As a long-time employee of our firm, Matt Camalier’s career as a Wilmot Sanz architect began during his time at Virginia Tech. Since his onboarding, Matt, who was recently promoted to Associate Principal, has proven to be a key player in our success as a firm. He has earned respect and admiration within our firm through his dedication to thoughtful design and ability to understand the importance of the healthcare environment on the overall wellbeing of occupants. Overtime, he has discovered a passion for creating spaces that look at the entire patient experience–especially the flow within the facility and the quality of care that can result from a thoughtfully designed space. Although having a range of work within his portfolio, his expertise is in ambulatory care design and medical office buildings.
The scope, complexity, and importance of the projects during my first years at the firm were not only why I chose to continue my time with Wilmot Sanz but also why I have dedicated my professional career to healthcare design.
Matt’s devotion extends beyond our firm’s walls, as well. He is committed to supporting his children in their activities, whether that be as a coach, cheerleader, or chauffer. Additionally, he enjoys breweries, hikes, vacations to the Outer Banks, and a good round of golf.
Interview with Matt Camalier
Q: Describe your path to architecture, the healthcare industry, and Wilmot Sanz.
I have always been intrigued by the built environment which led me to architecture as a career. I started as an intern with Wilmot Sanz while in college, primarily looking for the experience of a mid-size firm. The scope, complexity, and importance of the projects during my first years at the firm were not only why I chose to continue my time with Wilmot Sanz but also why I have dedicated my professional career to healthcare design. This sector within the A&D industry is challenging but equally rewarding.
Q: Describe how your life experiences influence who you are as an architect and person today.
Unfortunately, I have extensive firsthand experience on the patient side of a wide array of healthcare spaces. As a healthcare architect, I am very fortunate that these experiences provide me with a unique perspective that influence the spaces I design.
Q: What industry challenge are you most inspired to solve through your work?
The overall patient experience–in particular patient flow and quality of care resulting directly from throughput. I am interested in how good design can influence and support efficient care and treatment.
Q: You have been a long-time employee of Wilmot Sanz, how do you feel the pandemic affected our office?
In terms of our work and services, I do not there has been much, if any impact. I would say that the biggest difference would be in the office culture. As everyone knows, virtual working brings reduced face-to-face encounters and conversations with the people within the office and outside of your project teams. I am embarrassed to say that I still have yet to meet some of the recent hires in person!
Q: What are some of the lessons learned over the past year?
For me, my biggest learning curve came from figuring out how to work and be productive in environments and through methods we hadn’t experienced before. I still am amazed at how we all functioned successfully (and survived) working remotely alongside our loved ones. In my experience, it was alongside my children while they were virtually learning.
Q: If you could say you had one superpower, what would you say that is?
Packing — groceries, moving boxes, prepping for vacation…
Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
1. Exceptional car packer
2. Cancer Survivor
3. Member of the Jamestowne Society and a direct descendant of Pocahontas
4. Name a movie and the odds are…I haven’t seen it. My friends have a google doc that is titled “Movies that Matt Camalier, Astoundingly, Hasn’t Seen”
