Matthew Testa
Founder / CEO
While studying architectural history, Matthew learned of an Architect named Paolo Soleri who believed in metabolistic architectural theories, professing that a city functions as a living system — as one integral process.
This concept has resonated throughout his career — early on as a Carpenter Apprentice, taking careful note of onsite trade coordination — later as a Project Manager, curating and balancing budgets, schedules, and quality control metrics for multifamily developments with Fields Construction Co.— and later through his executive role as a Construction Director, overseeing full-lifecycle processes of real estate development including pre-development services, construction document production, staffing, and field operations with Bijou Properties.
After studying for one year as an engineering student, Matthew changed majors and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree from Lehigh University and is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Colleen O'Keefe
Partner / Creative Director
AIA, LEED AP
Colleen’s career started in Manhattan, participating with a wide range of complex modern design projects for the world-renown firm SHoP Architects. This exposure, blended with her love for modern/efficient spaces and work ethic, provided her with an invaluable toolkit for real estate development success.
As a licensed Architect in NY + NJ, Colleen is skilled in all aspects of architectural process deliverables, and is no stranger to the construction site. As the Design Director at Bijou Properties, she managed multiple projects from the General Contracting team perspective, leading construction administration and onsite quality assurance inspections teams — but never relinquished her design prowess in orchestrating user-experience integrations, managing the finishing palettes, materials selections, and common area + amenity programming from concepts to turn-over.
Colleen holds a BArch Degree from Roger Williams University and is a NYS + NJ Licensed Architect + LEED Accredited Professional.
Metehan Akdag
Partner / Sustainability Director
LEED Homes
Metehan’s interest in engineering began at an early age, advancing self-taught computer hardware and coding skills throughout secondary school.
His career started in Hoboken, NJ at Fields Construction Co., performing Project Engineering and Site Supervision duties — and later transitioned to Bijou Properties where he held the position of Senior Project Manager. His computer science background has proven to be an invaluable tool in the ever-evolving world of digital data management — he continually elevates the efficiencies of real estate project delivery methods by leveraging cloud-based solutions alongside traditional project management fundamentals.
Metehan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering degree from Yildiz Technical University, a Masters in Engineering Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, is a LEED for Homes Accredited Professional, and is a certified LEED Green Rater.