About

People

Matter was established in 2016 by Jonathan McDowell and Roland Karthaus.

Our work is the product of a diverse and energetic team and we value and nurture the talent within the practice.

Jonathan McDowell MA DipArch RIBA FRSA

Director

Jonathan formed Matter Architecture with Roland Karthaus in 2016. He was a founding Partner of McDowell+Benedetti 1996-2016.

Prior to that he was Principal of Jonathan McDowell Architects (1991-96), Associate at Munkenbeck & Marshall (1986-90) and worked for practices including Terry Farrell Partnership (1983-86), Sansom Cross, Julyan Wickham and David Lea. Born in Brunei and educated at The Downs School (Colwall) and Bootham School (York). He studied architecture at the University of Cambridge and Harvard Graduate School of Design.

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Major projects include: Princes Quay Bridge, Hull; Scale Lane Bridge, Hull; JCB Uttoxeter masterplan; Eleventh Church London; Claremont Fan Court School masterplan; Castleford Bridge; Springboard Innovation Centre; Mulberry House Nursing Home; Association of Photographers Gallery; Olivers Wharf penthouses.

Professional appointments include: membership of Design Review Panels for D:SE, Hackney, Islington; RIBA competitions advisor; awards panels assessor; CABE Enabler; Professional Studies Advisor (Cambridge); External Examiner (UEL); visiting critic, lecturer and conference speaker.

Roland Karthaus MA Regen RIBA FHEA FRSA

Director

Roland Karthaus co-founded Matter with Jonathan McDowell in 2016. He was previously principal of Karthaus Design, a practice which developed an expertise working with clients at the strategic end of complex regeneration projects as well as delivering carefully crafted buildings.

Prior to that he was Programme Leader for the Professional Part 2 Architecture course at the University of East London (UEL), where he continues to teach and research as a visiting lecturer. He was project Architect and Associate at a number of leading London practices including Squire and Partners, Andrew Wright Associates and McDowell+Benedetti. From 2005-2008 he worked as a public sector commissioning client on the New Cross Gate New Deal for Communities project, overseeing a £50m capital development programme.