M.Arch
PORTFOLIO
Clemson
University School of Architecture
Matthew Ngango
MATTHEW NGANGO
Ugandan (East African) mngango@clemson.edu
LinkedIn: Matthew Ngango
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Honors)
Uganda Martyrs University 2017
Languages: English and Luganda
Master of Architecture
Clemson University 2022 to May 2025 (Graduation)
Community Research + Design Center Graduate Assistant
Member of The Clemson University School of Architecture Student Advisory Board
Graduate Advisor of The Clemson Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (cNOMAS)
Co-Vice President of Events of The Graduate Architecture Professional Partnership (GAPP)
Jury Panel for Clemson Architecture studio presentations: ARCH 2520 (02/16/24) instructor Bryan Beerman
Section 3, Arch 3500 (08/09/24) instructor Clarissa A Mendez
Arch 8210 (12/12/24) instrutor Dina Battisto
Volunteered
Clemson NewSpring Church: Worship band and Gauntlet Kampala International Church Kajjansi: Worship band and Leadership Engineering Ministries International
Matthew Ngango is passionate about exploring and communicating ideas in architecture. He believes that clarity of information and respect for others through collaboration is crucial to discovering, developing, representing, and presenting impactful solutions to challenges. With experience in both professional practice and academic settings, Matthew has worked in many team environments where he values learning from and celebrating the contributions of others. He prioritizes his personal growth to contribute to the success of teams and projects while also applying his growth as a team member to foster shared progress. Matthew uses physical models and drawings to engage in dialogue and collaboratively solve problems. Additionally, he is committed to developing his skills in CAD modeling to share design information effectively and enhance collaboration.
Clemson University Clemson, SC
Engineering Minsitries International (eMi) Kajjansi, Uganda
Graduate Assistant for Community Research + Design Center (CR+DC)
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
The Black Heritage Trail Project
Graduate Teaching Assistant
S2208-ARCH-2510 Arch Foundations I - 001 - 81312
S2301-ARCH-2520 Arch Foundations II - 001 - 10144
Assistant Project Manager (Design and Construction)
Led a masterplan project of a 67 acre campus with a team of 6 people
Led two detail design office projects totaling 2000 sq meters with an average team of 6 people
Led a 7 day master plan & concept project trip with a team of 8 people, and followup production with 4 people
Managed design of two phased construction projects totalling $1.955 million
Supervised and trained 2 Interns
Architectural Technologist
Participated in production of 10 projects
Participated in research for 3 projects
Carried out one post-occupancy assessment
Intern
Participated in production for 6 projects
Enumarator for an International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) universal biogas survey, Mpigi
Collected data from over 50 homesteads
Carried out data entry
Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Uganda
Afrepren/fwd-Energy, Environment and Development Network for Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
AWARDS
Enumarator for Supporting African Municipalities in Sustainable Energy Transitions (SAMSET) Kasese and Jinja state of energy study
Collected data from over 20 homesteads
Carried out data entry
Intern (Field experience/ construction work) with Chinese National Aerotechnology International Engineering Corporation (CATIC) at Acacia
Commercial Development, Kampala Site field study
Intern
Produced reports
Updated the organization’s website (daily)
Carried out procurement and office operation tasks
AIA COTE 10 for Students Award
SARA National Student Honor Award
HKS Southeast Design Fellowship
Clemson University School of Architecture Martin Davis Award & TB Kendrick Arch Fellowship
Uganda Society of Architects Best Student Award
Berkeley Essay Prize Competition Semi-Finalist
SKILLS/ TRAINING
Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GIS Arch Pro, Charrette Graphics, Hand Sketching, Welding, Leadership, Teamwork
GIS Fundamentals Workshop Series Completion at Clemson Center for Geospatial Technologies
World Health Organisation Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) Treatment
Facility Design Training
Autodesk Revit 2019 Essentials/ Intermediate training
Autodesk Building Energy Performance Analysis Certificate (BPAC)
St. Lawrence Textile School
Asheville, North Carolina Studio 2 (Individual) Spring 2023
Cherish Heart Entebbe, Uganda
Professional Work with eMi 2017
Clemson University Wellness Precinct
Clemson, South Carolina Studio 1 (Individual) Fall 2022
The Amazima Secondary School Jinja, Uganda
Professional Work with eMi
2017-2022
Pre-design to post-occupancy services
The Black Heritage Trail Clemson, South Carolina Studio 4 (Group) Spring 2024
With Andrew Fulmer, Mina Keshavarzi, Jaymz Neumann, Ally Lawson, and Madeline Walker.
