The Martin Architectural Group

The Martin Architectural Group Award-winning Architects and Planners committed to delivering the highest quality designs. No two projects are alike.

Established in 1967, THE MARTIN ARCHITECTURAL GROUP's rise to success was initiated by a desire to plan, design, document and deliver the highest quality professional services to the private sector, real estate and development industry. Our commitment to client service and design excellence has remained strong and as a result, the firm has cultivated a diverse and accomplished portfolio of single

and multi-family homes, senior living communities, retail and office designs, mixed-use and transit-oriented developments, and sustainable projects. The firm's greatest asset is our core team of ARCHITECTS AND LAND PLANNERS with a solid supporting cast of designers, project managers, technical personnel as well as administrative staff. Collectively, our group possesses talent and experience in all aspects of the development spectrum, from planning through design and construction documentation. We keep abreast of the latest technologies and marketplace trends by remaining active in the American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, National Association of Home Builders, International Council of Shopping Centers, United States Green Building Council, and Urban Land Institute. Whether working on smaller-scale residential and commercial projects or more complex master-planned, mixed-use communities, we maintain our dedication to FUNCTIONAL AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN. Our visually distinct, yet livable designs have garnered regional and national recognition because of their ability to respond to each site's unique context. By taking into consideration how people will interact with the specific space, structure, and surroundings, we are able to create places that perform as well as excite, and continue to enrich the community far into the future. For that reason, we consider each site independently, addressing the practical concerns of schedules and budgets, while also acknowledging the importance of the BETTERMENT OF THE BUILT, NATURAL, AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTS. With the recent introduction of The Martin Green Studio, we have taken a more invested role in harmonizing environmental protection and land development objectives by offering our clients the option to explore sustainable solutions that engage their visions and respect their limitations. We aim to cultivate a sense of place and ultimately, enhance quality of life. INTEGRITY AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF OUR CLIENT'S GOALS are essential elements in our design process an honest expression of all those invested in a project including ourselves, the client, and the community. As valued collaborators, our clients are engaged throughout the entire life of the project in an effort to foster a shared trust and to completely understand the opportunities and challenges of the site, program, and market. We take pride in both establishing and maintaining relationships with our clients, many of whom have worked with us repeatedly over the years.

Excited to share a new photo collage capturing the spirit of Chevy Chase Lake! 🏙️The Martin Architectural Group proudly ...
07/23/2026

Excited to share a new photo collage capturing the spirit of Chevy Chase Lake! 🏙️

The Martin Architectural Group proudly served as Architect of Record, collaborating with Design Architect David M. Schwarz Architects to bring this vibrant, mixed-use community to life. Each team leveraged the collective strengths of their historic firms, culminating in this 530-unit mixed-use community.

The collage highlights a taste of what makes Chevy Chase Lake special: the open spaces, paving textures, tree lines, and retail activity that draw people together, and the connections and experiences woven between the three residential buildings. From the striking stained-glass art piece and fountain to the European-style woonerf, every detail was designed to create a walkable, welcoming neighborhood — with landscape architecture by Mahan & Rykiel Associates, Inc. elevating it all.

None of this would have been possible without our development partners:
🏗️ Developers: Bozzuto Development & CCLC
🔨 Contractor: Bozzuto Construction Company
🏢 Management: Bozzuto Management

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the largest housing affordability bill to come out of Congress in decades, built f...
07/13/2026

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the largest housing affordability bill to come out of Congress in decades, built from over 60 pieces of legislation.

The quick 6 slide snapshot gives you a peak into what was enacted.
What's actually included (and matters for housing costs).

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

"But what about the traffic?"It's the first objection in every zoning meeting, every comment section, every NIMBY talkin...
07/08/2026

"But what about the traffic?"

It's the first objection in every zoning meeting, every comment section, every NIMBY talking point. And for decades, it's gone unchallenged.

Turns out, the data tells a different story.

The two biggest fears cited against higher density homes— falling home values and gridlocked streets — don't hold up under scrutiny. Study after study shows the opposite: density raises property values, expands the tax base, fuels local business, and makes transit more viable. Schools and public services? They scale just fine, and higher density communities provide much lower per unit students than traditional single family homes.

The "not in my backyard" argument isn't caution. It's a myth built on outdated assumptions — and it's time to retire it.

Take a look at the top 5 NIMBY complaints, and the facts and stats.

Single-stair multifamily is gaining ground — and the numbers explain why!For decades, U.S. building codes effectively ca...
07/02/2026

Single-stair multifamily is gaining ground — and the numbers explain why!

