Martin is an Architect, graduated from the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires (Argentina) with a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture from the Florida International University in Miami (USA). His role is to lead the design team to ensure Tierra design philosophy gets followed in each of the projects that Tierra is undertaking. His design style and holistic approach between Architecture and Landscape Architecture has received international recognition from clients and his peers.

How did you get into architecture?
Since I was very young I always knew I wanted to be an Architect, I never had any doubts on this. At the time I very much enjoyed drawing, doing clay sculptures and playing with Lego.
A couple of years after getting my Architectural degree in Argentina I decided to go to the US and do a Master in Architecture. After talking with one of the professors at school he talked me into doing a Master in Landscape Architecture instead. And now I can not imagine being anything else than an Architect.

What are some of your career highlights?

Getting my Master in Landscape Architecture changed the way I was thinking and practicing as an Architect and later on my move from the US to Asia and founding Tierra design. 

Has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it? What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years?
In Architecture there has always been cycles. The tendency I have seen over the last few years is going back to basics. Considering the environment by creating buildings that respond to each particular site depending on the graphic location (opposite of globalisation) Also going back to using local and natural materials.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out in similar careers?
Travel the World and experience working in different places.

What is your favourite holiday destination in Asia?
Bali and Phuket

How would you describe your design style?
I do not feel attached to any particular label of style, I aim to design timeless projects that will not go out of fashion in few years.

How does your design process change when you work with an existing structure? 
The design process never changes, what changes is the context, which I believe is one of the most important considerations when designing a project. Each project should respond uniquely to each specific site/context.

When building in a busy metropolis like Bangkok, what importance do you place on incorporating the natural environment in your designs?
I believe as Architects we have the responsibility to give back to the environment and in any busy city like Bangkok it is a very important consideration (specially having a Landscape Architectural background)
It is proven scientifically that green helps our well being. So the more green the better, but should always be carefully orchestrated with the Architecture.

What upcoming projects are you most excited about?
There are a few projects I feel excited about, we are working on an Andaz resort in Bali (under Hyatt brand), a small boutique Hotel in the old Bangkok historic district and the MontAzurre project at Kamala (Phuket) which we have been developing over the last few years with the first phase (Beach condos under Twinpalms management) under construction. 

MontAzure
A few years ago we were appointed to develop the Masterplan for the MontAzure site at Kamala. It is a 180 acres/73 hectares, the site stretching from the beach all the way to the Kamala Hills with large areas of forest land with natural streams.

The site is becoming a very unique resort community in Phuket. This community will have 75  condo units under Twinpalms management which we have also designed. A beach club for residents as well as Cafe del Mar beach club, International Hotels, Lifestyle retail centre, Large Residential Estate Villas, Retirement community, Wellness resort, hillside condos, Eco resort and natural forest. 

The Twinpalms residences MontAzure which are under construction with a rare beach frontage in Phuket has been designed as a unique resort that envisages an immersive landscape and poetic experience. Comprising of 75 units of one and 2 bedrooms mixed connected with generous walkways, water features and roof top private pools. Communal amenities includes 2 large swimming pools,( beach side pool and garden lap pool) gym, yoga studio, library, and beach side lounge.

Journeying through lush tropical gardens, an arrival pavilion provides a threshold between a large courtyard communal pool and a panoramic beach Landscape surrounded by crafted 3 storey buildings.Throughout the project we use timber reflecting the old fishing past with textured concrete providing an informal backdrop to cascading gardens and landscape surrounds. The combination of natural and raw materials combined with the lush landscape helps to create a resort atmosphere. 

See the MontAzure website via this link