2024 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Matthew O’Brien, RA Partner Vivo Architecture, Inc.

Three skills that you use every day in your position: 

Leadership, design, and collaboration.

Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, because it emphasizes the power of making choices that define life’s journey.

Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: 

The most valuable tool in your box is listening.

What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge over the last six years has been to respond to radical changes in the market due to the pandemic, the life science boom, and the uncertainty of the current economy. Through it all, I’ve sustained an unwavering focus on communication and collaboration to achieve creative solutions that meet the goals of every project, while always maintaining flexibility and common sense. Prioritizing the needs of our clients is the cornerstone of our business. 

What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? 

“Matt’s effective leadership in the industry comes from his deep technical knowledge and his ability to lead interdisciplinary project teams by example, with a strong work ethic and an excellent understanding of interpersonal dynamics. As a result of this, his designs strike a great balance of aesthetics and practicality.” - Tyson Reynoso, managing director & partner, King Street Properties.