AIA|LA ARCHITECTS IN ACTION: Matthew Trotter AIA, NOMA, NCARB - Associate Principal, Cuningham & President, SoCal NOMA

Uplifting Communities Through Thoughtful Design and Leadership

Q&A with Matthew Trotter, AIA, NOMA

Q. Personal Story & Motivation

Your passion for uplifting communities and culture through thoughtful design is a consistent theme. Can you share a bit about your personal journey and what initially motivated you to pursue a career in architecture?

A. I was born in West Los Angeles and raised in Inglewood, CA. I was the last in a family of five, and though we may not have had much money, we had an abundance of love…for our family, our community, and people everywhere. My father was an incredible cabinet maker and master at woodworking. One of his clients’ homes was built by the one and only Paul R Williams. Mr. Williams was a highly decorated African American Architect with prominent works in Los Angeles, including many celebrity homes, civic buildings, and the Theme Building at LAX. My father’s client knew that he was interested in Architecture and gave him a book on Mr. Williams’ life. My father, in turn, gave that book to me when I was around 7 years old. I was completely amazed by Paul R. Williams’ work and his ability to persevere through the racial prejudices of the 1920s. My father told me I too could be an Architect, like Paul R Williams, and the rest is history! Mr. Williams’s architectural journey and my parents’ foundational teachings on faith and love continue to be my inspiration for what legacy means to me. I strive to inspire and create positive impact in my family, community, and design work.





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