Matthew Fickett

Architect

Matthew Fickett AIA, CPHC, LEED

I lead teams of talented architects and engineers to create high performance research space. My specialty is working directly with scientists to create environments which support the physical and process requirements of their work; I especially welcome opportunities to create unique, specialty labs for novel research. My designs come from a physics-based understanding of requirements (scientific needs and sustainability) and an emphasis on the human experience.

E-mail me at matthew.fickett+design@gmail.com.

matthew.fickett@gmail.com   |   (617) 645 5324   |   Boston, Massachusetts   |   matthewfickett.com

You are seeing a degraded version of this page because you are using Internet Explorer. Please use a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, or Edge.

History

HDR

2023 - current
Managing Principal, Boston Architecture

SGA

2021 - 2022
Principal, Science and Technology
I led the S+T studio at SGA. The team grew from two to nineteen people in Boston, New York, and fully remote offices. Our integrated team of architects, interior designers, and lab planners executed and supported complex science projects across the northeast region.

I created lab design standards and tools for our studio, including a library of Revit content, lab planning tools, and marketing material. I also mentored staff in lab design, led selected projects, and participated in firmwide business developement.

EYP

2019 - 2021
Senior Lab Planner, Senior Associate

Perkins+Will

2016 - 2019
Project Architect, Associate
(continued)

Payette

2013 - 2016
Architect

Wilson Architects

2012 - 2013
Architect

Payette

2006-2012
Designer

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

2001-2006
Five-year Bachelor's of Architecture
Minor in Organizational Psychology
magna cum laude
Projects

Keralink

This wet lab and ISO 6 cleanroom facility for a cornea-transplant non-profit replaced an existing office fitout. To reduce costs and increase transparency, the lab is designed to re-use existing glass office partitions.

Role: Project Manager, Project Architect, and production of most documentation. At Perkins+Will.

Image: Standing near the entrance, looking into the clean-not-classified wet lab area, with the cleanroom (blue wall) beyond.

(Photo: Matthew Fickett)

Columbia Electron Microscope Suite

Researchers at Columbia University won a Nobel prize for invention of a new technique for electron microscopy at cryogenic temperatures. The program for this project was to locate one of these new instruments in the basement of an existing building.

As the site was adjacent to an active subway line (on one side) and an active MRI suite (on the other side), considerable shielding and isolation against vibration, acoustic noise, and magnetic fields was required. The primary design challenge was to accomplish this isolation while providing the services, and exacting environmental control, required by the instrument.

Role: Project Manager and Project Architect. At Perkins+Will.

Image: Concept sketch for isolation details and wall section at shielded instrument room.

Explanatory Drawings

I wrote and illustrated explanatory drawings for technical project types I work on. I use these internally, to explain the highly technical facilities I design to team members working on the same project, and externally, to illustrate design principles for these project types when I am teaching or speaking publicly.

Download these at full size (30x42) here:

Role: Concept and execution of complete project. At Perkins+Will.

Image: Detail from Nano Cleanroom drawing.

Harvard

Sherman Fairchild Zebrafish Facility

As part of the Sherman Fairchild lab renovation, I led the design of a new zebrafish facility in the basement. The existing structure clears the ceiling by as little as four inches in some locations; the systems coordination to achieve an environment both functional and asthetically pleasing was significant. The facility was designed for future installation of feeding robots, requiring the installation of concealed supporting steel above each row of tanks.

Role: Design, documentation, and coordination of this facility within the scope of a whole-building renovation. At Payette.

Image: The main aisle looking toward the zebrafish water pump room.

(Photo: Matthew Fickett)

Activities

Credentials

AIA (since 2013), Licensed architect in Massachusetts

CPHC (since 2017), Certified Passive House Consultant

LEED AP (since 2008), Version 2 of LEED

Speaking

Tradeline College and University Science and Engineering Facilities 2018
Tradeline College and University Science and Engineering Facilities 2017
Aquaculture America 2012
(continued)

Writing

Cleanrooms
Laboratory Buildings
Architectural Practice

Teaching

Northeastern University
Columbia University
Boston Architectural College
Version 8.11, updated 2023 02 12