People


Matthew Schottelkotte

AIA, LEED AP

Chief Executive Officer

Matthew’s passion for creating spaces and experiences that catch people by surprise sets the bar for everything GBBN does. He oversees award-winning work like the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company theater and Vanke Research Base; spearheads projects like our annual Design Expedition and Design Issues Series; and cultivates the collaborative and familial spirit that percolates through all of GBBN’s offices. Matthew drives the firm’s advancement and evolution by supporting our employees’ continuous quest to grow and push the boundaries of what’s possible in design, strategic planning, communication, and internal operations. While he credits Robert Venturi for teaching him to be open to other people’s ideas, his parents and 11 (yes, 11) siblings, laid the foundation for his unparalleled skill in crafting a singular vision while balancing multiple points of view.

Professional Highlights


Board Member, Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati


Board Member, Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce


Executive Board, Design Futures


Presenter, Regional Viability by Design, Women’s Capital Club

"This door handle by Alvar Aalto captures the essence of empathetic design - it is functional, yet beautiful. When a person touches this handle, they know the designer was thinking about their comfort. The handle shows the importance of thinking about the smallest details." - Matthew Schottelkotte