Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
25 Years
What is your primary product or service?
Architecture, Planning, Consulting
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Dave was raised in the construction industry, the son of a plumbing, heating, and electrical contractor. He worked on the field crews, helped bid projects, and for a time managed the office. Dave has more than 39 years of construction and architectural experience.
Dave has been the principal for the Martin Design Marion office from its start in 1985. As such he has either designed or supervised all of the work created by the Marion office. Dave has a strong history of designing projects that consider working with the natural environment, are easy to maintain, energy efficient to operate, are functional and efficient. Cost control is an important part of every project.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Martin Design was founded as a predecessor partnership in 1985. David F. Martin is the president of Martin Design, P.C. (Professional Corporation). From its beginning Martin Design has provided services to a diverse group of clients seeking a wide variety of buildings.
Our clients include very large corporations as well as small businesses, government agencies, religious organizations, non-profit agencies, and individual homeowners. We find that many of the lessons of architecture are universal and expertise can be applied to the very large project that is gained on the very small project.
January 1, 2010 Martin Design acquired the assets of Gardner Architecture, PLC following the death of the firm’s founder, Tom Gardner. The two firms have merged operations with architectural personnel in both offices. We continue to build upon Tom’s legacy with the new buildings we design and honor him by including several projects designed under his leadership of Gardner Architecture.
Since its founding, Martin Design has been located in historically significant buildings of downtown Marion, with the current Marion location immediately adjacent to the City Square. The building we are located in is more than 100 years old and was used until forty years ago as one of the principal banks in the community.
We believe that sustainable design needs to begin with us. By using this old building we not only minimize our impact upon the environment, but preserve a significant part of our history. Sustainability for our firm means finding a balance of fundamental good building practices and current innovations to create a building that can easily be maintained, inexpensive to operate, and highly functional for the building users. Furthermore our Gardner Architecture location is in an old barn.
We believe that our role is to be your advisor, your helper, and, when needed, your cheerleader through the building process. The budget and goals are yours to determine. We adhere to the project scope and budget, or inform you if and when your various objectives are in conflict.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Two locations in Marion, and Strawberry Point, Iowa.
Provide detailed directions to your location
700 11th St., Ste. 200
Marion, IA 52302
11502 390th St.
Strawberry Point, IA 52076
What type of payments do you accept?
Check, EFT, Cash
Which areas do you service?
Northeastern and Eastern Iowa.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
David F. Martin, AIA, President
What are your hours of operation?
Marion Office: 8-5 M-F
Strawberry Point Office: 7-6 M-Th
Contact Martin Design:
