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February 1, 2010 - Martin Design Celebrates 25 Years of Service to Eastern Iowa
Dear Friends of Martin Design,
Somehow it seems very appropriate that Martin Design is acquiring Gardner Architecture just as the firm celebrates its 25th anniversary. On February 1, 1985, Chuck Bruggeman and I launched Martin and Bruggeman Design Group. Chuck had been in the house design business for several years before we teamed up. I had worked for Architectural Design Group, Brost Architects and Planners, and Pierce King Architects prior to the start of that firm. In 1987 Chuck and I went our seperate ways as I formed Martin Design Consultants, which in 1992 became Martin Design, P.C.
When I left Pierce King and went on my own, I knew that I wanted to practice architecture a little different than the architects I had worked for. I knew that I wanted to have a more open process in my practice. I grew up in construction and had seen my family's mechanical and electrical business work closely with other contractors and especially with building owners. I wanted to involve clients more in the design process and I wanted to make use of the abilities of contractors during the building design process.
Through our partnering process with contractors, we have found ways to involve clients better, predict costs better, work out construction details before construction starts, minimize cost overruns, and keep the owner and contractor better informed.
I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank some very key people in this 25 year journey. Our current staff is probably the most energetic, creative, and dependable I have ever worked with. The Strawberry Point employees are already becoming trusted partners and I am learning more about them every day.
Another group that I need to thank are the contractors, suppliers, factory representatives, and field workers who have made our projects a success.
Finally but most importantly I extend my heartfelt thanks to our clients. Without you architecture does not happen. I have appreciated your trust and look forward to many more years of working together. Thank you!
Sincerely yours,
Dave Martin
P.S. We look forward to seeing all of you at our yearly Block Party/Anniversary Party on Thursday, July 15th, 2010. We will be sending out reminders as the time nears closer.