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Matt Thornton

Matt Thornton

Architect and Project ManagerDake Wells Architecture

Matt joined Dake Wells in 2008 and has honed his skills as an experienced project manager and project architect on a broad range of project types. In these roles, he is responsible for project design and management, as well as information systems integration within the firm.

Matt’s experience includes the design and production of numerous municipal facilities, banking facilities, corporate offices, multi-family housing, and education facilities. To each project, Matt brings his kind demeanor and a passion and diligence for project management and detail of all sorts - from communication to construction detailing.

In 2021, Matt was honored with a prestigious national Young Architects Award from the American Institute of Architects. Matt was one of only 20 honorees selected from a national pool of nominees.

Education: Bachelor of Architecture degree from Hammons School of Architecture at Drury University

Wed Oct 288:00 AM – 9:00 AM

By the Bootstraps, CTE Adaptability in the Ozark Hills

What if a career center could feel as aspirational as the futures it creates? Table Rock Career Center proves it can. Nestled into the Ozarks hillside…What if a career center could feel as aspirational as the futures it creates? Table Rock Career Center proves it can. Nestled into the Ozarks hillside, this facility was designed around one big idea — that every student deserves a bright, welcoming, …What if a career center could feel as aspirational as the futures it creates? Table Rock Career Center proves it can. Nestled into the Ozarks hillside, this facility was designed around one big idea — that every student deserves a bright, welcoming, and purposeful place to explore and learn a trade. See how thoughtful design, modest materials, and a commitment to continuous change created a space where career learning truly comes alive.What if a career center could feel as aspirational as the futures it creates? Table Rock Career Center proves it can. Nestled into the Ozarks hillside, this facility was designed around one big idea — that every student deserves a bright, welcoming, and purposeful place to explore and learn a trade. See how thoughtful design, modest materials, and a commitment to continuous change created a space where career learning truly comes alive.Show MoreClick the title to see all details

EDsession (60 minutes in classrooms)Session TypeTRACK 1: Learning Spaces, Reimagined — Evolving physical spaces shaping the future of learningSession Track
Matt Thornton
Brandon Dake
Shane Dublin
Cody Hirschi
Shawn Randles
Matt Thornton
Matt ThorntonArchitect and Project Manager, Dake Wells Architecture
Brandon Dake
Brandon DakeExecutive Director, Architect and Principal in Charge, Dake Wells Architecture
Shane Dublin
Shane DublinAssistant Superintendent of Operations, Reeds Spring School District
Cody Hirschi
Cody HirschiSuperintendent, Reeds Spring School District
Shawn Randles
Shawn RandlesEducation Specialist, Dake-Wells Architecture
Matt Thornton
Matt ThorntonArchitect and Project Manager, Dake Wells Architecture
Brandon Dake
Brandon DakeExecutive Director, Architect and Principal in Charge, Dake Wells Architecture
Shane Dublin
Shane DublinAssistant Superintendent of Operations, Reeds Spring School District
Cody Hirschi
Cody HirschiSuperintendent, Reeds Spring School District
Shawn Randles
Shawn RandlesEducation Specialist, Dake-Wells Architecture
Tags:Group A
Allow Registration:No
Capacity Unlimited:No
Indicate how the topic is applicable to Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) Design credits.:N/A
Learner Engagement:We will interact and collaborative with all the adult learners by engaging them in digital tools such as Padlet and Menti-meter; We will facilitate interactive, choice-based small groups based on experience driven case studies provided by the learners; We will use micro-learning feedback through pictorial storytelling.
Learning Objective 1:RECOGNIZE how aspirational physical design — including daylighting, spatial organization, and material honesty — directly influences student motivation, engagement, and sense of belonging in career and technical education environments.
Thu Oct 298:00 AM – 9:00 AM

FOMO: We’ve Transformed our School and You Can Too!

Pleasant Lea Middle School struggled with a cramped, dark, and mazelike environment that undermined student wellbeing, wayfinding, and created an ineq…Pleasant Lea Middle School struggled with a cramped, dark, and mazelike environment that undermined student wellbeing, wayfinding, and created an inequitable learning environment. The collaborative design process centered on reorganizing and moderniz…Pleasant Lea Middle School struggled with a cramped, dark, and mazelike environment that undermined student wellbeing, wayfinding, and created an inequitable learning environment. The collaborative design process centered on reorganizing and modernizing the physical environment through sensory-aware, inclusive, and wellness-driven principles. The result is a dramatic shift — from disorienting and dim to airy, bright, and intuitive — proving that …Pleasant Lea Middle School struggled with a cramped, dark, and mazelike environment that undermined student wellbeing, wayfinding, and created an inequitable learning environment. The collaborative design process centered on reorganizing and modernizing the physical environment through sensory-aware, inclusive, and wellness-driven principles. The result is a dramatic shift — from disorienting and dim to airy, bright, and intuitive — proving that thoughtful environmental design can fundamentally change how students and staff feel, move, and perform.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More

EDsession (60 minutes in classrooms)Session TypeTRACK 5: Building for Safety & Well-Being—from Construction to CompletionSession Track
Martha Kauffman
Matt Thornton
Brandon Dake
Kyle Gorrell
Shawn Randles
Martha Kauffman
Martha KauffmanAssistant Director of Design and Construction, Lee's Summit R-7 Schools
Matt Thornton
Matt ThorntonArchitect and Project Manager, Dake Wells Architecture
Brandon Dake
Brandon DakeExecutive Director, Architect and Principal in Charge, Dake Wells Architecture
Kyle Gorrell
Kyle GorrellDirector of Facilities, Lee's Summit R-7 School District
Shawn Randles
Shawn RandlesEducation Specialist, Dake-Wells Architecture
Martha Kauffman
Martha KauffmanAssistant Director of Design and Construction, Lee's Summit R-7 Schools
Matt Thornton
Matt ThorntonArchitect and Project Manager, Dake Wells Architecture
Brandon Dake
Brandon DakeExecutive Director, Architect and Principal in Charge, Dake Wells Architecture
Kyle Gorrell
Kyle GorrellDirector of Facilities, Lee's Summit R-7 School District
Shawn Randles
Shawn RandlesEducation Specialist, Dake-Wells Architecture
Tags:Group B
Allow Registration:No
Capacity Unlimited:No
Indicate how the topic is applicable to Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) Design credits.:N/A
Learner Engagement:We will interact and collaborative with all the adult learners by engaging them in digital tools such as Padlet and Menti-meter; We will facilitate interactive, choice-based small groups based on experience driven case studies provided by the learners; We will use micro-learning feedback through pictorial storytelling.
Learning Objective 1:IDENTIFY specific environmental design elements — including acoustics, lighting, materiality, and spatial layout — that directly impact the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing of students, educators, and staff in more collaborative learning environment without sacrificing safety and security.