Matt Keene, VP of Commercial, Buchanan Construction

Matt Keene, Vice President of Buchanan Construction’s Commercial Division, brings decades of experience and a hands-on approach to delivering complex projects in Western North Carolina. Leading a dedicated team, Matt has grown the division into a go-to for architects, developers, and business owners tackling diverse commercial builds. Here’s a look at his leadership, standout projects, and what makes Buchanan’s commercial arm a trusted partner.

Rooted in Construction

Matt’s career began with early exposure to the industry through his grandfather, a general contractor. This foundation led him to a construction management degree from the University of North Florida, equipping him with skills he applies daily. Since moving to Asheville in 2017, after a stint in Florida, Matt has focused on expanding Buchanan’s commercial portfolio, leveraging his broad experience across project types.

Leading Buchanan’s Commercial Division

Since joining Buchanan, Matt has spearheaded the commercial division’s growth, working closely with company leaders Rick Buchanan and Jason Norton to oversee projects within a two-hour radius of Asheville. The division operates independently with dedicated project managers handling budgets, client communications, and coordination between architects and engineers etc. while superintendents ensure on-site quality and subcontractor management. Access to collaboration with Buchanan’s residential and renovation divisions allows the team to tackle additional challenges efficiently, drawing on a deep network of skilled professionals.

Buchanan’s commercial work spans restaurants, commercial upfits and renovations, institutional projects, mixed-use developments, townhomes, multifamily units, and phased neighborhood builds. You can view our full portfolio here. Unlike firms focused on standardized projects, Buchanan prioritizes customized, boutique developments, delivering tailored solutions for developers and owners seeking distinctive designs.

Notable Projects Showcasing Skill and Adaptability

Matt’s leadership shines in projects that demand precision and creative problem-solving:

• Bauhaus South Slope Town Homes: A high-profile project beside an Asheville McCormick ball field, this development faced a constrained small footprint site, steep slopes, and external challenges like stray baseballs. Matt’s team, collaborating with architect Peter Alberice NCARB of MHA Works, a commercial design firm, navigated tight logistics and trade coordination to deliver a standout townhome project, led by superintendents Charles Williams and Jared Carlton.
• Broadway Magnolia: Designed by local architect Jakub Markulis, LEED AP of Rusafova Markulis Architects, this mixed-use building features a garage, commercial space, and residential units. Built adjacent to a former roadbed, the site required relocating a 14-inch water main and managing a bordering creek. The project’s modern aesthetic, with stucco, Hardie siding, and corrugated metal, highlights Buchanan’s ability to execute complex designs.
• Vista Falls Veterinary Clinic: This renovation and expansion transformed a historic house into a functional veterinary clinic. Matt’s team, lead by Superintendent, Randy Collins,  worked with the owner and architect to preserve the structure’s original warmth, integrating wood floors and cozy elements to create a welcoming space for clients and animals.
• Alloy Fitness: A commercial upfit for a personal training studio in a Hendersonville Road complex, this project met a tight timeline. Buchanan’s efficiency ensured the space was delivered on schedule, meeting the client’s need for a quick opening. The project management team for this project consisted of Logan Crooks and Zach Baldwin.
• Village of Cheshire: A multi-year, multi-phase development, this project includes single-family homes, multifamily units, retail, and mixed-use spaces. It demonstrates Buchanan’s capacity, led by Senior Superintendent, Al Martino, to scale up, managing diverse project types while maintaining quality and developer vision.

Navigating Industry Challenges

Matt’s team has proven adept at handling industry hurdles. During COVID, they managed material shortages, price spikes, and limited resources, delivering projects without compromising quality. Buchanan’s construction management software enables real-time collaboration with clients nationwide, keeping them engaged through detailed progress updates. This adaptability, combined with a focus on customized builds, sets Buchanan apart from firms chasing high-volume, templated projects.

Advice for Industry Professionals

For tradespeople and young construction managers, Matt recommends exploring diverse project types through internships—commercial, residential, renovation, or infrastructure—to find the right fit. He credits a mentor from his youth for shaping his career and urges professionals to seek experienced guidance to navigate the industry’s complexities.

A Team Built for Collaboration

As Buchanan Construction marks its 20th anniversary, Matt emphasizes the team’s role in its success. Company leadership values team gatherings and activities as a part of building strong relationships. From golf tournaments to employee summer and winter gatherings and supporting local nonprofit organizations, the company emphasizes community support. 

The commercial division’s ability to collaborate across Buchanan’s divisions ensures seamless problem-solving, from site logistics to trade coordination. This culture of teamwork, paired with a commitment to quality, makes Buchanan a reliable partner for architects and developers.

Why Choose Buchanan Commercial?

Buchanan’s commercial division excels in delivering projects that balance design ambition with practical execution. Whether it’s a boutique upfit or a large-scale development, Matt Keene and his team bring technical expertise, trade coordination, and client-focused collaboration to every job. For architects and developers seeking a contractor who can handle complex sites and customized builds, Buchanan Construction is a proven choice in Western North Carolina.