Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Martin.
Crystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
To give a brief introduction, I was born in the Southern Lone Star, a small city in Bell County Texas, and grew up in New York City. After graduating from the LaGuardia School of Performing Arts in Manhattan and abandoning aspirations of becoming an artist or fashion designer (my parents were not keen on the idea of starving artist), I took some furniture and industrial design classes held at local design firms to test my capabilities in design. Always wanting to study abroad in France or Switzerland, I soon was presented with an opportunity from connections through mutual family friends.
I lived in a monastery in Florence, Italy where I first learned the Italian language, then enrolled in Academia Di Belle Arte majoring in Interior Design. After my first trip to Milan, I fell in love with the city; the fashionistas, design fairs and afternoon cappuccinos. It was where I would spend the next five years of my life. I acquired my Diploma of Interior Design at Istituto Europeo and worked for an Italian design studio focusing on luxury furniture showrooms. I met many interesting people and friends, igniting the wanderlust to visit Seoul, Korea. After my rendezvous in Italy, I moved there and worked with an architecture firm. I was exposed to so much, however I realized that I only brushed the surface, and wanted to learn more and return to academia life. This led me to undergo another bachelor’s degree and continue with my studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I am pursuing my Master of Fine Arts.
Currently, I am interning at HKS Architects in Downtown Atlanta, a truly great company which has been feeding my passion and allowing me further to evolve; not only in the world of architecture and design but also as a responsible human being. What I also love about being in Atlanta is the vicinity of the ICAASE (Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Southeast) and the charm of the city with its many hidden jewels. Recently, one of my very first personal projects is my condominium renovation with my partner, which is actually still a work in progress. One of the things that I learned from a professor that I highly respect, is that art, design, and overall life, is always a work in progress.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Upon returning to the States, at the time, enrolling for my master’s degree was not easy at all, especially having a European degree. I needed to have a CIDA accredited undergraduate degree in order to be eligible, which was not attainable in Europe at the time. I was offered a full scholarship at the Savannah College of Art of Design and decided I would go the whole nine yards. I discovered that it was the best decision of my life. Everything from drawing classes, to history classes was exactly what I was aspiring for. In fact, a lot of traditional techniques such as classical rendering as well as architectural history informs my designs, and ties together my experiences from New York, Italy, Seoul, now having a Southern charm. It crystalized my own personal philosophy of design, which is constantly evolving. Moreover, I met many great professors, who to me, are like life mentors. Although there were struggles and many sleepless nights and weekends along the way, I must say that I am very humbled to have made the encounters during my journey that lead me to where I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Over the course of my studies, I have won six design awards (proudly displayed in my entryway), two certificates of recognition for portfolio competitions, as well as scholarships. The projects that won design awards range from two multi-use hospitality projects, a cultural museum, a senior living quarters, an adaptable reuse cooking school, and classical architectural learning center. The funny thing is, I was a portfolio competition finalist for two years in a row. Last year the event SCALE ASID was held in LA. Although I didn’t win, I had a great experience and told myself I would try harder for the next year. Comes this year and I find out that I am finalist. This year the event was held in New York. I was excited, but again, I didn’t win, but it was where I had the opportunity to interview with the firm where I am currently interning. If it wasn’t for the work and effort that was put into from not succeeding the first try and being in New York, I would have never met my current company, who after many interviews with the Dallas headquarters, and almost considering moving, I found something fit, or something found me; in Atlanta, 50 floors above ground in a penthouse with amazing views I might add. So, in a way, this was a struggle itself, but always putting in more than 100% can get you where you need to be. In the end, wherever I am, I hope that I can share my personal experiences and philosophy, as well as reciprocally, and ultimately grow together. Although I “abandoned” the idea of becoming a fashion designer and artist, I believe I found my niche where I can ultimately create. Fashion and fine art are not too far from design; anything that comes from the mind and heart and that has beauty is an art.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as being in a place where you are most comfortable and happy. There are many status symbols, but the true success is being able to enjoy it. I find it most humbling when people or companies are setting out to yield positivity such as the experience of a luxury, whether it be in health, the environment, a convenience, or even an object or spaces that bring joy and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: crystalmartin.
squarespace.com, hksinc.com - Email: crystalmartinus@gmail.
com - Instagram: crystalmartindesign
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