Who We Are

At c2architecturestudio, our approach is simple, thoughtful, and driven by purpose. We believe in an integrated, research-based design process that is both rigorous and responsive. We listen carefully to our clients, collaborating closely to create spaces of the highest quality through responsible, intentional methodologies. We are committed to building lasting partnerships, where collaboration fuels innovation and shared success.

c2architecturestudio has been recognized by noteworthy awards, including an AIA/DC Unbuilt Award, SARA Design Award, and an AIA National Honor Award. c2’s original work has been exhibited at the Kibel Gallery, Cranbrook Art Museum, District Architecture Center, Detroit Public Library, FLAK Gallery, and the Detroit Artists’ Market.

Julie Ju-Youn Kim, FAIA

Julie Ju-Youn Kim, FAIA is founder and principal of c2architecturestudio. For Julie, architecture is both a discipline and a personal journey. Growing up as the daughter of Korean immigrants, she learned early on to navigate questions of belonging, identity, and place - experiences that continue to shape her work today. She is drawn to design’s potential to build bridges: between people and spaces, between community histories and future possibilities, and between what is measurable and what is perceived. Her work is driven by a belief in the social and cultural responsibility of architecture and the quiet power of thoughtful, intentional design. She has been featured in SPACE, Korean Architect, and Architectural Record.

In addition to leading her practice, Julie serves as the William H. Harrison Professor and Chair of the School of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is the founder and director of the Flourishing Communities Collaborative, an interdisciplinary research and design lab focused on advancing equity and community-based design. Julie is widely recognized for her leadership in architectural education and design pedagogy. She is the recipient of the 2024 AIAS Educator Impact Honor Award, the 2023 AIA Georgia Educator of the Year, and the 2023 ACSA Collaborative Practice Award for her work bridging academia and practice through replicable, equity-centered engagement models. In 2025, she was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows, one of the highest honors in the profession, recognizing her significant contributions to architecture.

Her research and teaching investigate the evolving discipline and practice of architecture through interdisciplinary, data-driven methodologies that address social and cultural challenges in the built environment. Her work has been supported by the New Venture Fund/Public Interest Technology University Network and the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation.

Julie’s publications reflect her commitment to interdisciplinary architectural education and include:

  • Interdisciplinary Design Thinking in Architecture Education (Editor and Author, Routledge, 2023)

  • Teaching Carbon Neutrality: A Compilation of Award-Winning Architectural Design Studio Methodologies (Contributor, Routledge, 2025)

  • Teaching and Designing in Detroit: Ten Women on Pedagogy and Practice (Contributor, Routledge, 2020)

Julie has held faculty appointments at The Catholic University of America, University of Maryland, University of Detroit Mercy, Lawrence Technological University, and Boston Architectural College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wellesley College and a Master of Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A smiling woman with short dark hair wearing a black blouse, layered necklaces, and earrings standing outdoors with green trees, bushes, and a brick wall in the background.

Paul Kevin Matelic, AIA

Paul Kevin Matelic, AIA is a principal of c2architecturestudio. Paul supports the relationship of architectural design intertwined with both the urban context and landscape. He describes his design philosophy as creative modernism, blending the traditional elements and materials with the contemporary. He excels at creating destinations that foster a sense of place and encourage both sustainable and conmmunity growth. 

He has been a practicing architect and educator for the last 30+ years, working both in the USA and Middle East. He is an active member of ULI and the Urban Revitalization Product Council studying and documenting case studies that promote good architectural and sustainable design and responsible  development and walkable urbanism. This broad lens supports his aim to do more than just buildings and develop unique, high-quality designs with each new project.

Expertise & Past Experience

As AE7 Vice President of Middle East Projects for the past four years, Paul brings his global background, extensive portfolio of work, and personable approach to help AE7’s growth in the Middle East. The majority of his recent work was specifically focused in Saudi Arabia, working with groups such as the Sharqia Development Authority, Madinah Regional Development Authority, ROSHN, NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Group, RCRC, and other private & PIF organizations in the Kingdom. Additional to client development efforts, Paul also supported the establishment of an AE7 office in Riyadh - now in its 3rd year of operation. Prior to joining AE7, Paul held positions with Yamasaki, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, atelier 4 Architecture, HOK, Jacobs Global Buildings, and Cooper Carry. He was an original co-founder/principal of studiozONE, established in Detroit.

His most notable experiences include

  • Design Lead and overseeing construction of the KAPSARC Community Development, Riyadh, KSA;

  • detail development of KAPSARC Community Masjid, Riyadh, KSA;

  • ITCC Digital City Retail Strategy, Riyadh, KSA;

  • the Oqyana Yacht Club/Yacht Club Hotel/Dive Center, Dubai, UAE;

  • As Sih Neighborhood Expansion, Madinah, KSA;

  • Al Khobar City Center and waterfront redevelopment, KSA;

  • M1 Rail Strategy, Detroit, MI; 

  • Huntington Woods Community Center, MI;

  • Healthcare Cluster Strategies in both Oman and KSA; and

  • Phase 10 Ludgate Development in London, UK.

A middle-aged man with curly dark hair smiling and wearing a black blazer and black shirt against a plain gray background.