In partnership with the National Building Museum, AIP Podcast hosts a series of deep dive conversations from the Intersections series. This is a re-broadcast of a conversation with Demar Matthews. Founder of OffTop Design, Matthews will open the season with a presentation that addresses how architecture amplifies or silences perspectives and narratives and question if and how buildings, streets and landscapes serve to affirm identity and define community. Matthews’ practice investigates the power of architecture as a cultural signifier and vehicle of traditions, values and identity.  In this episode, we explore the question,“What if Black neighborhoods were defined by the beauty of the architecture that represents Black culture?”

In Fall 2022, the National Building Museum is bringing together leading Black voices in design, art, and architecture for INTERSECTIONS, a series of dynamic discussions about culture, equity and representation through the lens of design. Launching September 16th and running through December 14th, Intersections engages nationally recognized Black architects, designers and artists in conversations focused on social justice in the built environment. Through interactive lectures and hands-on workshops, this series is designed to provoke new thinking, spark conversation, enlighten and empower.

Born in Moreno Valley, California, Demar received his Bachelor’s from HBCU Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, and completed his Master of Architecture at Woodbury University where he was awarded the Graduate Thesis Prize for his project Black Architecture: Unearth-ing the Black Aesthetic. His introduction to the field was through his article ‘A Black Architecture Education Experience’. Demar believes architecture and good design should not only be for the privileged. Every community deserves to be proud of the built environment around them, and the built environment around them should be based on the cultures of the people who live there; regardless of income, race, and gender.