Hi, my name’s Mat Simon.
I’ve been addicted to making things work since I was a kid. Whether it was building a working trebuchet at 12 in my parent’s garage (they were not happy) or dedicating every waking hour to my high school’s competitive robotics team, no project felt complete until the problem was solved.
And while my addiction was born working on mechanically minded things, I’ve since fallen in love with developing strategies for impact. Working with ArtCenter Designmatters, I’ve been able to help build a culture of sustainability in Chile by designing the systems that support the nation’s first thrift chain. I’ve collaborated with artisans from Thai craft villages to create furniture solutions that honor their culture and boost their economies. I’ve also worked with Caltech, developing mobility devices for people with disabilities and their caregivers.
I believe strongly in designing things that matter; I look forward to continuing to use my voice as a designer to do just that.