Associate Professor
Faculty Advisor for Sustainable Design
Graduate Advisor for Architecture
Matt Fajkus, AIA, holds a Master of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. His teaching at The University of Texas School of Architecture has twice received the Outstanding Studio Teaching Award (most recently in 2023) in addition to the Cale McDowell University-wide Award for Innovation and the ACSA New Faculty National Teaching Award. In 2013, Fajkus received the Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award, the highest teaching honor in the University of Texas System. Fajkus has received the AIA Austin Emerging Professional Achievement Award, the Austin Under 40 award, and has collaborated on 4 projects that were exhibited at the National AIA Emerging Professionals Exhibit.
Fajkus is the founder of Austin-based Matt Fajkus Architecture, an award-winning architecture and interiors practice that has completed 100 residential and commercial buildings to date. The practice has been recognized locally and nationally by the Texas Society of Architects, the American Institute of Architects, as well as several appearances on the AIA Austin Homes Tour. The practice was awarded a 2023 AIA Austin Design Award of Merit and a 2014 AIA National Small Project Award for the Filtered Frame Dock, as well as a 2019 AIA National Design Award for the Westlake Dermatology Marble Falls medical office building.
Fajkus also has significant previous experience in architectural practice. Fajkus worked for Foster + Partners in London on the design of numerous large-scale international projects utilizing advanced technology in conjunction with intuitive design to optimize light transmission and spatial performance. Fajkus has also worked on numerous small-scale award-winning projects with Max Levy, Brinkley Sargent Architects, Mario Corea Arquitectos, and Julie Snow Architects.
His designs, research, and writings have been published extensively, in publications including but not limited to The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Record, Dwell Magazine, Texas Architect, Arch Daily, and Dezeen, as well as international publications such as Light in Engineering, Architecture, and the Environment, and The International Journal of Design, Nature, and Ecodynamics. Fajkus co-authored a book with Dason Whitsett, titled Architectural Science and the Sun, published by Routledge Publishers in 2018.
EDUCATION
- Master of Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
- Bachelor of Architecture, University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture
PUBLICATIONS + PROJECTS
FEATURED SCHOLARLY/WRITTEN PUBLICATION
Fajkus, Matt; and Whitsett, Dason, Architectural Science and the Sun: The Poetics and Pragmatics of Solar Design, Routledge Publishers, 300-page book, printed in paperback and hardcover. Included in Sustainable Development Goals Online: a curated library to support the United Nations’ call to action to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and protect the planet.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS/CITATIONS OF CREATIVE ARCHITECTURAL WORK
2023
"Mount Sharp Residence / Matt Fajkus Architecture," Arch Daily, online publication, October 3, 2023. https://www.archdaily.com/1007705/mount-sharp-residence-matt-fajkus-architecture. Published on sister sites Arch Daily Brasil, October 16, 2023 and Arc Daily Espanol, October 13, 2023.
"Blending Family and Function," Tribeza, print magazine featuring Descendant House by Matt Fajkus Architecture, October 2023, No. 257, p. 82-85. https://issuu.com/tribeza/docs/tribeza_october_2023_architecture_issue_
"Descendant House / Matt Fajkus Architecture," Arch Daily, online publication, September 8, 2023. https://www.archdaily.com/1006489/descendant-house-matt-fajkus-architecture.
“Filtered Frame Dock / Matt Fajkus Architecture” Arch Daily, online publication, July 28 2023. Published on sister sites Arch Daily Brasil, August 8, 2023 and Arch Daily Espanol, August 12, 2023. August 8, 2023. https://www.archdaily.com/1004650/filtered-frame-dock-matt-fajkus-architecture
"Filtered Frame Dock | Matt Fajkus Architecture | 2023 AIA Austin Design Award of Merit.” YouTube, uploaded by AIA Austin, May 17, 2023. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_ROCWkXgnM&list=PL64jfwlSDBrSLEbdpVRWWgoQ5oLPiRgis&index=16
2022
“Descendant House” and “Mount Sharp Residence,” New Texas Modern, (hardcover printed book publication) featuring two projects by Matt Fajkus Architecture, October 2022, pg 8, 10, 12, 13, 50-59, 124-135.
