Speakers

Matt Stephenson, AIA, LEED AP, is a principal at Woods Bagot with over 17 years of experience reimagining how cities can honor their architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. His expertise in adaptive reuse has transformed historic structures into vibrant urban destinations that preserve the past while serving the future.

Since joining Woods Bagot's New York studio in 2010 as one of its founding designers, Matt has shaped the firm's approach to adaptive reuse and repositioning. His portfolio includes high-profile conversions like Gramercy Square, 49 Chambers, and The Buchanan—each a historic landmark reimagined as luxury residential living. He's equally adept at ground-up construction, having led projects like The Matteo and The Motto, showcasing his range across new builds and revitalization.

Matt's design philosophy centers on adaptive reuse's dual impact: preserving architectural character while advancing sustainability. Prior to Woods Bagot, he developed his technical expertise at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), working on supertalls across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States—experience that informs his approach to complex structural challenges.

Beyond practice, Matt contributes to the national dialogue on adaptive reuse through the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), championing the economic and environmental case for breathing new life into existing buildings.