Matt knew early on that design was his calling. As a child, he spent hours building cities and houses with Legos, inspired by a family member he called “Uncle Ray”, Ray Chocholek, who founded the architectural firm Interplan in 1972 and became a well-known architect in the Chicago-land area. That early influence, paired with a natural curiosity about how spaces work, set Matt on his path long before his professional career began.
In 2006, Matt joined Ancon Construction with more than ambition, he arrived with architectural models and drawings in the back of his car. Encouraged by a neighbor who was an Ancon client, he interviewed for an internship that would ultimately shape his career.
While completing his architecture studies, Matt interned with Ancon every summer and school break from 2006 through 2010. After earning his Master’s Degree in Architecture, he was brought on full-time. The hands-on experience gained during those years laid the foundation for what would become a 15-year, and counting, career.
Matt’s early role focused on learning the fundamentals in design and he was quickly trusted with greater responsibility, helping design a chapel addition for Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home was one of his early projects as an intern.
As his role grew, Matt began guiding clients through the full design process, from early visioning to project completion. Early in his career, he also contributed to Ancon’s marketing efforts, helping develop website content, news articles, and qualifications packages for projects such as Goshen Middle School and Goshen High School.
Matt helped Ancon stand out through early visualization efforts, producing conceptual renderings, that allowed clients to see ideas take shape. Those skills evolved alongside technology and now include immersive 3D walkthroughs that enhance the client experience.
That passion has since shaped his niche in nonprofit, educational, and community-based projects. One of his most memorable is the Ethos Science Center, which transformed a historic former Miles Laboratory building into a vibrant hub for science education. Smaller community-focused efforts, such as rebuilding the Oxbow Tower, reflect Matt’s belief that projects of all sizes can create a lasting and meaningful impact on the community.
Known for bold, intentional use of color, patterns, and ceiling design, Matt’s work can be seen in projects such as Ethos, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, Ryan’s Place, and Dustin’s Place, spaces elevated through creativity and thoughtful design that support each organization’s mission.
What continues to motivate Matt is problem-solving. Helping clients turn ideas into meaningful, functional spaces drives him every day. One of Matt’s proudest accomplishments is the Shady Creek Winery, a true team effort. Completed amid COVID-related challenges, the multi-phase project required close collaboration between Ancon’s design team, project management, and a first-time winery owner, resulting in an integrated and thoughtfully designed space.
Matt credits Ancon’s Employee Owner culture and Integrated Design-Build® approach as key factors that have shaped his long-term commitment to the company. Having design and construction under one roof fosters collaboration, accountability, and better outcomes for clients.
With more than 50 years in business, Ancon Construction continues to evolve, and Matt has experienced that growth firsthand. The move into the new office has strengthened collaboration between design and field teams and reinforced the company’s commitment to its Employee Owners, values reflected throughout Matt’s 15-year journey with Ancon Construction.