“Filtered Frame Dock,” Architecture Masterprize, online feature acknowledging the receipt of a 2022 Architecture Masterprize award in the Small Architecture category, October 18, 2022. https://architectureprize.com/winners/winner.php?id=5796
“This Austin Abode Channels Its Midcentury Predecessor for a Multigenerational Family’s Next Chapter,” Dwell magazine, featuring Descendant House by Matt Fajkus Architecture as runner up in the Bright Ideas Awards, online publication, October 2022. https://www.dwell.com/article/2022-andersen-bright-ideas-design-awards-single-family-runner-up-cc0b534d
“Grand Award – Accessory Building / Outdoor Space Category,” Builder Magazine, featuring the Filtered Frame Dock by Matt Fajkus Architecture, in print and online publication, September 2022, p. 38-39. https://www.builderonline.com/design/awards/dock-anchors-experience-at-waterfront-texas-home_o
“Honor Award - Custom Accessory or Outbuilding Category,” Residential Design, featuring the Filtered Frame Dock by Matt Fajkus Architecture, in print and online publication, June 1, 2022. https://editions.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=61171&i=749795&p=92&ver=html5
“For All Seasons: A specimen boat dock responds to its Lake Austin microclimate,” Austin Home, featuring the Filtered Frame Dock by Matt Fajkus Architecture, in print and online, September 1, 2022. https://www.austinhomemag.com/13000-perforations-let-light-in-this-lake-austin-boat-dock/
Rowland, Sarah, “Ridgewood Residence,” Cedar Book IV, pg 25-30. https://www.realcedar.com/static/1468d9722fa386d616eedf3ab8c3f7d1/wrcla-cedar-book-XIV-03-02-22-final.pdf
2021
“Manifold House by Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Arch Daily – World’s Most Popular Architecture Site, online publication, November 19, 2021.
“Here’s Your Chance to Tour 9 Gorgeous Homes in Austin, Texas,” Dwell, online publication highlighting Inverse House by Matt Fajkus Architecture as part of AIA Austin Homes Tour, October 14, 2021, https://www.dwell.com/article/aia-austin-homes-tour-2021-c769c8a3
“Grand Tour: This fall, the AIA Austin Homes Tour is taking the year's biggest trend: the hybrid model,” Austin Home, print publication including Inverse House photo in an article about the upcoming AIA Austin Homes Tour. Fall 2021 volume 16, no. 3.
“Matt Fajkus Architecture’s Inverse House Challenges the Expectations of a Two-Story Home,” Tribeza, print and online publication feature on Inverse House, October 2021. https://tribeza.com/matt-fajkus-architecture-inverse-house-austin/
“One for the Ages: An Austin design team creates a modernist retreat where three generations thrive together.,” Luxe Interiors + Design, print and online publication featuring Descendant House with editorial and cover photo, July/August 2021 issue. https://luxesource.com/beauty-simplicity-modernist-austin-retreat-matt-fajkus/
“This Striking Addition is Defined by Clean, Discreate Geometry,” Dwell, online publication and newsletter featuring Ames House, October 4, 2021. https://www.dwell.com/article/ames-house-matt-fajkus-architecture-andersen-awards-winner-22985457
“Week in Projects,” Architect Magazine, online publication featuring Ames House, March 29, 2021. https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/a-duo-of-bridges-in-amsterdam-…
“Matt Fajkus Adds Perforated Steel Screens to Austin Boathouse,” Dezeen, online publication, September 11, 2021. https://www.dezeen.com/2021/09/11/matt-fajkus-architecture-filtered-frame-dock-boathouse-austin/
“Moor please: Matt Fajkus’ shimmering Texas boathouse,” Wallpaper, online publication, September 01, 2021. https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/filtered-frame-dock-boathouse-ma…
“Matt Fajkus Architecture Customizes Texan Residence for Former Race Car Drivers,” DesignBoom, online publication, December 27, 2021. https://www.designboom.com/architecture/autohaus-matt-fajkus-architecture-texas-12-27-2021/
2020
Calhoun, Anastasia, “Devil Details,” Texas Architect, featuring Torchy’s Tacos – Boulder by Matt Fajkus Architecture, online and print publication, January/February 2020 issue, p.48-53. https://magazine.texasarchitects.org/issues/jan-feb-
Conroy, S. Claire, & Weber, Cheryl, “The Urban House,” Residential Design Magazine, featuring Hewn House by Matt Fajkus Architecture, print publication, Vol.1, 2020, p. 46-55.
