six months old at the time and slept through half the game and the fireworks at the end, so I doubt he’ll remember it.
What are your professional interests? What other projects are you working on?
My professional interests include sustainable and modern innovative designs, including furniture. I am currently working on a synagogue renovation and addition in Brooklyn, NY.
Describe your first brush with design. What made you want to become a design professional?
My first brush with design was in my father’s woodshop carving sculptures out of wood…for the first time I really got lost in my work. Having two older brothers that were engineers, my high school classes were focused toward becoming an engineer. Although I enjoyed my classes, the passion was not there. So remembering the fun I had as a child exploring and creating things from my imagination and the focus I had for problem solving, I decided to give architecture a shot.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
Hanging out with my 8 month old son, Renzo! When he’s asleep or with mom, I like to work on our house. Recently, I renovated the third floor of our house into a mother-in-law suite.
Why does design matter in every community?
I feel design is critical in communities because it promotes opportunities for social interaction between neighbors, thus providing a safer and happier social environment.
