ARCHITECT CHAD MATTISON HAS SHAPED HIS PRACTICE AROUND A SIMPLE YET ENDURING belief: The best homes are designed for the people who live in them, not the magazines that might feature them. It’s an approach that earned the Atlanta-based architect a reputation for authenticity and practicality and for having a genuine interest in the lives of his clients. His approach is as personal as it is professional, shaped not only by years of training with some of the most esteemed architects in the country but also by the day-to-day realities of raising triplets. That blend of rigor and real life brings a rare perspective—one that quietly reveals itself in every project he takes on.
Mattison’s introduction to architecture began with a simple equation: a talent for math and drawing, paired with the encouragement of his mother. “When you’re a kid, you want to be everything, but I was really good at math and drawing, so my mom nudged me toward the left-brain path. When I went to college, architecture just made sense,” he says. This pragmatic beginning proved to be an early indicator of the practical approach that would define his career.
During Auburn University’s rigorous architecture program, Mattison mastered his craft through traditional methods. “We didn’t use computers; it was all graphite and erasers,” he recalls. This traditional training method had a significant influence on his approach to home design. “I’m very grateful for that training because it forces you to think holistically about a house and focus on the details early in the process.” This foundation instilled not only an eye for beauty but also a deep understanding of constructability. “My drawings are never just an idea on paper; I know they can be built and built without costing $10 million.”
After college, Mattison apprenticed under some of Atlanta’s most respected architects, including Ward Seymour and Norman Askins. Under Seymour, a postmodernist who blended historical styles with modern elements, Mattison spent countless hours perfecting intricate drawings, learning to visualize every component of a structure. This discipline proved invaluable, shaping his ability to guide clients through the often intangible process of imaging their future homes. “I take it for granted that people can visualize, but often they can’t. I’ve been working on a computer now for 25 years, but I still like to draw,” he says.
His time with Askins from 2002 to 2007 was equally formative. “Norman trains all of the best architects in Atlanta, and he’s so supportive,” Mattison says. The mentorship he received prepared him not only technically but also professionally for the challenge of going out on his own. In 2007, Mattison took the leap into independent practice. The timing was both ambitious and challenging, as the country entered the Great Recession and he and his wife welcomed triplets.
Rather than seeing his growing family and the slow economy as obstacles to professional success, Mattison embraced the lessons they taught him about efficiency, patience and understanding of people’s real needs. Raising his children, one of whom has now followed in his footsteps to become an architect, gave him insights into how families actually live in their homes and how their needs might evolve over time. As the building economy went from bust to boom, his lived experience remained a cornerstone of his design philosophy and a key factor in his client relationships.
Mattison has often been described as a “concierge architect,” a term that captures the highly personalized nature of his practice. His business is built on word-of-mouth referrals, a deliberate choice that allows him to forgo social media and traditional marketing. “Going out on my own, I knew I wanted to be authentic and stay true to myself,” he says. “Keeping the practice small gave me the freedom to focus on my kids for a long time and the ability to devote my energy to creating the best possible homes for my clients.”
For Mattison, keeping his practice intentionally small isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s a design philosophy. His boutique firm reflects his conviction that great architecture stems from deep, personal relationships with the people who will live in the homes he designs. “I’m very one-on-one; clients can call me or text me anytime,” he says. This level of availability might seem unsustainable or rare in an industry known for layers of intermediaries, but for Mattison, it’s essential to create homes that truly serve their owners. Rather than starting with style boards or budget spreadsheets, Mattison begins each project with conversations about life “The first thing we talk about is what their family is like and where they see themselves 10 years from now,” he explains. It’s this forward-looking, lifestyle-driven approach that allows him to craft spaces that evolve with their owners—homes that feel lived-in before the first brick is laid.
As someone who has witnessed firsthand how quickly children grow up and a family’s needs shift throughout every life stage, Mattison designs with longevity in mind. “I’ve seen too many houses built for young families that have awkward spaces with no purpose in a very short time,” he says. To counter this, his architectural solutions prioritize adaptability and aging in place. Wider doorways, open circulation paths and flexible layouts aren’t just thoughtful touches; they’re strategic choices that allow a home to grow gracefully alongside its inhabitants.
The principle of form follows function guides every decision Mattison makes. “I like pretty houses as much as anyone else, but I am very focused on how it actually functions,” he says. While his personal aesthetic leans toward old-world English, classic symmetry and country vernacular, and elements that will never go out of style, he’s careful not to impose his preferences on clients. “I don’t push my style on people,” he explains, emphasizing that each home should reflect his clients, not the architect.
His philosophy extends to his financial stewardship of client resources. “I don’t spend my clients’ money frivolously on areas of design that can be achieved in other ways. No matter how much money you have, nobody wants to be wasteful,” he says. This practical approach to budgeting, combined with his construction knowledge, means clients can trust that their investment will be used wisely.
Geographically, Mattison’s work spans the Southeast, with particular focus on areas that allow for creative freedom. He maintains a strong relationship with neighborhoods in Reynolds, Georgia, known for its natural beauty, and works throughout North Atlanta, including Milton, Alpharetta, Brookhaven and the Lake Lanier area. Recently, his attention has turned toward Auburn, Alabama. “I’m drawn to lake houses and more rural settings because you can have exactly what you want without a myriad of restrictions,” he explains.
Mattison’s current project exemplifies his thoughtful approach to design. Located in Reynolds, the 4,500-square-foot home combines shingle-style architecture with a dash of Nantucket flavor, featuring a stone water table and accent walls. The story-and-a-half design maximizes gorgeous views through strategic angles while maintaining intimate scale. “I like what happens to the scale of the house when you bring down the knee wall. It makes it cozier and more comfortable,” he says. The design features practical elements, including a main-floor primary bedroom for the young family, abundant natural light through an angled front porch and a dramatic two-story vaulted space in the family room.
Though digital tools have long been standard in architectural practice, Mattison still prefers to reach for a pencil when exploring initial concepts. After more than 25 years of computer drafting, this tactile connection to his work reflects his broader philosophy of staying grounded in the fundamentals of good design.
Whether he’s reimagining a modest bungalow or orchestrating a ground-up build, Mattison approaches each project with the same quiet rigor and respect. His philosophy is refreshingly unpretentious: Architecture isn’t about leaving a personal stamp; it’s about crafting a home that fits seamlessly into the rhythm of its owners’ lives. *
Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.
