Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Melnyk.
Matthew, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Nous started as a couple of engineers that left the corporate world wanting to personalize how we did business. We started off working on artwork and large scale experimental architecture. We’re not designers but we have a strong interest in it, particularly how we plug into the design process. Through word of mouth our practice expanded to take on a much wider breadth of project types and scales. Those early days were exciting and laid the groundwork for who we are today. For instance, it is important to us to be a unique resource in the industry. So, as we grow, we take care to do so in a way that reinforces our core values and unique qualities. On some basic level we felt we had to set up an office with staff and an atmosphere that mirrors the type of work we want to do and who we want to work with. It’s funny, clients come to our office and often comment how it feels like an architecture firm. I’ve been asked, “Where are the engineers??”. In a way it’s true. We are not your typical group of engineers. Everyone here has an interest or background in design and, as engineers, we strive to solve problems the way our clients (designers) want us to.
I love what I do every day. I love who I work with and I love that we built this space for ourselves. The best part is working with young engineers, our junior staff, and helping them along the way.
Has it been a smooth road?
As a start-up company, the biggest challenge was building an infrastructure that allows us to focus on the work and do our best work. Of course, running the business was a huge learning curve. Fortunately, I have great partners and we work well as a team. Another challenge was marketing. We knew we had something special but it took time to learn the right way to share our values with clients, communicating our strengths while not reducing ourselves with typical “marketing” speak. We’re still working on our elevator pitch.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are structural engineers who work with Architects and designers to help them build their work – it could be a 60 foot art piece at Coachella, a hospital in Africa, or a seismic retrofit where we can save a historic building to be used safely. We interface closely with designers, building officials, contractors, etc. A client or designer will come to us with an idea and they very much hope this idea will be nurtured and cared for – in a way – as it takes shape. This is what we do. Projects evolve during the design process. It is important to us to understand and preserve the initial inspiration and use it as a guide throughout. Often times, it isn’t how good the initial idea is but how well work you with others and execute.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is an incredible place to start a business. Particularly in this industry, right now, there is so much work with good, inspiring people. We love the designers we work with. It feels like a gift. What else can you say about LA? It’s a beautiful city with a refreshingly independent spirit! There is a hunger in this city for independent thinkers which I think allows our company to flourish. It should also be stated there is an incredible talent pool of smart young professionals and our team reflects that.
Contact Info:
- Address: 527 West 7th, Suite 701
- Website: www.nousengineering.com
- Phone: 2136276687
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nousla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nous-Engineering/387145151493679
Image Credit:
Scott Mayoral
MASS Design Group
Joshua White
Rob Ley May
Oyler Wu Collaborative
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