Matthew Bunza is an architect, educator, and founding principal of Metaamo, a design studio known for bridging cultural contexts and diverse scales—from intimate residential spaces to large-scale urban planning. With offices in Portland, Vancouver, Bellingham, and Hong Kong, Metaamo’s work spans continents and disciplines, focusing on projects that uplift communities, honor cultural identities, and address resilience in the built environment.
A graduate of MIT’s Master of Architecture program, Bunza has held academic appointments as a lecturer at MIT and visiting professor at institutions such as the University of Oregon and Wuhan University. His teaching and design philosophy emphasize social infrastructure, cultural engagement, and the integration of global perspectives into local contexts.
This year, Bunza brings his international expertise and commitment to meaningful design to the AIA East Bay Design Awards jury. His participation underscores the importance of culturally informed and socially responsible architecture in shaping the future of the built environment.