David C. Martin

Design Principal, AC Martin Partners and Co-founder, MADWORKSHOP

David C. Martin, FAIA, a third-generation architect, continues the tradition established by his grandfather of major involvement in the architectural planning and civic life of Southern California. Martin received his Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Southern California (USC) and his Masters of Architecture from Columbia University. Upon completing his formal studies, Martin spent four months on a traveling fellowship studying the great urban spaces of the world.

Martin was design principal for AC Martin Partners, a 110-year old architecture firm noted for its historic and contemporary landmark projects, through which he transformed neighborhoods, academic institutions and cities. One of Martin's last projects for AC Martin Partners was the 80- story high-rise hotel and office complex in the heart of downtown—the new Wilshire Grand.

Martin is a member of the Dean's Advisory Council at USC, a past president of the Southern California Chapter of the AIA, and a former Board Member of the AIA California Council. He is currently on the Boards of the Los Angeles Conservancy, USC School of Architecture and ArtCenter College of Design. He is an award-winning designer that has been recognized for his innovative, inspirational and cutting edge projects. David, along with his business partner and cousin Christopher C. Martin, FAIA, has received the American Institute of Architecture (AIA), Los Angeles Chapter's Gold Medal of Honor, for their major contribution to the built environment in the City of Los Angeles.

Martin is an avid watercolorist and his works have been exhibited throughout the United States, including "On Site: Travel Sketches by Architects" at Hunter College, "line.dot—Drawing the Design Process at the Martin Design Studio" at UCLA, and "Form Follows Software: A Revolution in the Architectural Process" at USC, University of Arizona, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

He and his wife, Mary Klaus Martin, established MADWORKSHOP, a foundation that endows innovative design students with the opportunity to freely explore their ideas from inspiration to reality.