Roger Wilcox Matthews

Roger Matthews was born in Portland, Oregon and was drafted into the US Navy during World War II. Following his three year stour of duty he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Architecture and Applied Arts at the University Oregon.

Following graduation, Roger and his first wife, Carmen, moved to Palm Springs where he worked for architect Barry Frost. Roger and Carmen then moved to San Diego where he took a draftsman position at the architecture firm of Richard G. Wheeler. For the next 20 years, Matthews rose through the ranks at Wheeler’s firm eventually becoming Chief Designer.

During the 1950s and ‘60s, Matthews designed several of his own residential projects as Wheeler's office grew toward larger commercial projects. Building a custom home, on the side at the time, for a client was seemingly not viewed as a conflict of interest. He chose not to join the exodus that formed Tucker Sadler & Bennett in 1959. Instead, he continued to work for Richard George Wheeler - remaining loyal to his mentor.

By 1969, Matthews and his second wife, Vivian, moved to Pasadena, to work as a project manager position for the interior design division of Charles Luckman Associates. The position was short-lived and the couple returned to San Diego where Roger worked for Leahy & Associates and then finishes his nearly 40 year career at Kenison/Mosher Architects. By 1974, Matthews had obtained his California architects license and launched the partnership of Matthews-Leahy Associates.

Partial List of Projects

Apartments (1960)
5445 55th Street, San Diego
*Attribution by December 20, 1959 San Diego Union rendering

Brothers Residence (1952)
962 West 4th Avenue, Escondido
*Attribution

Burhans Residence (1954)
9036 La Jolla Shores Lane, La Jolla
*Attribution directly from Dan Burhans, the son of the original client; Demolished

Central Federal Savings & Loan (1964)
1661 Rosecrans, Point Loma
*Attribution by March 8, 1964 San Diego Union rendering; names Wheeler staffer Roger Matthews as designer and project architect.

Koosed, Howard & Janet Residence (1961)
4951 Yerba Santa Drive, Alvarado Estates

Klatt, Joseph L. Spec House (1956)
6161 Terryhill Drive, La Jolla
*Advertised in July 1956 as an "Outstanding Modern Home" was purchased by Mr. & Mrs. Fred Antelline in October '56.

Private Residence (1959)
5622 Linda Rosa Avenue, La Jolla

Private Residence (1962)
2422 Via Siena, La Jolla
*Attribution by 2024 real estate listing; share a number of attributions with the Swortwood Spec homes

Swortwood, Lloyd and Raymona Spec House (1962)
2311 Via Siena, La Jolla
*Attribution by historic designation report for 7390 Via Capri

Swortwood, Lloyd and Raymona Spec House (1961)
7390 Via Capri, La Jolla
*The February 1970 issue of Sunset Magazine states "designed by architect Roger Matheson" but it is likely by Matthews. Built by contractor Richard Hamlin. The house features Russell Forester Additions circa 1968-1970 and landscape design by Wimmer & Yamada

Salomon, Colonel Irving Penthouse (1959)
3200 Sixth Avenue, Bankers Hill
*According to the April 1960 issue of San Diego Magazine, 'designer' Roger Matthews worked on this project in collaboration with architect Henry Hester and interior designer Jerry Jerome.

Washington Tower (1974)
515 Washington Street, San Diego
*Attribution by February 24, 1974 San Diego Union rendering

Wyland Residence (1955)
2434 Choya Canyon, Escondido
*Attribution