by Mathilde Roldan
ABOUT ME
Welcome to MATR.
My name is Mathilde Roldan and I’m currently in my third year of Product Design at the Wilson School of Design. I grew up on the road, spending much of my childhood outdoors while traveling across the U.S. and Canada. That kind of upbringing gave me a strong sense of independence, a deep connection to nature, and the chance to learn at my own pace—following what sparked my curiosity and building things along the way.
My world has always revolved around movement. I raced cross-country and road bikes throughout high school and later shifted into enduro racing after starting university. I’ve also spent years hiking and rock climbing, which has only deepened my interest in how gear performs in real conditions—when it's wet, cold, dusty, or pushed past its limit.
As a designer, I’m drawn to projects that balance function, simplicity, and sustainability. I care about how things are made, how they’re used, and how they hold up over time. Whether it’s a tool, a wearable, or a system, I want the things I design to feel considered, useful, and built to last.
Background
Here lies the heart and soul of MATR. An overview of some motivators that created who I am as a designer. Where ideas become tangible.
Upbringing
My childhood was unorthodox, I was born in the yukon alongside my two older sisters. We lived there for a year or two before moving to Quebec, where our extended family resides. My mom homeschooled and unschooled my sisters and I throughout our elementary school years, loosely following the Waldorf curriculum. The outdoors was where we learned the most, this way of life ingrained in me the importance of taking care of the world around us.
Travel
Growing up traveling shaped how I see and design – through many places and ways of living, I learned that design is deeply tied to context and culture. Each project becomes a way to translate that fluidity into form, creating adaptable, thoughtful work that reflects how people move, live, and find belonging in different environments.
Sport
I've been in and out of the bike world for most of my life, racing cross country mountain biking and road cycling whilst in high school then moving to enduro racing after starting university. Being passionate about sports has given me direction and motivation to pursue what I love. The discipline of high intensity competition translates to many aspects of day to day life. Bringing this drive to my design work is always the goal.