Alamihi Village
Lahaina, Hawaii
Studio 3 (Group) Fall 2023
With Jared Cook
The Alamihi project tackles the profound challenge of rebuilding Lahaina City in Maui after one of the most devastating wildfires in US history that happened in August 2023. Focusing on a 9-acre site at the edge of the devastation, the project is optimistic, exploring opportunities for cultural conservation, ecological restoration, and economic development.
Major Individual Contribution Research Hand Drawing Modeling
Lessons learned: Using the AIA Framework for Design Excellence to evaluate design decisions
Tools: Rhino, Hand Drawing, and Photoshop
Site analysis (Kahoma watershed, historic ponds) and proposal sketches
Site layout iterations Exploration using overlay of collated Lahaina architectural character destroyed by the fire
Three ideas drive the project:
• Restore the historic Alamihi pond covered by a parking lot;
• Offer a pedestrian-friendly street connecting two historical features (Front Street and the Mala Wharf);
• Provide sustainable shelter that responds to the loss by the fire
Project axon hand drawing exploring textures overlayed on a rhino massing drawing
St. Lawrence Textile School
Asheville, North Carolina Studio 2 (Individual) Spring 2023
St. Lawrence textile school is a proposed community project in partnership with the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville, North Carolina. This partnership is rooted in the Basilica’s interest in preserving the heritage and the historical connection of textiles and Asheville. The site is located beside the Basilica, bordered by Haywood Street, which connects the project to downtown Asheville to the south, and US Highway 70, which separates the site from a residential area to the north.
Lessons learned: Managing form exploration through modeling and sketching to provide acceptable technical and aesthetic qualities that fit the context.
Tools: AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Hand Drawing
The project optimizes scale and textiles themes to fit within its context with respect to the Basilica
Two wings form a courtyard linking the project to the basilica, and the fabric screens provide an expressive sunshading system
1st floor serves the public with a gallery space, a public studio space, a restaurant, and an auditorium.
2nd and 3rd floors accommodate the school program with studio spaces, offices, meeting spaces, some classrooms, and a lab.
4th to 6th floor forms a tower of residentials that serves up to 72 residents with options for married couples.
7th floor is a private gym for the residents.
The courtyard offers a shared, intimate space separated from the traffic
The initial idea sketch was improved for an appropriate scale with the Basilica
7th floor Roof
6th floor
5th floor
4th floor
3rd floor
2nd floor
1st floor
Foundation Parking
Lateral load support from wind/ soil retention
Shear wall/ Shaft
Load from Slab to foundation
The office and learning spaces are visually connected to the auditorium
Inspired by Alvar Aalto’s vase designs, the spaces are defined by undulating walls that mimic curtain drapery
Cherish Heart Entebbe, Uganda
Professional Work with eMi 2017-2019
Masterplan to Construction
As an intern in 2018, I contributed to updating the master plan for a 19.58-acre site owned by Cherish Uganda. My work included producing drawings and reports for a project scope encompassing a primary school, clinic update, administration building, secondary school, dormitories, and auxiliary spaces.
The master plan prioritized creating a safe and welcoming environment. A key highlight was the Cherish Heart, a 5380 ft² administration hub providing office, meeting, and dining spaces. Informed by a post-occupancy study, the design emphasized strong indoor and outdoor connections. I developed conceptual design drawings and assisted in design management during its construction.
