Matthew Fickett Joins HDR as Boston Managing Principal
Matthew Fickett, AIA, CPHC, LEED, has joined HDR as managing principal in the Boston architecture studio. In this position, Fickett will lead the operation and growth of the Boston architecture studio by developing relationships with existing and target clients to pursue new work in Boston and beyond in New England.
As managing principal, Fickett is eager to leverage his technical architecture background in science facilities to support the growth of Boston’s science and healthcare teams. He is passionate about bringing sustainability goals into technical spaces and demonstrating that even complex, science-driven systems and buildings can find new ways to reduce energy consumption and increase sustainability.
“My first couple of weeks have already shown how capable and friendly the team is here,” Fickett said. “I’m excited to work with HDR’s broad reach across many market sectors and cities, and leverage the well-honored processes and tools. Those resources will enable me to focus on the people and projects that make working at an architectural practice so exciting.”
Before joining HDR, Fickett served as science and technology principal at SGA, where he founded the firm’s S&T studio, growing the sector to 19 people in Boston, New York, and remote offices. In this role, Fickett created lab design standards and tools for the studio, mentored staff in lab design, and participated in firmwide business development initiatives.
“Matthew is a welcome addition to the Boston office and the HDR community,” said Eric Jaffe, HDR global education and science director. “He embodies a high level of enthusiasm, expertise, and leadership to continue the strong growth of our Boston presence and the charisma to continue to build the diverse team of education, science, healthcare, transportation, and public clients we partner with in New England.”
Fickett earned his Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in organizational psychology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Committed to advancing the profession, Fickett is a regular critic at architecture schools, including Northeastern, Columbia, and the Boston Architectural College. He gives back to the design community by regularly presenting and writing on topics of laboratory design, from the sustainable design and operation of whole buildings to details of technical spaces, like research cleanrooms.
