About Matson Roberts

In first grade at The Collegiate School, “architect” was the challenge word on a spelling test. Matson Roberts was not only the one student to spell it correctly, but also knew the definition of the word. The son of a contractor and grandson of an architect, Matson knew at a young age he wanted to enter the profession and first interned at a residential firm in the 10th grade.

While at the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture, Matson studied architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, and real estate development. After graduation, he worked at John G. Waite Architects in New York, where he left his mark on UVa by working on the restoration of the Rotunda. Matson returned to Charlottesville for his Masters of Architecture. Since graduating, Matson has honed his skills in residential design, his true passion.

A native Richmonder, Matson is grounded by the city and Commonwealth’s great architectural buildings, homes, and architects that preceded him. Studying the regional variations of vernacular design through his travels from Maine to Florida and across Europe have been pivotal in expanding his range of residential design techniques. While he appreciates his travels and what he has learned through them, he holds the Northern Neck of Virginia near and dear to his heart. Fundamentally a traditionalist, he establishes his designs in timeless principles rather than fleeting trends. He aims to design each project so that it looks like it has always been there.

Matson met his wife, Elizabeth, in “Arts and Culture of the South” their Third Year at UVa. They have two young children and a rambunctious golden retriever, and enjoy spending their free time by the water.