Concertus’ Managing Director – Matthew Self

To celebrate 12 years of Concertus, we begin a new legacy series with a special feature on our Managing Director, Matthew Self.

From starting his journey with aspirations in law to discovering his passion for architecture, Mat’s path hasn’t been without challenges. After overcoming academic hurdles and navigating the world of design, he found his true calling in architecture while working with Suffolk County Council. His commitment to collaboration and continuous learning shaped him into the inspiring leader he is today.

Can you share a bit about your background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I originally intended to pursue a career in law and was encouraged to study it at university whilst at school. However, a chance moment during my time at high school and then sixth form allowed me the opportunity to be involved in a building project for a new sixth form building, which sparked my interest in design and construction, specifically architecture.

Regretfully, my academic journey was not initially straightforward. I struggled in my first year at university, focusing far too much on the social environment, meeting new people, and playing football due to my focus on a football scholarship. As a result, I failed several course modules. Fortunately, with the support of my family and fantastic (and undoubtedly very forgiving) tutors, along with a renewed mindset, I retook my exams and ultimately graduated successfully with a degree in Architecture.

My professional career began in London, where I worked for some large-scale architectural practices on high-profile projects in the city. At the time, I questioned whether architecture was right for me. I wasn’t enjoying the design work or the projects I was involved in, and I decided to pursue an interest in marketing instead. However, personal circumstances brought me back to Ipswich at a time when employment opportunities were limited, especially in marketing. I made the decision to return to design and construction, but this too proved difficult, with multiple unsuccessful job applications.

Fortunately, a local architectural practice recommended I enquire with Suffolk County Council’s Property Department, which operated within a multi-disciplinary design environment. I was fortunate to secure a trainee role with the council. By chance, I was quickly given the opportunity to design and manage a school extension. The experience was transformative, not only due to the project itself, but more so because of the exceptional support, guidance, and coaching I received from colleagues across all disciplines, not just architecture. Working alongside a contractor that truly embraced a ‘one team’ approach was also invaluable. This experience shaped the way I think and work, it taught me that no one person has all the answers, everyone plays an important role, and that success is best achieved as a team.

Over the years, I continued my studies part-time while working at the council, and I had the opportunity to progress my career, eventually leading the architectural team and developing my skills in project and programme management, as well as leadership. I later joined Concertus as one of the founding Directors following our divestment from the council. I have since held various roles including Design Director, and Operations and Commercial Director, before ultimately becoming Managing Director. Looking back, my career has been a journey of continuous learning, resilience, and embracing opportunities, with a strong foundation of support from colleagues, peers, managers, and partners in the industry.

Looking back over the past 12 years, what are some of your proudest achievements, and why do they stand out to you?
One of my proudest achievements was co-leading a project in Haverhill that was nationally recognised alongside the Olympic Park for its community benefit. It was a testament to the project’s impact beyond architecture and truly highlighted what can be achieved with a collaborative, one-team approach involving the full project team, contractors, clients, and consultants.

Another key moment was stepping into leadership at a relatively young age, progressing quickly within the council. This transition came with challenges, particularly finding myself in a position of leadership over those who had once mentored and supported me. Learning how to navigate that dynamic, earn respect, and develop my own leadership style was incredibly rewarding. What stands out most, however, is the support I received from those individuals during that time. I remain sincerely grateful to them.

Helping shape Concertus into the business it is today, as part of a fantastic team, is another significant achievement. Growing it from a public-sector-driven organisation into a private company while retaining our public-sector ethos has allowed us to continue delivering meaningful projects that leave a legacy. Looking ahead, the future remains incredibly exciting.

How has the company evolved since its inception and were there any pivotal moments that shaped its direction?
Concertus was originally part of Suffolk County Council but transitioned into a private company to secure its long-term future. This required some difficult decisions but ultimately allowed us to become more agile and commercially focused, whilst retaining the core public-sector values that define our culture, values shared by our people, partners, and clients.

A pivotal moment in our journey was the realisation that we needed to build a sustainable and independently successful business. This meant changing how we operated, including winning work competitively rather than relying solely on council projects. That shift challenged us to refine our services, continually improve, and maintain a focus on innovation in everything we do, from our business model to our design approach.

Can you share a memorable project or moment that reflects your team’s dedication?
One project that stands out is my early experience at Claydon High School. It was my first senior-level responsibility, and the support I received from the team was exceptional. I vividly remember Saturday mornings in the office with the quantity surveyor, reviewing the project in detail. These moments taught me the value of collaboration and the depth of knowledge that each consultant brings to a team.

A particularly memorable moment was working with site manager Julian Eddy. I had made a mistake with the window design, and rather than simply pointing it out, Julian took the time to walk me through the solution. He taught me a valuable lesson in humility, problem-solving, and the importance of being open and honest. His support and the way he delivered it calmly, respectfully, and with genuine care, left a lasting impression and stands out as one of the biggest learning moments of my career.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a leader, and has anyone influenced your leadership style?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of trust, both in my team and in myself. Early in my leadership journey, I tried to take on too much, believing that if I could do something myself, I should. In hindsight, I was a bit of a control freak. That approach wasn’t sustainable and didn’t allow my team to grow.

A mentoring and coaching course was pivotal in helping me develop better self-awareness and shift my mindset. It taught me to empower others, listen more, and lead with greater transparency. I regularly draw on the skills and insights I gained from that course.

I’ve been lucky to work with brilliant mentors throughout my career, individuals with a remarkable ability to communicate and connect with people. They showed me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but rather about enabling great conversations, unlocking potential, and guiding teams towards solutions.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work to unwind?
I enjoy activities that challenge and engage me, but above all, I value time with my family. My wife and children keep me grounded, and I always try to prioritise those moments despite a demanding schedule. I’m an avid golfer, and I also hold a season ticket, so I’m regularly at Portman Road watching Ipswich.

What trends do you see shaping the future of the industry, and how is the company preparing for them?
The industry is changing rapidly, especially around sustainability, digital transformation, and the integration of AI into design and construction processes. There’s increasing focus on creating buildings that are not only structurally sound but also environmentally responsible and adaptable to future needs.

At Concertus, we’re actively investing in new technologies and expanding our capabilities in sustainable design. We also understand the importance of developing talent, which is why we’ve committed to creating more apprenticeship opportunities that give young professionals hands-on experience across all aspects of a project.

We’re currently exploring a new initiative with our contractors that will allow apprentices to gain site experience, helping them understand the full construction process and the challenges contractors face. This will develop more well-rounded professionals who appreciate every aspect of project delivery.

Another key focus is adaptability. While the public sector remains central to our mission, we’re also expanding into the commercial sector, ensuring our business continues to grow while staying true to our core values.

With this new Legacy series, we look forward to encompassing colleagues’ achievements, celebrating their impact on the built environment, and sharing the lessons they have learnt along the way.