Major Individual Contribution Production, Request for Information coordination, shop drawing reviews, and site inspection.
Lessons learned: Developing and communicating the design intent throughout the design and construction process.
Tools: AutoCAD
The Cherish Heart. Photo credit: Andre Olwagen.
Ground Floor Plan
Roof Slopes
I coordinated the design process with the eMi workshop team to fabricate signage, ensuring aesthetic alignment. Photo credit: Megan Ross.
The building includes covered outdoor gathering and meeting areas, where I coordinated with the landscape architect to enhance the design intent and overall functionality. Photo credit: Megan Ross.
I focused on architectural production for the concept design.
Clemson
University Wellness Precinct
Clemson, South Carolina Studio 1 (Individual) Fall 2022
Photo by Casey Cole
The Clemson University Wellness Precinct is a master plan and schematic project addressing one of the campus’ edges along the Perimeter Road redevelopment. The project suggests a collection of building masses that define a campus wellness district while providing a pedestrian-friendly entrance. This provides a new, vibrant gateway with connected buildings and outdoor terraces that modify the steep slope condition, resulting from the road redevelopment.
Lessons learned: I explored visual graphics as a tool for designing and representation during desk crits, and this opened more direct communication channels with my tutors and colleagues. This was more beneficial than just utilizing this tool for presentations.
Tools: Hand drawing and physical modeling
Low-fidelity paper model exploring massing and terracing
Mid-fidelity model exploring the relationship between the project and existing neighboring buildings. Photos by Casey Cole
Bike repair and rental Gardens Auditorium, game rooms, yoga rooftop
rooms, Access to outdoor terraces
Offices, counseling rooms, eatery, and rooftop gardening
The threshold between the project and an existing building, 3 hall, aligns with a campus’s primary grid
Longitudinal section
Bike repair and rental Gardens
Access to outdoor terraces
Auditorium, game rooms, yoga rooftop
building, Lee
Cross section
Visual connection to the wellness gardens from an architectural studio in Lee 3 hall
Site view analysis
Exploring opportunities on stepped horizontal planes
The wellness precinct edge on the campus
Site connection to Lake Hartwell
The Amazima Secondary School Jinja, Uganda
Professional Work with eMi 2017-2022
Pre-design to post-occupancy services
I contributed significantly to the development of a 67-acre secondary school campus for Amazima Ministry International, advancing from Intern to Assistant Project Manager. My roles included assessing client needs, updating master plans, preparing construction documentation, conducting site inspections, and managing post-occupancy assessments. I played a key role in constructing classrooms, housing, and a student center with a library, collaborating with various trades.
In 2021, I led the design of the 1,700 m² AM Hub administration building, handling the project brief, site analysis, conceptual design, and BIM-based documentation. The building, which includes offices, conference rooms, a break room, and a 200-person assembly area.
Major Individual Contribution
Leadership and coordination
Concept development
Master plan design
Production
Lessons learned: Facilitating meetings, managing expectations, coordinating design and construction administration.
Tools: AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Teams and Excell
The Amazima Secondary School Campus. Photo by Adam Gordon
Arranged along steep slopes, the campus features modular buildings integrated into lush vegetation. Guided by the themes of ‘Peace’ and ‘Plenty,’ a phased master plan design ensures harmony between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Exterior sidewalks connect the buildings along the slope. Photo by Adam Gordon
The AM Hub office building was designed to unite different apartments
Photo by Adam Gordon
The Black Heritage Trail Clemson, South Carolina Studio 4 (Group) Spring 2024
With Andrew Fulmer, Mina
and
Keshavarzi, Ally Lawson,
Madeline Walker.
Keshavarzi, Jaymz Neumann,
The Black Heritage Trail (BHT) project aims to place stories of Black Heritage back on the landscape of the City of Clemson, Clemson University, and the City of Seneca. The project involved working with representatives from these three communities, with the studio divided into three groups. This section reflects my team’s work with the Clemson University site, which is defined by seven unique story sites that must be united with a common theme and architectural intervention.
