We’re excited to introduce Matthew Dougherty, our dedicated Project Coordinator, who recently returned to Nacht & Lewis after a 15 year hiatus. With a passion for creating community focused solutions and solving complex challenges, Matthew brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our team. Get to know more about his background, interests, and what drives his creativity both in and outside of work.
How long have you been with N&L?
This is my second term with Nacht & Lewis. I had a temporary contract for six months about 15 years ago, and as of today, I am on day five of my second term.
What’s your favorite part of working in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry?
The opportunity to create something that can help improve a community for everyone is my favorite part of working within this industry. I also love problem-solving; every day is a new opportunity to solve a problem.
If you weren’t a Project Coordinator at N&L, what would you be doing?
If I decided to pursue a different field, I would love to be a math teacher or a special needs athletics coach.
What is your favorite N&L past project?
My favorite past project is the Department of General Services’ Central Utility Plant. Not only did I get to work on the project, but I also was fortunate enough to witness the start of construction!
What inspires you?
I have three children with special needs; seeing them have the courage to face a problem (even if they do not solve it) is what inspires me the most in life.
What do you do in your downtime? (Cook? Ski? Play sports?)
I enjoy playing sports, specifically baseball and football (the European version). I also enjoy camping with my family, taking hikes, and watching my boys play sports.
Do you have any pets?
We have five dogs – Daisy (Yellow Lab service dog for our oldest son), Mookie (Pit Bull/Boxer mix), Lula (Frenchie/Corgi mix), Ivy (Chihuahua/Pug mix), and Teddy (Long Haired French Bulldog).
What is your favorite thing to do in Sacramento?
My favorite thing to do in Sacramento is taking my kids to the California State Railroad Museum or to Funderland in Land Park.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is in the mountains with my family. We all love the snow.
Where would you choose to live: by the ocean, in the mountains, or in the woods?
In the mountains. I love the cold and wildlife.
Do you speak any other languages?
I am slowly working on learning both Spanish and American Sign Language.
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I love anything spicy—Thai, Indian, Mexican, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, etc. The spicier, the better.
What’s your favorite season?
My favorite seasoning has to be between salt and cumin.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie of all time is Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Name three people you want to have lunch with and why?
If I could have lunch with anyone, living or passed, I would have lunch with my grandma Lorraine (her laugh was infectious), Isaac Newton (to pick his brain on how he came to his scientific conclusions), and Hypatia (because she is my son’s favorite mathematician).
What’s one talent you wish you had and why?
I wish I could sing. I love singing, but no one else loves it when I do.
Do you have any artistic talent? (If so, what is it?)
I can do a little bit of beatboxing.
What’s your favorite holiday?
July 1, AKA “Bobby Bonilla Day”. It’s not really a holiday in the traditional sense, but for baseball fans, it will be celebrated until 2035!
What do you like on your pizza?
All meat!
If you could choose your superpower, what would you choose?
I would love to have telepathy and be able to hear and understand people’s thoughts.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“In that book, which is my memory, on the first page of the chapter that is the day when I first met you, appear the words, ‘Here begins a new life’.” – Dante.
