Elisabeth Martin, AIA, Principal
Elisabeth Martin has practiced architecture for over twenty years, with
experience over a range of building types, new and restored, including
a focus on Library Planning and Design. Prior to becoming a partner in
MDA designgroup 2003, a NYC-based design studio that focus on a wide range
of project types, Ms. Martin served as the Director of Planning, Design,
and Facilities for Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). From 1996 to 2003, she
directed BPL’s capital program directing work and performing design services
for projects at each of its 58 branches and the renovation and expansion
of it 300,000 square-foot landmarked Central Library.
Prior to assuming her position at Brooklyn Public Library in July of 1996,
Ms. Martin served as the Program Director for the Libraries Unit of the
NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC). At DDC, she administered
the Library Capital Construction Program for the 216 branch libraries
comprising the three NYC Public Library systems: New York Public Library,
Queens Borough Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library. Her stewardship
brought accelerated schedules and higher quality design and construction
and provided years of experience in navigating multi-faceted project relationships,
procurement requirements, and schedules.
Ms. Martin holds a Master of Architecture from Yale University School
of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Design of the Environment from
the University of Pennsylvania. She started her career in the private
sector with a focus on the design and renovation of public buildings.
She has authored articles on Library Design. Ms. Martin is frequently
invited to speak as a guest lecturer and has spoken at numerous national
and regional conventions and symposia. She co-teaches a course entitled
"The Planning & Design of Public Libraries” at the Harvard Design
School and teaches Interior Design at the School of Visual Arts.
Ms. Martin is an active in a number of organizations. She has held leadership
roles in the American Library Association’s LAMA Building and Equipment
Section (BES), served on its Executive Committee, and chaired the Architecture
for Public Libraries Committee and the Library Buildings Awards Committee.
Ms. Martin is an active member of the American Institute of Architects
(AIA). She has been a trustee on the Center for Architecture Foundation
for four years and is the current President of the Foundation Board. She
also serves on the Chapter’s Design Awards Committee, Center for Architecture
Exhibit Committee, and the Center Coordinating Committee. As a result
of her advocacy for design excellence in public buildings, in 2002, Ms.
Martin was awarded the American Institute of Architect’s prestigious Public
Architect Award for her years of efforts in advocating for and delivery
of design excellence to buildings in the public realm, and testament to
her skill in balancing the complex challenges of multi-faceted organizations
and procurement procedures.