Major Individual Contribution
Leadership and coordination
Graphics design
Concept development
Modeling
Lessons learned: Using different tools to engage community representatives in design by making models and appropriate graphics.
Tools: Rhino, Hand Drawing, Illustrator, and Photoshop
Units connection pieces
Unit- Corten Steel Fabricated Parts
34 unique types of parts
Total of 68 cut parts
The concept of a witness tree emerges as a poignant symbol of acknowledgment, rooted in the very soil that bears witness to the passage of generations. Just as the rings of a tree tell the story of its growth, so do the columns of a porch serve as pillars of remembrance, each bearing the weight of individual narratives that converge to form a collective legacy.
To bear witness to this history is to stand at the crossroads of time, where the past intersects with the present in a dance of memory and reflection. It is a profound experience, one that invites contemplation and introspection as we navigate the landscape of the university.
Roof cover
Purlin plates
Top Cap plate
Connection plates
Roof end plates
Beam plates
Brace plates
Column plates
Stiffner ring
Base and connection plates
Signage on Column Independent Signage
Reinforced Concrete Base
Reflection
Signage on the roof cover
Column
One of the studio’s significant outputs was developing prototypes for the interventions. Using 3/16” corten steel as the primary material, the studio explored ideas, using planar technologies like laser cutting to prepare models and explore fabrication ideas. The studio was able to draft fabrication drawings, coordinate with a steel vendor to cut steel plates, logistically prepare the parts for welding, weld, and install one of the porch ideas. Due to time restrictions, the other two ideas were not assembled and installed, but the students received the steel parts.
I spent over 50 hours welding over the 2024 Spring and Summer
We used scaled physical modeling to investigate efficient installation options.
ADA Walkway
ADA Walkway
Fort Hill House Existing Path
Signage Story Boards
Swing facing the stories
Engrave names on the wall cap
BHT Campus Sites
Art Installation Garden
Fort Hill House
Workers at Calhoun ENSLAVED DOMESTICS & CARPENTERS
-cooked, cleaned, caretakers, gardeners, etc.
-added 10 rooms to the house and likely built kitchen and two other workspaces, quarters
Existing SignageSpring House
Matilda ENSLAVED PERSONS
Matilda was the Caroline who were was 10 years old at Fort Hill when granddaughter Eva of the first generation graduate from high
Signage-Fort Hill
Fort Hill House
BHT Red Swing
Porch
ENSLAVED PERSONS OF THE CALHOUNS
Marie Elizabeth Venning was born into enslavement at Fort Hill on December 29, 1842. She was “given” to Floride Clemson by her grandmother, Floride Calhoun.
PERSONS OF THE CALHOUNS
daughter of Sharper and were enslaved at Fort Hill. She when she was emancipated when the Civil War ended. Her Eva Hester was one a member generation in their family to high school and attend college.
OLD STONE CHURCH
Pastor of the Old Stone Church in Clemson who owned 25 enslaved persons.
South Carolina Historic Marker
Signage- Demolished Slave Quarters
Proposed wall
Proposed Garden
Existing Street Light with Signage
Art Installation Area
Exisitng Stone Wall
Location Map
BHT
Rev. James McElhenney
Marie Calhoun Vennings
Other
South Carolina Fabrication (Group) and Charrette Graphics Spring 2024 With Community Research + Design
Below are other projects and exercises that provided significant growth toward understanding how to work with steel (design, fabrication, and installation) and using charrette drawing skills to quickly and effectively explore and communicate projects. I have developed a passion and interest in these two widely different sets of skills.
Fabrication and complete installation of one of the Black Heritage Trail prototypes Clemson Built Environment Laboratory (BEL)- Photo by Dan Harding
Fabrication and Installation of “Theatre of Play” at Nicholtown, Greenville
Charrette drawing skill development
Hand sketching skill development - carbon and prismacolor pencils, oil pastels, watercolor, and mixed medium.
