Matthew Baran headshot

Matthew Baran

Adjunct Professor

Part-Time Faculty
Socials

Biography

Matt Baran is the founder of Baran Studio Architecture. He has 25 years of experience as a licensed architect, developer, and builder. His work spans across design disciplines and building typologies. he has experience in all project phases, including conceptualization, programming, design, project management, and construction in residential, commercial, community and theoretical projects of various scales. In addition to his background in architecture, his real estate development experience includes property evaluation and acquisition, financing, construction, lease up, and sale. His construction experience includes general contracting and construction management for site built and modular projects.

Matt has lectured and taught studios at UC Berkeley, USC, and The Academy of Art in Architecture and Real Estate programs. His work has been published by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Magazine and various other outlets. His has also received awards from the AIA, PCBC, and Architizer. He has been a speaker at events for the AIA, ULI, and SPUR.

Expertise

  • Construction
  • Technology
  • Housing
  • Adaptive Reuse
  • Sustainability

Research Areas

  • GIS Mapping
  • Robotics

Education

  • UC Berkeley, Master of Architecture, 2008
  • University of Southern California, Bachelor of Architecture, 1996

Prior Experience

  • Architect | Principal, Baran Studio Architecture
  • Lecturer, UC Berkeley MREDD
  • Lecturer, UC Berkeley CED

Awards & Distinctions

  • AIA East Bay Design Awards. Housing - Multi-Family Finalist. Armory Lofts. 2022
  • AIA East Bay Design Awards. Housing - Multi-Family Finalist. West10. 2021
  • PCBC Gold Nugget Award of Merit. Unique Residential Housing. WestOak6. June 2018
  • AIA East Bay Design Awards. Merit Award. MacArthur Annex. October 2017
  • AIA East Bay Design Awards. Citation. W_16. October 2015

Selected Publications

  • "Artificial Intelligent Architecture" Kelly, Brian. ORO. 2023
  • "Container Architecture" Andreu Bach, David. Loft Publications, November 2022
  • "Upcycled Buildings Making a Comeback" Inhabitat. 2022
  • “Tiny Interiors” Baker, Lisa. Braun Publishing, 2019
  • "Everything You Need to Know About Building an ADU" Sunset. 2022