Johnston, Georgia, “RigUp’s new Texas office space with a touch of home,” World Architecture News, featuring the RigUp Office by Matt Fajkus Architecture, online publication, February 17, 2020. https://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/article/1671965/rigups-new-texas-office-space-touch-home
“Brentwood Bungalow Blurs the Line Between Inside and Out,” feature on Re-Open House, Tribeza, September 1, 2020. https://tribeza.com/austin-brentwood-midcentury-home/
Larned, Tori, “2020 Modern Home Tour: A peek inside Austin’s top modern homes,” KVUE News Live, broadcast news/online publication, featuring the Ridgewood Residence by Matt Fajkus Architecture, February 20, 2020. https://www.kvue.com/article/life/home-garden/2020-austin-modern-home-tour/269-282ab744-6c85-4e71-a64d-61f420e92190
“The mega-luxe 'Show Garage' is now officially a thing,” British GQ Magazine, print publication, March issue, 2020, p.76-77.
“Special Feature: Matt Fajkus House (Texas),” Hail Mary Magazine, print publication, featuring Autohaus, Vol.046, March, 2020, p.42-45.
“Westlake Dermatology Marble Falls by Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Rethinking the Future, online publication, January 3, 2020 and September 15, 2020. https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architecture/hospitality/3066-westlake-dermatology-marble-falls-by-matt-fajkus-architecture/
2019
“AIA and AHH Announce Healthcare Design Award Winners,” Architect Magazine, online publication, featuring Westlake Dermatology by Matt Fajkus Architecture, September issue, July 29, 2019. https://www.architectmagazine.com/awards/aia-and-aah-announce-healthcare-design-award-winners_o
Pintos Paula, “Hewn House / Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Arch Daily, online publication, August 27, 2019. https://www.archdaily.com/923770/hewn-house-matt-fajkus-architecture
“Editor’s Picks: Via Media Residence,” Dwell, online publication, June, 2019. https://www.dwell.com/home/via-media-residence-b1d8b7c1
Pope, Colin, “ Inside Austin’s Coolest Office,” Austin Business Journal, online publication, featuring the RigUp Office by Matt Fajkus Architecture, October 28, 2019. https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2019/10/28/inside-austins-coolest-offices.html
“The Ridgewood Residence is a Modern Celebration of Mid-Century Origins,” Mid-Century Home, online publication, November 3, 2019. https://www.midcenturyhome.com/ridgewood-residence-midcentury-celebrati…
Menez, Gene, “California Dreamin’,” Austin Home, featuring Via Media Residence by Matt Fajkus Architecture, print publication, Summer, 2019, p.66-73. https://www.austinmonthly.com/AHM/Summer-2019/California-Dreamin-In-Central-Texas/
Lagdameo, Jennifer Baum, “A Mullet Renovation Preserves This Historic Austin Abode’s Brick Façade,” Dwell, online publication, February 19, 2019. https://www.dwell.com/article/mullet-house-matt-fajkus-architecture-971a797f
McKnight, Jenna, “Roofline of Matt Fajkus’ Mullet House mimics controversial hairstyle,” Dezeen, online publication, January 21, 2019. https://www.dezeen.com/2019/01/21/mullet-house-matt-fajkus-austin-texas/
