Meet Matt Larcin | Designer & Educational Technologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Larcin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because it felt like a natural extension of who I am. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to art and design—finding joy in creating, shaping, and bringing ideas to life as a graphic and web designer. When it came time to choose a career path, I was accepted into an interior design program, but I ultimately chose graphic design department to study at the fine arts academy/university in Istanbul, Turkey. At the time, it felt like a practical decision, but deep down, I always knew my passion for design went beyond just one discipline.

Over the years, working as a graphic designer allowed me to refine my skills, explore my creative potential, and understand the importance of visual storytelling. But the dream of interior design never left me. I’ve always been fascinated by how a thoughtfully designed space can transform not only the way we live but also how we feel and connect with our surroundings.

That passion only grew stronger as I started to design and remodel my own living space. Seeing the vision come to life made me realize how much I enjoy the process—not just for myself, but for the opportunity to help others create spaces that reflect their personalities and aspirations.

Ultimately, pursuing a creative career has always been about expressing my love for design in all its forms and using it to enhance lives, whether through visuals or spaces.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Balancing a full-time role as an Instructional Designer and Academic Technologist at a university with my passion for interior design has been both challenging and rewarding. My journey into interior design began during the pandemic when I took on the project of remodeling my townhome in the Los Angeles area. Working from home provided the flexibility to immerse myself in this creative endeavor, and I found immense joy in transforming my living space. This experience ignited a deeper passion for interior design, leading me to establish my own practice as a side venture.

What Sets Me Apart:

My unique blend of skills in instructional design, technology, and interior design allows me to approach projects with a comprehensive perspective. I excel at creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to the specific needs. My background in academia has honed my attention to detail, project management abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning, all of which I bring to my interior design practice.

Pride and Excitement:

I take great pride in the successful transformation of my townhome, which served as the catalyst for launching my side interior design venture. I’m excited about the potential to grow my practice and explore innovative design solutions that blend functionality with modern minimalism.

Professional Journey and Challenges:

My professional journey has been a blend of education, technology, and design. While it hasn’t always been easy to juggle a full-time job with a burgeoning side business, effective time management and a passion for design have been crucial. The pandemic presented unique challenges, but it also offered the opportunity to reassess my career goals and pursue my passion for interior design. I overcame obstacles by staying organized, setting clear boundaries between my roles, and continuously seeking knowledge to enhance my skills.

Lessons Learned:

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of pursuing one’s passions. Balancing multiple roles requires discipline and a willingness to make sacrifices, but the personal and professional growth that results is invaluable. I’ve also learned the significance of networking and seeking support from others in the industry, which has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

My Brand and Story:

My brand embodies a fusion of minimalism, modernism, and functional design, offering innovative and personalized interior design solutions. I want the world to know that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and that with dedication and hard work, it’s possible to successfully balance multiple careers. My story is one of continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to creating spaces that enhance the lives of myself and potentially others as well.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is a city of contrasts, where iconic landmarks meet hidden gems, and there’s no shortage of inspiration for a designer. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d craft a personalized itinerary blending the city’s best-known attractions with off-the-beaten-path experiences, all tailored to their style and preferences.

We’d start the trip with a visit to The Getty Center, where stunning architecture, serene gardens, and world-class art set the tone for the week. After exploring its beautiful spaces, we’d enjoy lunch at the Garden Terrace Café overlooking the city. The evening would take us to Santa Monica Beach for a stroll along the pier and a breathtaking sunset, followed by a delicious dinner at Rustic Canyon, known for its locally sourced, seasonal dishes.

Downtown LA would be next on the list, beginning with coffee and pastries at GGET (Go Get Em Tiger). We’d explore The Broad Museum for contemporary art, then dive into the culinary scene at Grand Central Market, sampling everything from tacos to gourmet burgers. The Historic Core would provide an architectural adventure with highlights like the Bradbury Building and Angels Flight, while dinner at the Mediterranean-inspired Bavel and cocktails at Apotheke LA would round out the day.

Midweek, we’d shift focus to hidden gems in Silver Lake and Echo Park. After brunch at Sqirl, we’d wander Silver Lake’s indie shops like Mohawk General Store and take a peaceful walk around Echo Park Lake. Dinner would be casual but memorable at Night+Market Song, a lively Thai eatery bursting with flavor. The following day, we’d venture to the Arts District to visit Hauser & Wirth Gallery and Alchemy Works before heading west to Venice Beach. A stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, shopping at unique boutiques, and exploring the Venice Canals would highlight the day, ending with dinner at the ever-popular Gjelina.

A day of adventure in Griffith Park would be next, hiking up to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of LA and the Hollywood sign. Lunch at Republique, with its classic French cuisine, would add a touch of elegance before exploring Hollywood Boulevard’s iconic landmarks. For dinner, a Michelin-starred seafood experience at Providence would cap the day perfectly.

As the week winds down, we’d take a scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu for a coastal escape. Brunch at Malibu Farm on the pier would be followed by relaxation at El Matador Beach, a hidden gem with stunning rock formations. Dinner at Nobu Malibu, where exquisite sushi meets breathtaking ocean views, would provide a luxurious ending to the day.

The final day would be tailored entirely to my friend’s interests. If they love fashion, we’d explore The Row DTLA or boutique-lined West Third Street. If they’re foodies, we might grab Langer’s Delicatessen’s legendary pastrami sandwich or dive into Koreatown’s culinary treasures. For a relaxing close to their trip, a spa day at Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills would be the perfect choice.

Los Angeles offers an endless blend of creativity, diversity, and discovery. From the modern beauty of The Getty Center to the indie charm of Silver Lake and the coastal serenity of Malibu, every day would showcase something uniquely LA. The itinerary would reflect my friend’s tastes while introducing them to the city’s iconic and hidden treasures, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would say I was greatly inspired by the Local Project website and their YouTube channel. They are an Australia-based residential interior and architecture design firm that showcases unique interior design projects.

Website: https://www.mattlarcin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinteriors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattinteriorsla/

Image Credits
©️Matt Larcin