A story of two people, one vision, and a shared mission to rebuild the connection between people, planet, and design.
The Beginning
Q: How did ArchiMAT begin?
Ophelia:
It all started with a conversation — not with a business plan. Two people, three cups of coffee, and one shared concern: why is our world built with so much waste, so much carbon, and so few real alternatives? We came from the architecture and creative worlds, both frustrated at how disconnected their work had become from the planet we depend on.
That conversation marked the birth of ArchiMAT.
Danny:
That first meeting changed everything. In one conversation we realized that we both think the same.
We believed that good design starts with good materials, and great innovations deserved to be shared with the world.
The “Aha” Moment
Q: When did you know this was something bigger than a conversation?
Ophelia:
There were multiple moments where we nearly said the exact same thing at the same time.
Danny:
I remembered saying we should start a material R&D lab — a space where ideas, designers, and products could come together to experiment and build responsibly. And Ophelia just smiled and said, “That’s exactly what I envisioned the future too.”
Ophelia:
Those were our “Aha” moments. Two visions aligned on the same day and same time — to build a platform that could connect creativity, carbon literacy, and collaboration into one open system.
Building the Bridge
Q: How did you turn that shared vision into ArchiMAT?
Ophelia:
Our idea started simply — an online directory to help architects and builders find sustainable materials. But we soon realised the access to materials wasn’t the only challenge. The real gap in understanding and transparency.
Danny:
That realisation led us to rebuild everything into an Web3.0-platform. Today, ArchiMAT combines the Open Material Library (OML) with our T.R.A.C.E. system, enabling users to track carbon emissions, certify materials, and collaborate across the global supply chain.
The Mission
Q: What continues to drive you both?
Danny:
Our mission. We’re not just building a platform — we’re building a movement.
As we travelled, listened and spoke with professionals across the AEC industry, we uncovered the real challenge wasn’t simply just materials – it was low carbon literacy, fragmented data, and innovative sustainable products that remained invisible.
Ophelia:
Good materials exist, but no one notice them. Good brands strive to reach professionals — yet their visibility remains limited.
We knew we had to build something bigger. Sustainability shouldn’t be complicated or exclusive — it should be a language everyone can speak and act upon.
That’s why ArchiMAT exists.
The Power Of Giving Back
What keeps you motivated through the hurdles?
Danny:
The world is heading towards a future where even basic things like clean water and fresh air may become luxuries. We cannot afford that future!
Ophelia:
“We want people to live freely and sustainably” — without fear, debt or constant pressure. We imagine a world where every home is self-sustaining and every project heals instead of harms.
That’s why we’re here — to empower the community, and to promote social responsibility in shaping our future world.
What began as coffee session and curiosity has become a shared mission — to open doors, connect ideas, and make sustainable design accessible to all.
Interview Session By Wenjie, Director – Climate Asia