“50 Best Midcentury Home Renovations That Honor Their Roots,” Dwell Magazine, online publication, September 25, 2019. https://www.dwell.com/article/midcentury-home-renovation-ideas-abb259ac
“Healthy Designs,” Architect Magazine, print and digital publication, featuring Westlake Dermatology by Matt Fajkus Architecture, September issue, 2019. https://lsc-pagepro.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=617120#{"issue_id":617120,"view":"contentsBrowser"}
“Westlake Dermatology Concrete and Glass Pavilion.” Architect Magazine, online publication, July 29, 2019. https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/westlake-dermatology-concrete-and-glass-pavilion_o
Villalpando, Nicole, “Home among the trees,” Austin American-Statesman, print publication, February 9, 2019, E1, E10. Online: https://www.austin360.com/entertainmentlife/20190206/austin-modern-home-tour-features-home-that-feels-like-treehouse
2018
Keates, Nancy, “The Hipper Fixer Upper,” The Wall Street Journal, print publication, July 20, 2018, M6, and online: https://www.wsj.com/articles/bought-that-rundown-old-house-time-for-an-extreme-makeover-1532010640?shareToken=stef9259bd787d4e5e911c2881ed52c1bd&ref=article_email_share
Lagdameo, Jennifer “An Austin Midcentury Welcomes a Discreet Home Office Addition,” Dwell, online publication, June 21, 2018. https://www.dwell.com/article/home-office-addition-creekbluff-studio-austin-texas-e1bf7dae
McKnight, Jenna, “Matt Fajkus creates office addition to mid-century Austin home,” Dezeen, online publication, May 23, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/23/matt-fajkus-architecture-creekbluff-studio-office-addition-mid-century-modern-home-austin/
“Creekbluff Studio / Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Arch Daily, online publication, May 4, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/893367/creekbluff-studio-matt-fajkus-architecture
Lagdameo, Jennifer Baum, “Before & After: An Austin Midcentury Home Gets a Roof-Raising Renovation,” Dwell, online publication, November 28, 2018. & email newsletter December 28, 2020. https://www.dwell.com/article/re-open-house-matt-fajkus-architecture-efc4c0c4
Villalpando, Nicole, “House on AIA Austin Homes Tour brings midcentury to today,” Austin American-Statesman, featuring Re-Open House by Matt Fajkus Architecture, print publication, Saturday, October 13, 2018. Online: https://www.austin360.com/entertainmentlife/20181009/look-inside-redone-midcentury-modern-house-on-aia-austin-homes-tour
“Autohaus: Project of the Day,” Architizer, online publication, January 5, 2018. https://architizer.com/projects/autohaus/
“Westlake Dermatology Marble Falls,” Arch Daily, online publication, July 24, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/898432/westlake-dermatology-marble-falls-matt-fajkus-architecture
“In Texas, Main Stay by Matt Fajkus,” Architects + Artisans, online publication, December 7, 2018. http://architectsandartisans.com/in-texas-main-stay-by-matt-fajkus/?fbclid=IwAR0nieXsAguBexuM0WqluXvZ1zoA3bYRyPA2YsNSV-nRwg63MNQdzlnk1g8
2017
“Studio Awards,” featuring Filtered Frame Dock, Texas Architect, print publication, November/December 2017 issue, p. 31.
