In Conversation with Jenny Martin

 

Jenny Martin

 

As seen in SNAP, February 2010.

 

Jenny Martin is a local design talent here in Victoria, BC; she combines her education at U of M (for Architecture) and VIU (for Interior Design) with years of experience and travel to form a beautiful fusion of classic elegance and West-Coast style.

 

Her firm, Jenny Martin Design (or JMD), has completed many residential projects including custom and seasonal homes in addition to commercial endeavours such as offices, developments, retail shops and restaurants. Many of these projects have been featured in national and international publications including Style at Home and Kitchen Trends.

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I wanted to learn more about this talented designer and get to know her, so I asked her for an interview to get her input on current trends and her personal take on design. Please read on to learn more about Jenny and her firm…

 

Iván Meade - What is your favourite design find?

Jenny Martin – I don’t think I can pick just one! I have a favourite design find everyday! We are constantly sourcing the globe for the perfect piece or material for each project. But if I had to pick just one… I would have to say it’s the work of local artist Laura Harris. 

 

Art by Laura Harris

 

Iván Meade - Why is it important to you?

Jenny Martin – Laura’s artwork is such a source of inspiration, her abstract use of colour, light and texture is absolutely stunning.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade - How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Jenny Martin – I like to create spaces that are calm, comfortable and inviting. Our lives are hectic enough, Laura’s artwork works perfectly in simple inviting spaces, her paintings are strong and vivid while still serene and peaceful.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Jenny Martin – I grew up with parents who owned a company that built stage scenery, window displays and casino interiors; from around the time I could walk I’ve been surrounded by creative problem solving artists!! My parents were, and still are, a great source of inspiration.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Jenny Martin – Nature, fashion and photography. I love watching how spaces photograph, it makes future designs even stronger knowing how light responds to forms and textures.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Jenny Martin – Ever evolving. My goal as a designer is to really understand my clients’ desires and create spaces that reflect their personal style and life experiences while solving their design challenges. I think you get to see more of my personal style when asked to design show suites and lottery homes. Its inevitable when given cart blanche!! That being said, deep down I’m an artist and doing the same thing twice isn’t appealing so I guess that’s why my taste is constantly evolving!

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Jenny Martin – I love the work of Barbara Barry and Kelly Hoppen. I love the sophisticated elegance Barbara Barry brings to her work (furniture, fabrics and interiors.) Kelly Hoppen does a incredible job of marrying east and west to create simple contemporary spaces which she accessorizes fearlessly with repetition of vases, silks, linens and velvet to create a calm Zen aesthetic.

Design Icons.. There are so many that I Admire; Corbusier, Coco Channel, Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles Eames, Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright…

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Jenny Martin – My greatest strength is my ability to understand what a client wants. I (knock on wood) have never had a client say, “no, that’s not at all what I was thinking..” It’s about listening and actually understanding what they’re thinking, not about selling them something.

My greatest weakness – Perfectionism… To some people the details are unimportant, to me they are key elements that bring the vision to life.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – You began your career in hospitality design, but seem to have shifted more into residential in recent years. Do you have a favourite sector of design that you like to work in? If so, what is it that you enjoy about that type of project?

Jenny Martin – I really enjoy working with residential clients, from small renovations to huge custom homes, working with the end user is so much more personal. That being said, retail design is high on my list too. The turn around for retail design is fast and exciting and we can get really creative with the design concept!!

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Jenny Martin –

1) Light – I have a fascination with how light makes everything come alive. It doesn’t matter how beautiful a space is laid out, designed or decorated if the lighting isn’t there it will all fall flat.

2) Travel – I love collecting inspiration from around the globe, a couple months ago I was lucky enough to go to Israel and visit the historic cities of Jerusalem, Masada and the Port City of Jaffa. Its inspiring to see building that are still absolutely stunning thousands of years later.

3) Design Books and Magazines. 
4) Knowledge – I am always learning about the latest and greatest innovations in design materials, applications and environmental options. It’s inspiring!!

