Matthew Geaman, AIA | 2016

Matthew Geaman is an exceptional architect and respected leader in the profession who has accomplished a great deal in a short time. His service to his firm, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Diego, AIA California Council, and community groups such as the La Jolla Music Society and the San Diego Architectural Foundation has set high standards for the profession. While attending the University of Illinois, Geaman was inducted into the Gargoyle Architecture Honor Society, an academically elite group of students who demonstrate an uncommon degree of scholarship and excellence. He earned a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (with High Honors). He then worked in Chicago for 4 years. Geaman moved to California and joined Joseph Wong Design Associates (JWDA) in 2008 as an intern. His passion and expertise was noticed immediately and while still an intern, the firm entrusted him with complete oversight of the design and construction of the San Diego Community College District’s North City Campus. Completed in 2013, the project is one of the firm’s most successful buildings, architecturally and technically, in its 39-year history according to founder Joseph Wong, FAIA. Despite the rigor of managing this and several other projects, Geaman simultaneously completed the Architectural Registration Exams, became a Licensed Architect in Illinois and California, achieved NCARB certification, and led the firm’s implementation/transition from utilizing AutoCAD to utilizing BIM. In 2011, he led JWDA’s winning RFP response effort to secure the $32 million San Diego Mesa College Social and Behavioral Science Building. He has risen through the ranks at JWDA at an unprecedented pace by showing outstanding skill and commitment to the highest quality design, construction and client relations. In 2014 he was elevated to Associate Principal of the firm and is currently the youngest Associate Principal in the 40-person firm by nearly two decades. In addition to Geaman’s leadership at JWDA, industry related volunteer leadership has been the trademark of his time in California. In 2012, on behalf of AIA San Diego, Geaman applied for and was awarded a $2,500 Leadership Grant from AIA National and then single-handedly organized the 2012 AIA San Diego Mayoral Candidates Debate that occurred on October 15, 2012. The Debate forced the candidates, Carl DeMaio and Bob Filner to take positions on issues such as long range planning, green building, land use policy, and community group involvement that had not otherwise been addressed in campaign venues and that significantly impact the design and construction industry and community at large. The event strengthened the leadership status of the AIA and architects in general within the community. After serving on various AIASD Committees, Geaman was elected Vice President / President-elect of the AIASD in 2013, and Chapter President in 2014. He also served on the AIACC Board of Directors and the AIACC Planning and Finance Committee from 2013-2015. In short, Matthew Geaman has set high standards for the industry. The highlighted contributions in this submittal are a few of the many examples of his personal engagement in the advancement of the profession and community at large.