Staff Spotlight.
We wish to particularly acknowledge the valued contributions of past Directors & Associates.
Robin Hodgkison
Barry Matthews
Peter Gray
Rod Matthews
Robert Battersby
Hans Grauwelhan
Craig Vale
Nicole Edwards
David Whittaker
Graham Edwards
Carl Reaves
John Pendercast, David Fisher, Martin Childs, Catriona McKenzie.
In this special staff spotlight, some of our long-serving team members share their journeys, showcase their expertise, and celebrate the passion and creativity they bring to our projects. From experienced senior architects to emerging designers, every individual plays a vital role in shaping the spaces we create and the legacy we continue to build.
What first attracted you to Matthews Architects, and what has kept you here for so long?
Coming from overseas, I knew very little about Australian building structures. Matthews Architects gave me the opportunity to learn—not just about architecture but also about the language and local construction methods. In Bulgaria, the buildings are completely different, so it was a big adjustment.
What has kept me here all these years is the people and the environment. Both Barry, when he was director, and Gerald, after he took over, created a workplace that is supportive and free from micromanagement. It’s a great place to work, and that has made all the difference.
How has your role evolved over the years? Are there any key moments that stand out in your journey?
I started at an entry level, and in the beginning, I gained more than I gave—I wasn’t just learning about buildings, but also the language and industry. I will always be grateful for that opportunity.
A major turning point came during the Global Financial Crisis in 2008–2009. The firm went through a restructure, and many senior staff moved on. That was a challenging time, but it also created opportunities. I took on more responsibilities, began making more decisions, and gradually took the lead on projects. Now, I lead my own projects and have become an Associate within the firm
Veselin Stefanov | Associate & Senior Architectural Technician
22 Years at Matthews Architects.
Veselin Stefanov has been an integral part of Matthews Architects. Originally from Bulgaria, he joined the firm eager to learn, and over the years, he has become a leader within the team. Here, he reflects on his journey, the projects that have defined his career, and his hopes for the future of the firm.
Which project are you most proud of working on, and why?
BMW on West Terrace is a standout for me. It was one of the first buildings in Australia to use suspended glazing, which made it a technically complex and exciting challenge. Being a BMW project, every detail had to be high-end and high-spec, which pushed us to deliver at an exceptional level. I enjoy projects like that—where the challenge brings out the best in the team.
What excites you most about the future of Matthews Architects?
While it’s hard to predict the future, I’m excited to see the growth of our current team. We have incredibly talented people here, and it’s a pleasure to work alongside them.
If you could give advice to a new team member joining the firm, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The hardest projects are where you learn the most.
How do you see Matthews Architects continuing to evolve in the next decade?
I hope we continue to maintain the supportive and collaborative environment we have today. Investing in young future architects and helping them grow is crucial—I’d love to see Matthews Architects become a firm known for producing some of the best architects in the industry.
A few projects Veselin has worked on:
Sofiya Yunovidova | Associate & Architect
8 Years at Matthews Architects.
Sofiya Yunovidova has been part of Matthews Architects for eight years, growing from a fresh graduate into a registered architect and now an associate. Here, she shares her journey, the projects that have shaped her career, and her hopes for the firm’s future.
What first attracted you to Matthews Architects, and what has kept you here for so long?
The size of the office and the variety of projects immediately appealed to me. I liked that I could be involved in every stage of a project, gaining a well-rounded experience. Gerald’s approach to leading the firm also played a big role—he supports his team and creates an environment where people feel valued, which was especially important when I was starting out as a graduate.
How has your role evolved over the years? Are there any key moments that stand out in your journey?
I started as a fresh graduate, and over time, I’ve grown into a registered architect, leading smaller projects and taking on more responsibility. One of the most rewarding aspects has been feeling like I truly contribute to something—early on, as a graduate, it’s easy to feel like you’re not making much of an impact. Now, I know people rely on me to get things done, and that sense of purpose has been incredibly fulfilling. Becoming an associate has been another milestone, marking how far I’ve come.
Which project are you most proud of working on, and why?
St Peter’s College Big School Room is a standout for me. It was the first time I had the opportunity to design something truly creative and then see it come to life. That experience was incredibly rewarding.
What excites you most about the future of Matthews Architects?
I’m excited by the opportunity to take on more unique and specialised projects that allow us to make the most of the team’s diverse skills.
If you could give advice to a new team member joining the firm, what would it be?
Ask lots of questions and approach feedback with a positive attitude—that’s how you grow.
How do you see Matthews Architects continuing to evolve in the next decade?
I see us continuing to build on the strengths of our team, taking on projects that showcase both our creativity and technical expertise.
A few projects Sofiya has worked on:
Kristy Mogridge | Studio Coordinator
6 Years at Matthews Architects.
Kristy Mogridge has been an integral part of Matthews Architects for six years, progressing from Executive Assistant to Studio Coordinator. Her role has expanded significantly, now encompassing marketing, finance, administration, and overall studio operations.
Which project are you most proud of working on, and why?
One of my biggest achievements was writing and implementing our Work Health and Safety system to meet the ISO 45001 Standard—and successfully passing the certification audit. I take great pride in the systems and processes I’ve helped develop and implement. Seeing them improve efficiency and enhance the way we operate as a team has been incredibly fulfilling.
What excites you most about the future of Matthews Architects?
I’m excited to see how our team continues to develop. We have an exceptionally talented group of professionals, and it’s inspiring to watch them grow and take on more complex, high-calibre projects. The firm is always evolving, and I look forward to seeing where that leads.
If you could give advice to a new team member joining the firm, what would it be?
Be proactive, ask questions, and embrace feedback—it’s an essential part of learning and growing in any role.
How do you see Matthews Architects continuing to evolve in the next decade?
I see the firm continuing to build on the strengths of its team, taking on more innovative and technically challenging projects. With a strong foundation of expertise and creativity, I believe we will keep refining and expanding our capabilities in the years ahead.
What first attracted you to Matthews Architects, and what has kept you here for so long?
I was looking for a role as an Executive Assistant, and the opportunity to work in an architecture firm alongside creative professionals while supporting the Director really appealed to me. The chance to learn about a new industry was also exciting. From the beginning, I was drawn to the supportive and collaborative culture at Matthews Architects. The firm has a strong sense of teamwork, and that has been a key reason as to why I’ve stayed.
How has your role evolved over the years? Are there any key moments that stand out in your journey?
I started as Gerald’s EA, but over time, my responsibilities expanded. When our Marketing Coordinator left, I stepped into that space, and later, when our Finance Manager left, Gerald afforded me the opportunity to further develop my skills in finance. Now, as Studio Coordinator, I oversee a broad range of responsibilities, including marketing and communications, finance, administration, office operations, and a bit of HR.
A defining moment for me was working on a government tender submission largely on my own and seeing the firm successfully secure the project. It was a rewarding milestone that reinforced the value of my contributions to the team.