5) The Sun – It re-charges my soul!!

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Jenny Martin – I love designing with light! I love the way spaces can be transformed with properly layered architectural lighting mixed with accent lighting.

 
Relying on decorative fixtures to light a room is a mistake; you should be able to dim those fixtures to a level that highlights them as the art pieces and fill the room with ambient light from an alternate source.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – I noticed in your portfolio that you worked with a graphic design studio on their new offices, what was it like to work with a graphic designer on their interior? Were you able to feed off of each other’s creativity?

Jenny Martin – It was a fabulous experience! Graphic designers, like us, are visual people with the same obsession for colour, form and composition so it was a lot of fun helping them shape their ideas into a work environment that was both functional and funky and with a tight budget!

We were working with a historic building downtown and wanted to keep it edgy and open. By incorporating air-line cable and suspended plexi-glass panels we were able to create division while still keeping areas open for collaborating ideas.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Jenny Martin – I would love to work on another Lottery Home, a “W” hotel, or a Las Vegas Casino!

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Jenny Martin – We’ve recently been working with Innovative Access Solutions renovating homes to make them more accessible for the people living with disabilities. One of the latest projects involved designing a space station kitchen for a young man living with autism. It’s rewarding to see how the right design elements can make such a difference in the quality of their lives.

 

Interiors by JMD

 

Iván Meade – Just because I feel as though we need to get to know each other little better as colleagues, I thought it would be fun to ask you a fun fact about yourself; what is something about Jenny Martin that our readers won’t know?

Jenny Martin – I love cooking, and lately I’m addicted to Thai! In the New Year I’m hoping to make it to Thailand to take an authentic cooking course.

 

Drafting by JMD

 

Iván Meade - Can you tell me what your next design venture is?

Jenny Martin – After working with so many great clients on so many incredible projects, I’m really excited starting construction on our house this spring.

I’m just putting the finishing details on the constriction drawings and I hope to have them in for permit in the next week or two. We’re going to incorporate as many environmentally responsible design elements as possible to comply with “Built Green.”

 Interiors by JMD

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Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Jenny Martin – I would like to be remembered for designing spaces (and furniture) that stand the test of time and are as beautiful 50 years from now as they are today.

 

I invite you to discover Jenny Martin work at her website :

 

 

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – FYN Bridge Chair

 

 

 

PRODUCT

FYN Bridge Chair

 

MANUFACTURE

Roche Bobois

 

COLLECTION

Les Contemporains

 

DESIGNER

Design Studio GioFra

 

MATERIALS

Chrome steel frame upholstered in split leather. Available in 34 colours.

 

DIMENSIONS

L.56 X H.75 X D.61 cm

 

DESCRIPTION

I love the lines and the personality of this chair by french maker Roche Bobois.

 

The visual weight of the piece is very comfortable to the eyes and you cannot beat the fact that you can get this chair in 34 different colours.   

 

This chair is what I call a truly transitional piece.  You can use this chair in a contemporary setting or mixed with antiques.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

C'est Fantastique !!!!

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Jason Martin

Jason Martin

 
Jason Martin is a new and innovative designer based in Los Angeles, California with his firm, Jason Martin Design. I greatly value his work and believe that we share many of the same philosophies/priorities at the onset of the project; such as respecting the architecture of the space, creating something timeless that can evolve over time with elements of the unexpected and sophisticated combinations. Clean lines, ornate details, bold graphic patterns and an array of materials coexist harmoniously to create comfortable and beautiful interiors and furniture.

Jason also has a brilliant mind for marketing; his program, DIY+ is an affordable solution for clients who cannot afford his full range of services. For a predetermined price, Jason will create a concept for the space including a plan book showing suggestions for furnishings, layouts and materials. In addition to the clever DIY+ program, Jason is also a fellow blogger and maintains a great blog at http://jasonmartindesign.blogspot.com/ which is savvy not only to design but current events and local issues as well.

