ABOUT US
Format Construction is a local Austin company built on craftsmanship, communication, and trust. We take on a mix of custom homes, remodels, and commercial projects throughout Central Texas, with a focus on doing quality work and keeping the process straightforward from start to finish.
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We’re builders who like to be hands-on. We show up, we stay involved, and we don’t cut corners. Every project is personal to us, and we take pride in making sure the end result reflects the time and care that went into it. Whether it’s a modern build in town or a home out in the Hill Country, our goal is always the same, to build something solid, beautiful, and built to last.
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At the end of the day, good building comes down to people. We value our clients, our trades, and the trust that keeps projects running smoothly. We live here, we work here, and we want every project we finish to be something we’re proud to put our name on.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Matthew Guthrie | CPHB
President & Chief Builder
Matthew Guthrie is the founder and chief builder of Format Construction, based in Austin, Texas. A third-generation builder and lifelong Austinite, Matthew grew up around job sites and learned early on that good building comes down to doing things the right way, through hard work, accountability, and attention to detail.
Today, he leads Format Construction with a focus on craftsmanship, transparency, and performance. His background spans high-end custom homes, large-scale remodels, and advanced building science.
Matthew takes a hands-on approach to every job, staying involved from planning and budgeting through the final punch list to ensure the quality of the build and the trust of his clients. As a Phius Certified Builder, Matthew brings a high-performance mindset to every project, combining modern building science with practical construction knowledge. His goal is to build homes and spaces that are as efficient and durable as they are well-designed.
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Prior to founding Format, Matthew was a producer for The Build Show, where he developed his appreciation and knowledge base for building science. While at The Build Show, Matthew produced hundreds of educational construction videos across North America while working with the nation's leaders in building science.
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Beyond construction, Matthew is deeply involved in local conservation and community work. He serves as a Board Memeber of Austin Wildlife Rescue and for Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, helping connect people with Central Texas’ natural landscapes and wildlife.
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Outside of work, you’ll find Matthew hiking new trails, rock climbing in the greenbelt, or capturing it all through his camera lens, a reminder that great building, like nature, is about balance, detail, and respect for what lasts.
JD Blacklock
Partner
With more than 25 years of experience in the Texas commercial construction industry, JD Blacklock has built a reputation for delivering large-scale, complex projects with precision and integrity. Over the course of his career, he has managed and completed over one million square feet of commercial space, including office buildings, medical facilities, retail developments, industrial projects, and institutional campuses.
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JD began his career in the field, where he learned every aspect of construction firsthand—from reading plans and coordinating trades to managing budgets and schedules.
That early hands-on experience shaped his approach to leadership today: practical, grounded, and focused on solutions. He understands what it takes to bring a project from concept to completion while balancing design intent, cost efficiency, and long-term performance.
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Throughout his career, JD has held senior leadership and management roles with some of Texas’s most respected general contractors and developers, overseeing teams and guiding projects from early preconstruction through final delivery. His deep knowledge of the Texas market, combined with his strong relationships across the industry, allows him to assemble the right teams, anticipate challenges early, and keep projects moving forward smoothly.
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Known for his steady leadership and commitment to doing things the right way, JD approaches each project with a clear focus on quality, communication, and accountability. His long-standing relationships with architects, engineers, and subcontractors across the state are a testament to the trust and respect he’s earned over decades in the industry.
Kobe
Director of Jobsite Security
Kobe oversees all jobsite security, despite having no measurable security skills. His response to new visitors ranges from mild curiosity to complete excitement.
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Attempts to improve his performance have been unsuccessful, and termination is not an option due to internal morale concerns. Luckily, our jobsite cameras handle most of the actual security work.
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Kobe remains committed to showing up, looking important, and providing emotional support when needed.