Matthew Coates grew up hiking the woods of northern Michigan, where a decaying log cabin with a tree growing through its roof sparked a lifelong fascination with shelter built from timber. That moment set the course for his career in architecture. The experience of seeing living wood become part of a structure impressed him with the idea that nature itself can serve as both material and framework.
Early inspiration and the start of a firm
In 2005, Coates founded Coates Design on Bainbridge Island, just across the water from Seattle. The studio’s work spans residential and commercial projects, with a consistent emphasis on sustainable construction methods.
One recent effort, the reHOME development, provides three tiny homes for farming interns. The units were assembled largely from reclaimed or discarded materials that would otherwise end up in dumpsters. By reusing these resources, the firm reduces landfill waste and showcases the possibilities of circular design. The three tiny homes function as on‑site housing for seasonal agricultural interns, illustrating how low‑impact construction can meet practical needs.
Coates recalls the cabin incident as a turning point: “It was the first time I had ever seen something like that—and in seeing it, understood how we could create shelters from trees. I knew right then that that was what I wanted to do.” He often returns to that memory when discussing the philosophy behind his projects.
Betting on a team and the biggest decision
When asked about his smartest move, Coates says, “Bet on myself. The smartest thing I’ve ever done was create this design firm and hire people smarter than me.” He adds that surrounding himself with capable collaborators has been the “secret sauce” for the practice.
He emphasizes that leadership does not require having the best idea every time, only the ability to recognize good ideas when they appear. Nearly two decades after taking the entrepreneurial leap, he remains convinced it was worth the risk.
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Coates notes that the firm’s collaborative culture allows it to tackle complex projects without relying on a single visionary.
AI and the future of design
Artificial intelligence, Coates says, is the single largest factor shaping architecture’s future. He points to rapid AI adoption in writing, graphic design, and film as a preview of what could happen in building design.
He imagines a scenario where Autodesk releases software that generates design options in any style from a simple list of required spaces. Such tools could let designers explore dozens of concepts in minutes, dramatically shortening the early design phase. He sees AI as a fast way to generate massing studies, freeing designers to focus on materiality and user experience.
Coates doubts AI will fully replace architects, arguing that true creativity and the “intangible soulfulness” of human work remain out of reach. Yet he concedes that cost savings could drive widespread acceptance of AI‑driven tools.
On a more practical note, he insists that dimmers are a must‑have in every project. “I know this is a simple answer, but I am always amazed to see new buildings with simple ON/OFF switches and no ability to control the lighting. It really baffles me,” he says, adding that phone‑controlled lighting would earn “bonus points.” Smart‑home integration, he notes, is becoming a standard expectation among clients.
Innovation drives his work.
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In the broader context, the rise of AI reflects a shift toward data‑rich design processes that can accelerate concept development. While machines can handle repetitive calculations, the subtle decisions about how spaces feel to occupants still rely on human judgment.
Idols, podcasts, and a cinematic cameo
When pressed for a design idol, Coates names Japanese architect Tadao Ando. He praises Ando’s ability to extract maximum impact from simple forms, calling his buildings “always memorable.”
Coates once met Ando in Tokyo, describing the encounter as “not overly pleasant” but still thrilling. He also mentions Ando’s unlikely past as a boxer, a fact he heard on an old podcast.
Speaking of podcasts, Coates cites “SmartLess” with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett as his current favorite. He enjoys the show’s blend of humor and thoughtful conversation, finding it a refreshing break from design‑focused media.
When asked who should portray him in a film, Coates laughs that Vince Vaughn would be a fitting choice. He notes their similar age, build, and sense of humor, adding that Vaughn has a “pretty architect look.”
