With nearly 20 years in architecture, Matt Burks joined CMH with experience in firm leadership, project management, construction administration, and business development across an incredibly diverse spectrum of industries—from university to K12 education projects, hospitals to assisted living facilities, municipal buildings to administrative offices, fitness centers to parks, and even the Birmingham Zoo. However, Matt’s resume is most heavily stacked with religious buildings and worship facilities, which he has designed across the Southeast and into the Midwest.

“I’m most inspired when given the opportunity to design community spaces and churches. More than just buildings, these spaces serve as life-changing resources for the people who gather within them,” says Matt, citing one of his most memorable community projects, “The Bell Center in Homewood, Alabama, is my favorite project. Their mission to help children and families with developmental challenges has had a significant impact on so many lives in our state.”

Away from work, Matt prefers to be in the mountains of Colorado or simply the great outdoors, whether it’s camping with his family, hiking, fly-fishing, mountain-biking with friends, or playing soccer with his daughter. “Being outside has always been a way for me to recharge and find inspiration,” says Matt. When forced to go indoors, he enjoys hanging out with his labrador retrievers, Belle and Leia, and his cat, Snoopy, while watching Ted Lasso or reading historical novels and biographies.