 

Vignette by Jason Martin

Originally a co-owner of Silho Furniture, Jason has a rich background in design experience and has changed his focus to designing interiors and furniture for private clients.

Jason is sure to be going places and has already been featured on several blogs and was even named one of House Beautiful Magazine's list of the next 20 designers to watch.

Keep your eyes and ears open for this one, and read on to learn more about this promising newcomer (you will surely intrigue and impress any fellow design aficionados when you direct them to his website and blog!).

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Jason Martin – At 16 my first real job was assisting a husband and wife design team in my hometown of Amarillo, TX. They had a retail store too. It was very old school and traditional-  we did everything for the clients. Even during the holidays I would string lights for the clients’ Christmas trees. That job started my appreciation for the rules of classic design.  I was well versed in the ways of Mark Hampton, Parish Hadley and the like at an early age.

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – Did you always want to be an interior designer?

Jason Martin – Yes, and it’s a good thing because I am really not qualified to do anything else.

  Interior by Jason Martin

 

Iván Meade - Do you consider being young in the business as advantage or a disadvantage?

 

Jason Martin – Definitely an advantage.  I think I am very lucky to have figured out what I wanted to do at an early age. I can’t remember ever seriously wanting to work anywhere other than around furniture and design. From my first job on, I pretty much took any position that was even remotely related to either. So by the time I went out on my own I had done just about every job you could in retail or design. And from that, I know how hard you have to work at every level. 

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Jason Martin – I really have no idea but I hope that it can’t be summed up in a tight little phrase.  I think that is the death knell of any style.  My aesthetic is modern, certainly not a minimalist modern but it is tailored and clean. I always try to achieve a classic sense of balance and proportion. And I like spaces that have tension in the materials and furnishings. Oddly enough, I think that tension goes a long way to making the room feel warm, relaxed and happy.

  Interior by Jason Martin

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Jason Martin – I have always played this game in my head - I try to figure out what something or someone would translate to in design. Like what is the spatial equivalent of a Nick Drake song; how would you pull off that spare but warm feeling he achieves in Cello Song. Or what would a Thom Browne suit look like if it were a room.  It is easy to be too literal and rigid with inspiration. Sometimes it’s better if the back-story of a design is harder to figure out.

 

Interior by Jason Martin

 

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Jason Martin – The possibilities. When do we ever take the time to stop and reflect on how our industry is progressing? If we don’t take the opportunity to do that now, in this slowed down economy, we never will. I think we should take our cue from what is happening in food- let’s move on from big, cheap and quick and focus on slow, sustainable and quality.

 

Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – What does it feel like to be announced as one of Top 20 Young Designers in America by House Beautiful?

Jason Martin – It is a great feeling to be recognized by a publication like House Beautiful. They are one of my favorites and it is definitely encouraging to hear that a top magazine expects you will be at the top of your field. For them to make a list of designers to watch, especially when so many design magazines are struggling, is a very positive thing. It shows they too are looking forward and are excited about what is to come.

 

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Jason Martin – There isn’t one specific project but there is always a point in each design where the space starts to reflect the client’s personality. That is the most satisfying part of my work.

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Jason Martin – I would love to be able to design a whole neighbourhood. Not like a new development but maybe a block or two in a “down on its luck” section of town.  Every city has them - those streets you can tell were once really charming but now you drive down them and think, “What happened here?” I love the idea of reviving places that others have written off as too far gone. I think good design can spread just as quickly as neglect can.  I am a sucker for a stray dog too!

 

Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – You have a very interesting new service called DIY + Do It Yourself Plus – Services like this are new in what some people call the democratization of design or making the design affordable to everybody – What is your view on this?

Jason Martin – I am all for the democratization of design. I hate the idea that design is only for the privileged.  The better design gets at every level the more society understands its importance. I think good design should be available as long as you are willing to take the time to do the work. What I am doing with DIY+ is taking the guesswork out of hiring a designer. I tried to make it as black and white as possible so a client knows the price, the plan and the process before they sign on.  I think putting the client at ease with the method has a strong positive influence on the design.  The trade off with DIY+ is that my job is creating the master plan. The actual work of carrying out the plan is up to the client.

