Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Guthrie.
Hi Matthew, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a third-generation builder and a lifelong Austinite, so construction has always been a big part of my life. I grew up around the industry and eventually found my way into high-end residential construction, working with some great builders and learning not only the craft side of the business, but also building science, project management, and what it takes to create a really thoughtful home.
That experience eventually led me to start Format Construction, where I wanted to build a company around the way I thought projects should be run – with a high level of attention to detail, strong communication, and a hands-on approach throughout the entire process. We focus primarily on custom homes and complex remodels around Austin, and I’ve really enjoyed staying closely involved with the projects, clients, architects, and trades.
At the same time, the outdoors and conservation have always been a huge part of my life. In 2018, I started Hike Austin as a way to share some of the incredible natural places around Central Texas and hopefully get more people connected to them. What started pretty simply grew into a much larger community, and eventually I donated Hike Austin to Austin Parks Foundation so it could continue serving that purpose on a broader level.
In a lot of ways, those two paths have ended up overlapping. I spend my professional life building in a city that I really care about, and a lot of my life outside of work is focused on parks, wildlife, conservation, and protecting what makes Central Texas special. I think both have shaped how I look at growth, development, and what it means to be a good steward of the place you call home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not completely smooth. Starting and growing a construction company comes with a pretty steep learning curve. There is the building side, which I knew well, but then there is everything else that comes with owning a business – hiring, managing cash flow, building systems, finding the right clients, and learning when to say no to projects that may not be the right fit.
Construction itself also has a lot of variables you can’t always control. Every project is different, and you are constantly solving problems involving schedules, budgets, design changes, trades, and unexpected conditions. I think one of the biggest lessons for me has been learning how to stay adaptable without losing sight of the standards you want to maintain.
Hike Austin had its own challenges as it grew. What started as something pretty simple eventually became a much larger platform and responsibility. Figuring out how to grow it while still being thoughtful about sensitive natural areas, private property, and the impact of sharing places publicly was something I had to learn along the way.
Most of the challenges have ultimately been good ones. They’ve forced me to become more thoughtful about what I take on, how I work with people, and what I want both my business and the projects I’m involved with to stand for.
As you know, we’re big fans of Format Construction. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Format Construction is an Austin-based construction company focused primarily on high-end custom homes, major remodels, and technically challenging residential projects. We also take on select commercial work, but residential construction is really at the core of what we do.
What I want Format to be known for is thoughtful, well-executed construction and a very hands-on approach. I stay closely involved from the early budgeting and planning stages all the way through construction and punch. We work closely with architects, designers, clients, and trades, and I think that level of involvement makes a big difference, especially on complicated projects where there are a lot of details to coordinate.
My background is also heavily rooted in building science and high-performance construction, so we spend a lot of time thinking about how a building actually performs – water management, air sealing, insulation, durability, comfort, and all of the details that eventually get covered up. Those things may not always be the most visible part of a finished home, but they are some of the most important.
What I’m most proud of is that Format is building a reputation around quality, communication, and being a company people genuinely enjoy working with. I never want growth for the sake of growth. The goal is to take on great projects, work with good people, and build things we are proud to put our name on.
What makes you happy?
Being outside probably makes me happiest. Hiking, swimming, exploring new places, taking photos, or just spending time somewhere quiet in nature has always been a big reset for me.
I also really enjoy building things and seeing an idea turn into something tangible. That applies to construction, but also to projects, organizations, and even communities. There is something really satisfying about starting with an idea and slowly making it real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.formatconstruction.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/format.construction/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-guthrie-330367226/
