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Meet Matthijs Melchiors of MEL/ARCH architectural studio in Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthijs Melchiors.

Matthijs, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We are the architect and developer of a 40 unit shipping container office park. The building once complete will provide office accommodation to 31 small starts up businesses. The building is constructed entirely of shipping containers with each office measuring approximately 160 square ft in size.

We have tried to incorporate as many green and sustainable features as possible. We will have 2 vegetated roofs as well as a solar array which will make the building an energy neutral facility. The building typology and construction is very much cutting edge and increasingly more mainstream.

The building is located in a somewhat underdeveloped area of town and is intended to help spur growth. We have received financial incentives close to 90,000 from the city to help us realize this project. Expected completion is mid-July 2018. We are very excited and definitely interested in replicating this concept in other areas.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We had some initial hurdles with the city and city council, but after spending additional time on preparing physical scale models as well as renderings, we were able to convince the decision makers that this project would be a great catalyst project for the area.

During construction, we have done a lot of on-site training for the contractors. Building out of shipping containers is rather unconventional and traditional construction practices do not always apply.

MEL/ARCH architectural studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
MEL/ARCH is an architectural practice that focuses on new and innovative buildings and homes. We like to push the boundaries and create dynamic and well build structures that are very much in tune with their surroundings and are energy efficient. MEL/ARCH was founded in 2013. We have since expanded and offer design services throughout the United States. We do both residential and commercial, but our primary focus is on commercial design.

We are a forward-thinking company and that shows in the way we run our business and interact with our employees. We have plans on launching a furniture design company to complement and enhance our architectural design. This will likely start within the next 2-3 years.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is a very subjective measurement. I take great pride and satisfaction by knowing that I have made a positive contribution towards my employees and client. It does not matter how big or how small that is.

Contact Info:

  • Address: 1201 Evans Ave Suite 301 Fort Worth 76104
  • Website: www.melarch.com
  • Phone: 817-653-3007
  • Email: matthijs@melarch.com
  • Instagram: melarch studio
  • Facebook: melarch studio


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