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Matthews managed the design, development, and construction of The Bow, a landmark office tower recognized by Emporis as one of the most spectacular buildings in the world.
Originally conceived as headquarters for a major oil and gas company during Calgary's energy boom, the project demanded adaptability when the lead tenant split into two entities mid-development. Matthews pivoted with the cycles, maintaining momentum through complex economic and organizational shifts to deliver a world-class building in partnership with Foster and Partners (London), whose trademark diagrid design became a defining feature of Calgary's skyline.
At 58 stories, The Bow's distinctive curved form was shaped by rigorous environmental and organizational analysis. Oriented south to maximize natural daylight and solar heat gain, the bow-shaped floor plan optimizes perimeter office space with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. The high-density complex integrates pedestrian-friendly design with multi-story atria throughout, creating climate-regulated communal spaces that blur the line between workplace and public realm.
Completed in 2013, The Bow has become iconic to Calgary – home to almost 2 million sq ft of office, retail, and communal space. The building itself is unique in its form and placement along the Bow River in downtown Calgary, featuring public artwork by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa that has become an attraction for residents and visitors alike.
More than a corporate headquarters, The Bow served as a catalyst for the revitalization of Calgary's Downtown East Village, demonstrating how thoughtful, high-performance architecture can reshape urban communities and set new standards for sustainable design in Canada.
