Ken Martin | Architect

“My father was in the Army, and, during his 30-day leaves, he’d take the family on trips to historic sites and architecturally relevant places, such as Colonial Williamsburg and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater,” says Ken. That exposure to architecture left an impression on him at an early age. Then history and politics side-tracked Ken in high school. He double-majored in those subjects as an undergrad before serving in the Army.

“It hasn’t been a straight route to architecture, even after I earned my master’s degree,” Ken adds. He worked in other creative fields, including graphic design and 3D modeling. “All of my experiences help inform my work today.”

Ken has now worked in architecture for more than 15 years. His nearly lifelong interest in history contributes to his expertise in historic preservation reviews and creative adaptive reuse of historic structures—complementary to many of NewStudio’s projects. Experience as a veteran also enhances his leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. “I’m an adaptable team member, and NewStudio’s collaborative environment is a good fit.”

Favorite Office Supply:
Coffee

Someday, I Will:
Travel the country in a Volkswagen Camper

What Most People Don’t Know About Me:
While in graduate school, I worked three summers for the Historic American Buildings Survey, including a summer documenting lighthouses in the Apostle Islands and a summer producing measured drawings of the White House.

When I’m Not At NewStudio, I’m:
Traveling, taking pictures, enjoying films and music (I have an extensive and diverse music collection)

If I Was Stranded On An Island, The One Thing I’d Take With Me:
Hammock

Education:

M. Arch., Virginia Tech

B.A. History, Virginia Tech

B.A. Political Science, Virginia Tech