Demar Matthews — The Role of Place in Communities, The Black Aesthetic, Being a Voice at the Table, and More

In this first episode of the Getting Back Into Place Podcast, I spoke with Demar Matthews, founder and Principal of Offtop Design. In our conversation, we discuss the role of architecture in elevating underserved neighborhoods, his research into a Black Architectural Aesthetic, the importance of exposing people to architecture early in life, and much more.

Demar received his Bachelor’s from HBCU Lincoln University of PA, and his Master of Architecture at Woodbury University, where he was awarded the Graduate Thesis Prize for his project Black Architecture: Unearthing the Black Aesthetic. He grew in prominence with the publication of a personal essay titled “A Black Architecture Education Experience,” which was featured on Archinect.  

Demar believes architecture and good design should not only be for the privileged, that every community deserves to be proud of the built environment around them, and the built environment around them should reflect the cultures of the people who live there, regardless of income, race, or gender.