Matthew Melcher

Biography

Matt Melcher holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania where he received the Chairman’s Award for his research exploring the impact of natural light on spatial perception in high density urban housing. His research and practice probe contemporary issues shaping the design of housing. Melcher has received grant funding, publication, and has lectured domestically and abroad on topics linking housing design with emergent technology, adaptable environments, human experience, aesthetics, affordable design + construction and environmental responsibility.

He began his professional career at Olson Kundig Architects in Seattle before joining the faculty at WSU and establishing his own practice in 1998. Spanning the disciplines of interior design, architecture and graphic design, Melcher’s work-in-practice has been recognized with local, regional and national awards from professional organizations including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and the Design Communication Association (DCA). His design work has been exhibited in the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, the Henry Art Gallery and the Spokane Art School. Melcher’s commercial design work was featured in the full-length film Shadow of Fear (Millennium Films, 2004) and in 2012 Professor Melcher was featured in the short documentary film When Spokane was Modern (Helveticka).

Melcher teaches design studio and lecture courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level to students in interior design, architecture, and landscape architecture. Melcher’s students have been recognized with over twenty awards in local, regional and national design competitions.

Education

Master of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design, University of Washington.