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At From Now, we help brands in events, hospitality, and leisure build with purpose, embedding sustainability and inclusivity into everything from strategy and storytelling to operations and accreditation. We believe lasting transformation comes when environmental and social impact are designed in from the start.

That’s why we’re thrilled to feature leaders like Matthew Kraus, CEO of Skyline Windows, a fourth-generation company that has helped shape New York City’s skyline through its custom windows and façade systems. While Skyline is steeped in architectural legacy, its focus today is increasingly on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, goals that align closely with our own.

In this conversation, Matthew shares how a century-old manufacturer is adapting to modern expectations of impact and purpose, while continuing to shape the spaces we live, work, and connect in.

From Now: Our consultancy is all about rethinking how we create and connect, to build legacies that are resilient, responsible, and ready for the future. How does Skyline see its role in shaping a better built environment?

Matthew Kraus: It’s easy to think of windows as just materials, but they control light, energy, sound, and even how people feel in a space. We take that responsibility seriously. From day one, we balance architectural vision with performance: energy efficiency, durability, code compliance. Our job is to help buildings perform better, for their users and the planet.

From Now: From Now is a Certified B Corp, and we work with businesses to embed sustainability and inclusivity into every decision. How is Skyline evolving in those areas?

Matthew Kraus: We’re not a B Corp, but we share a similar mindset. Over the past decade, we’ve doubled down on product performance: better energy ratings, more recyclable materials, reduced waste in production. But it’s not just about the physical product. We prioritize local manufacturing, fair labor, and long-term partnerships. Sustainability isn’t just environmental; it’s social and economic too.

From Now: One of our core services is helping organisations tell their impact story clearly and credibly, especially in industries where cost pressures can dominate. How do you communicate Skyline’s value?

Matthew Kraus: We start with clarity. Sure, pricing matters. But for developers and architects, so does risk, reliability, and legacy. We’re honest about what it takes to get a project done right, and make it last. When you’re working on the Chrysler Building or a Hudson Yards tower, cutting corners isn’t an option. That long track record helps us stand out. We don’t just deliver products; we deliver trust.

From Now: We support our clients in challenging standard practices, especially in event design and venue operations. What outdated practices in the building industry need a rethink?

Matthew Kraus: The big one? Treating sustainability as an afterthought. Too often, it gets bolted on late in the process. But meaningful impact comes when performance goals are baked in from the start. That’s why we try to show up as early as possible, as a strategic partner, not just a product vendor. We want to co-create solutions that work, not just check boxes.

From Now: One of our key offerings is workshops and training to empower people across the business. How does Skyline invest in its team to drive innovation?

Matthew Kraus: Our team is the reason we’ve lasted four generations. We run a hands-on apprenticeship program, and before new hires ever touch a site, they’ve built, disassembled, and rebuilt our systems in-house. We’ve also introduced robotics and digital tooling, but always to enhance – not replace – craftsmanship. Like From Now, we believe change is human-led and people-powered.

From Now: What’s next for Skyline?

Matthew Kraus: Thoughtful growth. We’re expanding into markets like Boston and D.C., but doing it with intention. We want to bring our model – deep technical fluency, white-glove service, local production – to regions that value it. Internally, we’re digitizing workflows, streamlining processes, and constantly looking for ways to reduce waste. It’s not just about doing more, it’s about doing better.


Whether you’re crafting a jaw-dropping event experience or engineering a building’s façade, purpose, craft, and sustainability shouldn’t be afterthoughts; they should be your foundation. At From Now, we’re proud to work with leaders like Matt Kraus who prove that legacy and innovation can thrive together. Because when you build with intention, you build something that lasts.