Bio

Matthew Utley is the Founder and Principal of NOWMA Studio. His work is grounded in the belief that architecture, when fully aligned with its context, has the capacity to create lasting and meaningful moments.

Over the last 25 years he has worked internationally across architecture, urbanism, and large-scale project delivery. His career spans the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, with a particular focus on the Middle East over the past 18 years.

Prior to establishing NOWMA Studio in 2026, Matthew was a Principal at Grimshaw, where he led the Dubai studio and oversaw regional operations across the Middle East.

His portfolio includes the delivery of major international projects such as Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as the Yas Marina Hotel (W Hotel) at Yas Island with Asymptote Architecture.

Matthew’s work integrates design leadership with commercial and operational expertise, guiding complex projects from concept through to completion. His experience spans masterplanning, cultural and civic institutions, infrastructure-led developments, and sport and hospitality projects.

Matthew places a strong emphasis on discourse in design. He has served as a panelist, critic, and lecturer across a range of institutions and industry forums, including Columbia University, Southern California Institute of Architecture, New York University, the Center for Architecture, Ajman University, American University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah, Canadian University Dubai, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the Emirates Green Building Council Annual Congress, the AIA Middle East Conference, Downtown Design, Dubai Design Week, and the 2A Architecture and Art Conference.