Matthew O'Leary
Matthew performing a job site inspection while working as an Associate Designer.

Matthew O’Leary, sole-proprietor of Draft and Craft Building, has worked in the construction and carpentry trades for over 15-years.  In 2002, Matthew became licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as a Residential Builder and Maintenance and Alteration Contractor.

Matthew is a 2008 Masters of Architecture graduate from Andrews University School of Architecture.   While attending Andrews, Matthew utilized his construction knowledge by working in the Architectural Wood Lab as a Supervisor and serving as a Construction and Modeling tutor to fellow architecture majors.  Matthew placed in several notable design competitions including:

  • First Place, Graduate-Year Presentation Award, “For Excellence in Graphic Presentation,” Andrews University School of Architecture, 2008
  • First Place, “Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) Charter Award of Excellence”: The North End Plan for Michigan City, Indiana, 2008
  • Third Place, “Emerging Green Builders Natural Talent Design Competition,” West Michigan Chapter United States Green Building Council (WM-USGBC), 2008
  • First Place, “Background Building Competition,” International Masonry Institute (IMI), 2006

After graduation, Matthew worked at a local architecture firm as an “Associate Designer” specializing in healthcare, eldercare, commercial and civic buildings.  He loved the challenge that these complex structures presented, as well as the collaboration between various trades necessary to make healthcare facilities successful for their clients.

In 2009, Matthew achieved the specialized title of LEED-AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Accredited Professional) as determined by the U.S. Green Building Council and administered by the Green Building Certification Institute.  “LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.”

As a businessman, designer and craftsman, Matthew’s objective is to satisfy his client’s needs through his passion for post-modern and vernacular architectural design, knowledge of urbanism, enthusiasm for sustainability, and love of construction and carpentry.