“Autohaus,” Architect Magazine, online publication, December 11, 2017. https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/autohaus
“A Car Collector’s Modern Residence by Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Design Milk, online publication, December 8, 2017. https://design-milk.com/a-car-collectors-modern-residence-by-matt-fajkus-architecture
Lagdameo, Jennifer Baum, “This Austin Home Was Designed to Showcase a Vintage Car Collection,” Dwell Magazine, online publication, November 14, 2017. https://www.dwell.com/article/this-austin-home-was-designed-to-showcase-a-vintage-car-collection-07b10c06
“Matt Fajkus designs asymmetric Austin residence for vintage car lover,” Dezeen, online publication, November 1, 2017. https://www.dezeen.com/2017/11/01/matt-fajkus-autohaus-asymmetrical-residence-vintage-car-lover-austin-texas/
“Autohaus/Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Arch Daily, online publication, October 23, 2017. https://www.archdaily.com/882027/autohaus-matt-fajkus-architecture?utm_source=offices&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=just-published
Beckley, Nicole, and Cowart, Holly, “Local Love: Floating Second Floor Doubling as a Carport,” Tribeza Magainze, print and online publication, October, 2017, p. 99. http://tribeza.com/local-love-unique-features/
Keates, Nancy, “Austin’s Weird and Crazy, Mixed-Up Architecture,” The Wall Street Journal, print publication, June 9, 2017, M1, M8. Online: https://www.wsj.com/articles/austins-housing-boom-makes-way-for-quirkier-home-styles-1496931111?shareToken=sta310d3ed7c44496295cf84eb0008a35b&reflink=article_email_share
Buchholz, Jan, “Matt Fajkus solidifies himself as a local icon,” Fajkus and Firm Profile, Westlake Dermatology featured, Austin Business Journal (print), September 1 issue, 2017. Online: https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2017/08/31/matt-fajkus-is-becoming-an-austin-design-icon-dive.html
McKnight, Jenna, “Concrete dermatology office by Matt Fajkus overlooks Texas Hill Country,” Dezeen, online publication, August 23, 2017. https://www.dezeen.com/2017/08/23/westlake-dermatology-marble-falls-matt-fajkus-architecture-concrete-glass-texas-hill-country/
“[Bracketed Space] House,” Dwell Magazine (Featured Homes), online publication, March 22, 2017. https://www.dwell.com/home/bracketed-space-house-6fa3b154
“Bracketed Space House,” Arch Daily, online publication, November 8, 2016. http://www.archdaily.com/798916/bracketed-space-house-matt-fajkus-architecture
Menez, Gene, “Tour-riffic,” Austin Home Magazine, featuring the Main Stay House by Matt Fajkus Architecture, print publication, Fall 2017, p. 96.
“Dwell Home of the Day: Main Stay House,” Dwell Magazine, online publication, April 7, 2017. https://www.instagram.com/p/BSjv71XgU9i/?taken-by=dwellmagazine
“Main Stay House,” Dwell Magazine (Featured Homes), online publication, April 6, 2017. https://www.dwell.com/home/main-stay-house-9af87439
“Main Stay House by Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Architectural Record, online and print publication, January, 2017.
http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12218-main-stay-house-by-matt-fajkus-architecture
“Horizon House,” 150 Best New Eco Home Ideas (Hardcover), print publication, July 14, 2017, p. 237-247
McKnight, Jenna, “Matt Fajkus organizes Austin home around old oak tree,” Dezeen, online publication, feature Tree House by Matt Fajkus Architecture, November 24, 2017. https://www.dezeen.com/2017/11/24/matt-fajkus-architecture-oak-tree-house-austin-texas/?utm_source=Direct
2016
“Best of Austin: 2016 Critics Pick - The Main Stay House by Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Austin Chronicle, online and print publication, November 2016. http://www.austinchronicle.com/best-of-austin/year:2016/poll:critics/category:services/the-main-stay-by-matt-fajkus-architecture-best-no-sweat-no-a-c-eco-house/
“Five of the best Texan houses on Dezeen,” Dezeen, online publication, June 15, 2016.
http://www.dezeen.com/2016/06/15/five-best-texas-houses-residential-architecture/
“Matt Fajkus Completes Urban Austin Home with Retractable Glass Walls,” Dezeen, online publication, June 2, 2016. http://www.dezeen.com/2016/06/02/matt-fajkus-architecture-main-stay-house-austin-texas-retractable-glass-walls/
“Main Stay / Matt Fajkus Architecture,” Archdaily – World’s Most Visited Architecture Website, online publication, May 21, 2016. http://www.archdaily.com/787719/main-stay-house-matt-fajkus-architecture/
2015
“MF Architecture Builds a House Around a Tree,” Design Milk, online publication, January 9, 2015. http://design-milk.com/tree-house-residence-mf-architecture/
Koush, Ben, “Small Stuff,” Texas Architect, featuring “Scaled Resolutions” Matt Fajkus Architecture, July/August 2015, pp. 66-71.
