Planet Walk NYC Project Team

Matthew O’Connor – Project Manager

Currently serving as the first Deputy Director of Smithsonian Exhibits, Matthew is responsible for the implementation of exhibits at the seventeen museums on the National Mall. Matthew’s career has spanned almost two decades of custom fabrication, design, installation and management.

Prior to his work at Smithsonian Exhibits, for more than a decade Matthew held positions at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in NYC, most previously as the Director of Operations and Exhibitions. As Director, he managed all visitor facing spaces, touring and travel exhibit programs, new design and media initiatives, and the management of the most precious object in the collection: the Historic Andrew Carnegie Mansion. Matthew managed and oversaw all capital projects including restoration and installation of historic building elements, new construction planning and development, and served as a key member of the $90M mansion renovation team. During the renovation, Matthew orchestrated and oversaw all elements of satellite projects of the museum including converting a 19th century military building on NY’s Governors Island to a fully functional museum, and installations in delicate areas such as the lobby of the United Nations and in Grand Central Station.

Prior to his work with the Cooper Hewitt, Matthew worked in custom fabrication for movies, television and private clients. He has managed large scale installations in the Time Warner building, the Park Avenue Armory, and countless high end projects around the city.

Ciara McKeown, CMCK Public Art – Public Art Specialist

Ciara is an experienced arts manager who has worked as a public art commissioner, curator, director, producer, consultant and project manager, in multiple arts organizations in cities across Canada and the US, in the field of public art for over a decade.

Ciara began her career in New York City, with experience in museum exhibition development, as well as in commercial galleries. She has taught public art at The University of Calgary, The Esker Foundation, McMaster University and various other institutions.

Ciara's specialties include public art planning, visioning and strategic planning, writing & cultural research, project management, logistical coordination and project implementation.

Supermatic Inc. - Fabricator

As a leader in NYC set design and fabrication, Supermatic specializes in exhibits, displays, fashion and custom furnishings, with over 30 years of combined experience at major fabrication and production companies in New York City. 

Past work by Supermatic includes large scale projects for Nike, Jordan, Christian Louboutin, Barneys, Saks 5th Avenue, Speedo, Under Armour, Sprite, Comedy Central, and Activision. Of particular relevance to Planet Walk NYC, Supermatic also created the Samsung Space Station at the Intrepid museum.

Integrated Construction Enterprise (ICE) – Installation and Logistical Services

Integrated Construction Enterprises is based in New Jersey and New York, with extensive construction experience in the public and private arenas. Established in 1991, ICE has successfully contracted more than 400 projects totaling over $250M in construction value. Their client list includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the General Services Administration, the Veteran's Administration and the U.S. Department of the Navy, as well as private sector clients.

ICE has distinguished itself in the arena of Historic Preservation, having successfully completed over 80 projects featuring sites of National or State historic importance, including the homes of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Edison and the official home of the New Jersey Governor, Drumthwacket. ICE has been presented with three NJ Historic Preservation awards by the State of New Jersey and received numerous other commendations for its work in this field. ICE has provided the construction and logistical support needed for cooling work at the historic Alexander Hamilton Customs House in at Bowling Green, a project that required extensive coordination with DOT and Governmental offices.