Andy Martin

Background

Andy Martin was born in Sydney, Australia.

Education

He studied architecture at the University of Technology, and completed his training at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London.

Career

He has created a range of works from furniture and product through to restaurants and bars, to residential properties both in the United Kingdom and internationally. He is known for his use of light and dark space, natural light and playfulness with materials. He also lectures extensively on architecture and design, regularly serves as university studio critic, and is a board member for civic institutions and jury awards programs.

Whilst practicing architecture, Martin continued to develop his skills as a furniture designer, being the first to integrate his experience of surfboard design with furniture and sculptural forms.

Martin moved to Paris in 1992 where he began working with Marc Newson on several interior projects. lieutenant was through this partnership and collaborations on Coast restaurant London, and Mash & Air Manchester, that Martin developed his interest in restaurant design.

Martin’s client on these projects was the restaurateur Oliver Peyton. Striking up a relationship with Peyton, Martin was appointed as Concept Architect for the flagship Mash 02 restaurant in London.

Mash 02 itself responded to a more refined view of the concept started with Mash & Air, with the design becoming more iconic, more essential, and hence, easily transposable to future Mash sites.

In 1999, Martin was asked to design Isola restaurant after beating off the likes of Zaha Hadid. This next major project undertaken showed the practice actively shape and change the United Kingdom’s bar and restaurant culture, through its refined, mature and yet still playful style. After the success of this restaurant Martin formed a new practice, Andy Martin Architects, in which he took on Director Tom Davies who came to the company as a Project Manager.

Since American Medical Association was set up, Martin has moved on to design many residential properties, including the Olga Polizzi and William Shawcross residence in West London.

American Medical Association continues to design restaurants and bars around London and have been working on projects in Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, California and Greece.

Achievements

• Winner Best Interior Design, Time Out Eating & Drinking 2000 Winner Best New Restaurant, Evening Standard Restaurant 2001 Winner New Bar Design, Theme Magazine Bar 2003 Winner Restaurant & Bar Design, Best lighting, Chan restaurant, 2011.