Meet Matthew Bowles

We recently connected with Matthew Bowles and have shared our conversation below.

Matthew, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Confidence and self-esteem are cultivated gradually, through the deliberate and courageous act of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone. It is the fear of the unknown that often hinders growth, yet it is precisely in facing that fear that one begins to expand. In this journey, failure becomes a teacher, offering lessons to refine and improve, while success affirms one’s abilities and fuels further growth. Each step, whether marked by triumph or challenge, contributes to the evolution of a stronger, more assured self.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am an Architect and an entrepreneur. I run a boutique Architecture firm with offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. At the moment, we mainly work on residential projects – but my background and prior experience is in large scale cultural, commercial and institutional projects. I look to take the rigor and big picture thinking of this style of work, and apply it across all typologies.

My passion for design started at a young age in my father’s industrial design studio where I learned craftsmanship and to grapple with complex problems via sketch and model. This early introduction to design propelled me into career that balances the “blue sky” philosophy of pure design with the technical chops to actually get it built.

In my spare time, I am avid pianist, guitarist, and surfer.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Grit, Curiosity, and the Art of Listening

Grit is essential in navigating life’s unpredictable twists and turns. The resilience to persist through highs and lows is what sustains progress. Recognizing that most challenges in your career are not matters of life or death—and that the world we navigate was built by people no more extraordinary than ourselves—provides clarity, perspective, and a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

Curiosity is the spark that fuels growth and discovery. Without it, opportunities remain hidden, and passions untapped. Staying curious allows you to uncover what excites you, propelling you to dedicate time and energy to pursuits that ignite your soul.

Equally vital is the ability to listen. There is immeasurable value in hearing the wisdom of those who have walked the path before you. Their insights can illuminate your own journey and guide you toward your aspirations with greater clarity.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking to collaborate with other driven creatives. Off the top of my head, other Architects, interior designers, furniture makers, artists, or photographers.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photos of the buildings: Mariko Reed

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