Matthew Bernstine

Those around Matthew Bernstine recognize that his work is driven by a desire to create tangible, positive impacts in the St. Louis community. This is clear throughout his career, as he has worked at the intersection of creative practices and rooted processes, consistently demonstrating how designers can serve as powerful voices for social justice.

“Perhaps most importantly, Matt’s love for St. Louis is deeply embedded in both his professional and personal life,” said Lisa Weingarth, who nominated Bernstine. Weingarth serves WashU as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Executive Director of the In St. Louis, For St. Louis Initiative. “His passion for St. Louis is personal, and he works tirelessly to bring his vision of a more vibrant, equitable city to life.”

Bernstine began his career in 2005 as an Urban Planner and Designer, after receiving his Bachelors in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia. After receiving his Masters in Urban Design from WashU, he began his role as the senior urban designer and planner for the university.

Today, he serves as the Director of the Office for Socially Engaged Practice at WashU’s Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The role places Bernstine at the forefront of tackling local challenges, particularly in design, community engagement, and the revitalization of historically disinvested areas. 

Bernstine also serves as a lecturer in Urban Design at the Sam Fox School. As an educator, he teaches core courses in the Urban Design program and interdisciplinary seminars, in which he develops creative pedagogy that integrates participatory design with applied creative and humanist practices. He emphasizes interdisciplinary, multi-scalar thinking and a bias toward action within his projects and teaching.

Off-campus, he worked for over a decade in the private sector as an urban designer and planner on large-scale infrastructure and city-building initiatives. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for residents by creating spaces that are not only functional but inspiring, safe, and inclusive.

“Matt’s engagement with St. Louis extends far beyond professional responsibilities,” Weingarth said. “He has consistently served on local committees and initiatives aimed at addressing critical urban issues.”

Bernstine currently serves as the Co-PI for The Engaged City, a Mellon-Funded project, and Co-Director of The Sumner StudioLab, exploring innovative approaches to community engagement while providing support to The Ville and Greater Ville neighborhoods in the humanities and urban design.

What’s more, Bernstine works with the City Coalition and the City of St. Louis on Peace Park in the College Hill neighborhood to help create inclusive, vibrant places where people can gather, connect, and thrive. He also mentors high school student interns, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the role of public space in fostering social equity and vibrant communities.

His work in urban design, mentorship, and community engagement demonstrates a deep commitment to creating a St. Louis that is more vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its residents. His actions inspire those around him to be more compassionate, engaged, and driven to create positive change.