Who we are
We create with passion and curiosity
Archi-testing is a research + development studio focused on making beautiful things with digital tools.
PRACTICE
There’s a reason that the business that architects run is called a “practice”. Like doctors + lawyers, we are charged with the responsibility of the Health, Safety, and Welfare of the public…not exactly something that should remain stagnant! Since we think it’s better to practice on something before we practice on your building, we developed Archi-testing as a research + development arm of the architectural design firm Focused Architects.
EXPLORE
Too often we get so focused on the day to day tasks that we lost sight of the tangential learning that occurs on our left and right. We established Archi-testing as a way to ensure that our team continued to learn and experiment and remained curious while creating a platform to share our knowledge.
TEACH
It’s a responsibility that we take seriously to share the results, thoughts, and knowledge that we gain from our experimentation with others! We know that the sharing of information and knowledge leads to deeper and more interesting discussions and collaborations. Through the sharing of ideas, we look to help grow the industry and develop leaders throughout the design realm.
Matt MacRaild, AIA, MBA
Founding Partner
Master’s of Architecture - Washington University in St. Louis
Master’s of Urban Design - Washington University in St. Louis
Master’s of Business Administration - Washington University in St. Louis
With over 17 years of professional experience in the architectural design industry including a focus on digital design and digital fabrication, Matt established Archi-testing as a laboratory to learn and experiment separate from the project responsibilities that he maintains in the day to day industry.
As a registered architect in the State of Ohio, Matt has worked on a vast number of projects both large and small. Working with a variety of clients representing all walks of life, Matt is able to manage both the business and design needs of each client through the application of his thoughtfully honed dual skillset. By providing each client a comprehensive perspective meeting both financial requirements and design aspirations, he facilitates trust and transparency throughout the design process.
Matt is an invested educator, having taught courses and workshops at both Washington University in St. Louis and Kent State University. A core theme in his classes is the importance of experimentation and educating others – a theme that is echoed in the mission of Archi-testing. Courses taught include, but are not limited to, 3D visualization and software explorations, graduate architectural and urban design studios in architecture, and design thinking courses intended to teach non-designers the importance of non-linear thinking and the design process. Matt has been engaged to give numerous lectures on his areas of expertise, with presentations including design representation, the role of the computer in the design process, and how digital fabrication impacts both business decisions and the intersection of the design and construction industries.
