Matthew Shigihara

Matthew brings 35 years of experience in master planning and architectural design. He is a hands-on Principal who is acutely aware of the lasting impacts of the building industry, the value of quality design, the importance of sustainability and stewardship of the environment. As a pacific region lead based in NORR’s Sacramento Office, Matthew manages multiple subsector teams in creation of vision and strategic plan for the Commercial and Public Buildings Studios, including master planning, core & shell, mixed-use, tenant improvements, retail and industrial. He is a principal-in-charge and design principal, leading teams from the inception of the design process through execution of construction documentation and administration.

Matthew approaches and manages projects to provide creative, innovative and operational solutions for his clients. His philosophy builds upon a design process in understanding the critical and successful factors of the owner and users, providing designs in context to their surroundings, creating a “sense of place”, connecting and encouraging communication. For the past five years, Matthew has been serving on a regional committee to streamline the permit process. The PASS initiative, Prequalified Architectural Submittal System, is a collaborative process that increases the efficiency of the permit process, intended to save time and money for design professionals, owners, contractors, developers and jurisdictions.

To enhance his creative design process, Matthew spends some of his spare time painting in mixed media, watercolor and encaustics, the ancient medium of bees wax and dammar resin.