Behind the Build: Matthew Bishop & Lucas McDowell: Bishop McDowell

Bishop McDowell is a design-forward architecture practice based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, co-founded by Matthew Bishop and Lucas McDowell in May 2024. Long-time collaborators, the two met while working at a Halifax-based architecture firm, where they spent years refining their skills on residential projects and developing a mutual respect for each other’s approach to design, detail, and construction. A pivotal shared project—one they visited 3 to 4 times a week—cemented their partnership and led to the organic decision to launch their own studio.

Matthew Bishop, originally from Nova Scotia, followed a nontraditional path into architecture. He studied biology and kinesiology and worked in medical research before pursuing his passion for design. After enrolling at Dalhousie University's School of Architecture in 2014, he completed co-op terms in Tucson, Arizona, and Halifax. His exposure to the dramatic desert landscape and strong regional architecture of the American Southwest expanded his perspective on materiality and form. He brings nearly a decade of experience to the partnership, with deep interests in on-site construction dialogue, client relationships, and design process.

Lucas McDowell, from Irishtown, New Brunswick, came to architecture through a background in drawing and graphic design. After initially studying sciences, he shifted to a local design program, working as a freelance graphic designer before an uncle in the architecture industry encouraged him to consider architecture school. He enrolled at Dalhousie, where he built a portfolio from scratch and dove headfirst into architectural studies. His co-op terms included stints at MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple in Halifax and Bing Thom Architects (now Revery Architecture) in Vancouver, giving him exposure to contrasting design methodologies and scales of practice.

Bishop McDowell’s work is rooted in curiosity and experimentation. The studio maintains a dual focus on commissioned residential projects and speculative design explorations—often geometric, sculptural, and unconstrained by client briefs. These speculative projects, like the “Tilt House,” not only stretch their design thinking but also attract new commissions and stimulate conversation within the architectural community.

Since launching, the studio has built a network by engaging with local entrepreneurs, designers, and developers. Their early commissions—such as a residence in Lawrencetown and a commercial headquarters—gave the practice early momentum. Their practice is shaped by a true partnership—equal parts support, challenge, and shared vision—with aspirations to expand into civic and public architecture in the coming years.

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