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – I believe one of your strengths is in furniture design. All your pieces are always exquisitely well done – Where do you get your inspiration?

 
Jason Martin – My first venture into furniture design was with my former business partner, Michelle Wayson (we owned Silho Furniture together). We really tried to design pieces that we felt were missing from the market. The idea was to build what we each were looking for to furnish our own homes- something with better quality and design than you get at chain stores but more affordable than at designer showrooms.  For the most part that is how I still design for my clients. I think they appreciate having furniture that they won’t see in a friends house or on sale in a catalogue next month.

 

  Interior by Jason Martin

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Jason Martin – Lately I have been so focused on designing for private clients that its been too long since I just sat down to design out of inspiration rather than specification. If the opportunity came along I would love to create a line of furniture to sell in a showroom again. I also want to branch out into fabric, wallpaper and accessories. What designer wouldn’t?

 

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Viceroy - Mayakoba

If you want to enjoy a breathtaking view like the one below, paired with beautiful architecture and stunning design.  The new Viceroy Mayakoba is doing  just that in the Mexican Caribbean. 

 

 

The sophisticated and contemporary interior design of Viceroy Riviera Maya will be created by Kelly Wearstler, while featuring contemporary Mexican architecture  envisioned by Legorreta + Legorreta, OHL investors group and  the ultra famous The Kor Group  are proud to unveil Viceroy Mayakoba, Riviera Maya.

 

 Architecture by Legorreta + Legorreta

 

The Residences at Viceroy Mayakoba are beyond stunning.  The Architecture showcases incredible high ceilings  with coves that reflect light in unexpected ways, the large windows create an open feel playing with the ocean on one side and the jungle on the other.

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The patio is one of my favourite moments  – the architecture becomes the frame of its surroundings and the table part of the architecture.  The rustic bench has a modern feel bringing a textural quality while the sphere seats bring a sculptural sense to the space while serving like furniture.

 

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

 

Step into a distinctly elegant vision that interprets classic Mexican moods in a modern context. Custom furnishings, exotic finishes and a very natural colour scheme inspired in the Mayan culture.

 

 

This place is also a historic opportunity to discover the wonders of my homeland.  Many of the most notable Mayan sites are an easy day trip from Viceroy Mayakoba. Among them are Coba, one of the largest Mayan cities, Chichen Itzá, famous for the 91-step Kukulcan pyramid, and Tulúm, a walled Mayan port city perched above scenic beaches.

 

“The true beauty in nature, as in human beings, cannot be discovered at once.  The same is true for buildings.  We enjoy the challenge of discovering them little by little, each time in a slightly different way. To us architecture without touch of mystery is not genuine”

Legorreta + Legorreta

 

 

 VICEROY – MAYAKOBA

 

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Michael Aram Jaipur China

Jaipur Dinnerware

  Accent Plate

 

Rim Soup Bowl

 

Bread & Butter Plate

 

 

PRODUCT

Jaipur Dinnerware Collection

 

MANUFACTURE

Waterford

 

DESIGNER

Michael Aram

 

MATERIALS

Bone China

 

DESCRIPTION

I am a big fan of white china, but sometimes I get bored of only using white, so I started collecting interesting salad or accent plates that I can layer in my table settings.  Depends on my mood sometimes I go for colour, others I go for clear glass or for pattern like in this eye candy.

 

“Inspired by the rich metalworking traditions of India, American metalware designer Michael Aram turns his creative energies and age-old traditions to Waterford with the Michael Aram for Waterford Collection.

The Jaipur Collection derives its inspiration from the traditional Indian architecture during the British Colonial period in India. Featuring open, cut-through patterns, the Jaipur Collection is immediately recognizable for its Indian influences.”      - Waterford.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Delectable !!!

 

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011