Tony Martin, Inc. is a custom home Designer/ Builder located in Fredericksburg, Texas. Their work has been published in the
Robb Report, Vacation Homes, and
Country French magazine. They have completed projects in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and California.
His son, Ira, happens to be a really close friend of mine who works hand in hand with his father. I have been fortunate enough to view some of these homes in person. They are STUNNING.
I wanted to spotlight Tony and his son, Ira, because I think what they create is something magnificent and timeless. They design and build stone homes and compounds in the vernacular tradition of the 1800's rural architecture and family compounds.
Their homes incorporate antique reclaimed woods and limestone. Their use of antique & local materials and their restoration of historical buildings make them an "Original Green Builder".
I asked Ira a couple of questions... I hope you find some inspiration in the photos and dialogue below.
Telluride
Telluride
Telluride
Telluride
Napa
Napa
Napa
Napa
Napa
Who or what has been the greatest influence in you & your father's design?
We are influenced by the local architecture in the surrounding communities of each project. Our designs are inspired by the handmade structures that have existed in those areas for centuries, and we design and build homes that are in keeping with their historic proportion.
What part of the process do you enjoy the most? And is that different from your father?
Tony (my father) really enjoys the challenge of working with each clients individual style to achieve their different needs, dreams and wants.
I (Ira) enjoy the procurement of antique material and statement pieces of antique furniture throughout the homes.
How did your dad get started in custom home building and design? What is his background?
His background is in designing and building custom furniture. He then took that practice into the fine art of designing and building true craftsman style homes.
What kind of projects are you working on now? Are you doing something you've not done before?
We are really excited about designing something other than the historical stone compounds we are known for. One of our current projects is more of an old traditional Texas Ranch Home ... utilizing extremely deep Texas Porches, a soft metal roof, and instead of traditional stone walls on a traditional ranch house, walls will all be utilizing original 1 x 12 antique pine board and batten. Those will be juxtaposed to large dry stack-stone fireplaces on either end of the home. A more refined and delicate approach to the Hill Country home.
What material or trend do you see being "revived" from the past and making a statement in homes of today?
Less is more... paying more attention to the procurement of material and their application vs. concentrating on larger spaces.
For more information on Tony Martin, Inc. please click here...
www.tonymartininc.com
Meredith
