Matthew Griffith and Zach Hoffman of in situ studio
Designing Through People, Place, and Purpose
Sponsored by Architectural Record | Presented by Matthew Griffith and Zach Hoffman
Architects Matthew Griffith and Zach Hoffman of in situ studio explore how a collaborative, site-responsive design process can transform residential and public projects. Through projects including Arbutus House and Baileywick Park, participants will examine how client and stakeholder engagement, site conditions, structural coordination, program requirements, and construction oversight inform architectural decisions and create spaces that respond meaningfully to their users and communities. The discussion emphasizes designing from the specific conditions of people and place rather than applying a predetermined architectural solution.
courtesy of Cristobal Palma |
Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer. |
Architectural Record is the #1 source for design news, architect continuing education, and info on sustainability, houses, projects, and architectural products.
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in October 2026
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Explain how site conditions, including topography, existing vegetation, climate, and surrounding context, can inform building form, orientation, scale, and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Describe methods for engaging clients and project stakeholders early in the design process to identify user needs, establish project priorities, and translate qualitative feedback into architectural solutions.
- Analyze how architects can integrate programmatic requirements, structural systems, site constraints, and environmental considerations to improve the functionality and performance of public spaces.
- Identify strategies for expanding a project brief to accommodate diverse users and community activities while maintaining functional requirements, budget constraints, and efficient use of architectural and structural elements.
