Martin Architecture: Light And Legacy From A Modern Master
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When we think of the East End, we think of gabled, cedar-shingled manses side-by-side. Since recovering from the crash of 2008, we noticed an explosion of modern architecture becoming a quest for the luxury homeowner and investor — especially among the millennial wealth sector. Contemporary design was always a thing in the Hamptons, though now we don’t get whiplash driving by and seeing a gorgeous modern manse overlooking the Atlantic waves.
Nick Martin, the namesake of Martin Architects, is an award-winning architect that we have been obsessing over for at least a decade and a half. When he agreed to an interview, we realized a secret dream was coming true — his story did not disappoint.
Did you always know you wanted to be an architect – is it a calling?
Growing up internationally, and with my mother who is an archeologist, our family had the benefit of exposure to many world treasures which included architecture, art, and sculpture. My interest flourished with each experience, and once in college I majored in art/painting and economics. It was around the world voyage that convinced me to apply to the Harvard Career Discovery program to initiate a deeper plunge into architecture. From there I went on to The Pratt institute for Architecture and landed my first job along side Charlie Gwathmey.
Nick, in addition to award-winning architecture design, you maintain licenses for contracting and real estate sales. Have you also been a builder as well as a salesperson in the timeline of your vast experience?
My early work experiences came in the form of carpentry and other trades. Architecture channeled in to the practical, and then later the theoretical. Currently our sister company 4MA builders has a full roster of interesting projects and a very capable team driving the quality and craft.
Real estate allows our practice to stay in touch with current trends and values enriching our master planning arm. It is critical that our team can offer analysis and conviction helping our clients locate, design, and build their house with the knowledge of the market and its influencers.
When it comes to 4MA Builders, are you the sole architect for projects or can homeowners bring their own?
4MA Builders is a separate entity and as such has the experience of collaborating with other wonderful architects sharing their experience seamanship and drive.
We love your modern style, so clean and luxurious. How would you describe your style of architecture design?
Each project is unique and its design is based on the site, sun angles, scope of each client. Our style tends to be an Organic Modern, focusing on scale, materials, and the dynamic light angles that are latent to be explored.
How did the pandemic affect your business?
Our business like many in the architectural and building trades are still reeling from an incredible interest in new work from our team.
Who are your heroes?
Corbusier, Henry Moore, Oscar Niemeyer, Alvar Alto, Dekooning, Jacques Cousteau, Lowe Brothers, Beethoven, and The Rolling Stones.
What kind of new building materials have you incorporated into design? Is green design a big part of your methodology?
Since inception, I believe in the discipline of sustainable, environmentally-conscious design, and in active and passive design criteria. At Martin Architects we strive to encourage healthy, thoughtful, dynamic living without sacrificing luxury and aesthetic artistry.
You’ve designed so many show-stopping homes on the East End. What inspires you about the region?
The light, the legacy, and the light!
