2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Matthew Oliva, Wendel Companies

“Matt embodies professionalism, consistency, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement in all he does. He takes initiative, follows through, and holds himself to a high standard of performance. Through his technical capabilities, strong work ethic, and collaborative mindset, Matt represents the qualities of an emerging leader within the architecture profession and the broader commercial real estate industry.” 

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? Two projects that stand out are adaptive reuse mill conversions into housing: the North Armory Apartments in Hartford and the Ellis Block Apartments in New Britain. While in school, I admired how historic buildings could be reimagined for modern life, and it was rewarding to later help bring that vision to reality. Visiting one project as tenants moved in and seeing their excitement confirmed the impact thoughtful design can have.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you? An early mentor was a senior architect who strongly influenced how I approach both design and construction documents. He encouraged me to pursue licensure and taught me that drawings should tell a clear, consistent story from start to finish. He often challenged me to think like a contractor, mentally walking through how a detail would be built in the field and in what sequence, rather than focusing only on how it looked on paper.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? I was drawn to architecture by the idea that something that begins as simple lines on a page can become a real place people inhabit and experience every day. That curiosity led me into practice and a career spanning residential, hospitality, and educational work. Visiting completed projects and seeing them actively used by occupants continues to reinforce the value and responsibility of thoughtful architectural design.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry? I see a growing opportunity to use lower-cost, high-quality materials sourced locally and thoughtfully detailed. With fluctuating markets and tighter budgets, there is increasing emphasis on durability, simplicity, and getting things right the first time. Smart material selection and efficient detailing can achieve long-term value without compromising design intent, sustainability, or performance.