For decades, U.S. building codes effectively capped small-footprint, single-stair apartment buildings at 3 stories. A handful of states — Montana, Texas, Colorado, New Hampshire (plus legacy cities like NYC, Seattle, and Honolulu) — have started expanding single-stair allowances beyond that. It's early, but the conversation is building real momentum, and The Martin Architectural Group is deeply involved in the discussion.

A few numbers from our latest cost comparison:
🏗️ 5-story / 20-unit building: $5.29M (two-stair) vs. $4.79M (single-stair) — ~$503K saved using single stair design
🏗️ 6-story / 24-unit building: $6.97M (two-stair) vs. $6.31M (single-stair) — ~$662K saved using single stair design

Roughly 9.5% of total construction cost recovered at every height tier modeled, as well as RSF increase just by reclaiming the square footage and circulation cost of a second stairway! That is construction cost savings, and doesn't even factor in the gained revenue for space converted to RSF!

A few important caveats:
⚠️ Adoption is entirely dependent on local municipal acceptance — this is not yet a universal code path, and jurisdictions are moving at very different paces.
⚠️ Going beyond 3 stories with a single stair typically requires additive life-safety measures — things like enhanced sprinkler coverage, fire-rated assemblies, smoke control, and egress width adjustments — to offset the loss of a redundant exit path.
⚠️ These measures add cost back in, so actual savings will vary by jurisdiction, fire marshal requirements, and project specifics. The figures above are illustrative, not a guarantee.

Insurance companies will weigh heavily n the true viability of the economics of the project. Their perceptions may very well change as more data and safety information comes to the forefront. Until then, be aware!

Although national code changes are proposed to include 4 story heights, this is still an emerging conversation, not a settled one — but the early traction across multiple states suggests it's worth watching closely, especially for anyone working on small-footprint infill housing.

Our firm continues to explore multifamily and "Missing Middle" solutions and land planning techniques and evolutions with building science.

Thanks to a proposed New Jersey state law, redeveloping a struggling mall, shopping center, or office park may soon be o...
06/29/2026

Thanks to a proposed New Jersey state law, redeveloping a struggling mall, shopping center, or office park may soon be on the fast track!

Senate Bill 1766 takes direct aim at two crises at once — the housing shortage and housing affordability — while giving last century's retail and office stock a real path to future-ready, mixed-use life.

The bill cuts through some of the biggest hurdles developers face today:

🔹 No use variance required for qualifying conversions — projects become a permitted use

🔹 Planning boards must approve eligible applications, removing discretionary delay

🔹 Statewide density & bulk standards replace a confusing town-by-town patchwork

🔹 Long-term tax exemption eligibility for qualifying redevelopment areas

In exchange, projects must meet real thresholds — vacancy history, good-faith leasing efforts, and at least 20% affordable housing — but for owners sitting on underperforming assets, this could be one of the clearest paths to reactivation New Jersey has offered in years.

This is exactly the kind of transformation The Martin Architectural Group has spent years preparing for. Our team brings deep land planning and architectural experience in mall revitalizations and multifamily design — the expertise needed to navigate the bill's requirements, energize stalled sites, and lead clients through every hurdle from concept to approval.

If you own or manage a struggling retail center, mall, or office park in New Jersey, now is the time to start the conversation.

The Secret Sauce-Smaller Density Residential Pro & Con Lists:🏡 Single-Family Detached"Pros"By-right in nearly every zoni...
06/23/2026

The Secret Sauce-Smaller Density Residential Pro & Con Lists:
🏡 Single-Family Detached
"Pros"
By-right in nearly every zoning district — fewest entitlement hurdles
Highest buyer familiarity, easiest financing
No shared walls — best privacy
"Cons"
Lowest density and value-per-acre of any type¹
Highest per-unit infrastructure cost (roads, utilities, stormwater)¹

🏘️ Townhouses
"Pros"
2 to 3 times the density of detached single-family on the same footprint¹
Fee-simple ownership — easier financing than condos
Shared party walls cut framing cost per unit
"Cons"
Fire-rated party walls add code complexity²
Many municipalities cap unit counts or lot widths

🏘️ Duplex / "Two-Over-Two"
"Pros"
Doubles density on a single-family lot, minimal scale change
Lower per-unit cost than detached (shared foundation/roof/wall)³
"Cons"
Two egress paths, often two utility services
Vertical stacking needs fire-rated floor/ceiling assembly²

🏗️ 3-Story, 12-Unit Apartment, Single-Stair
"Pros"
Cuts circulation area to ~9–12% of floor space vs. ~18% with a second stair, creating more rentable square footage⁴
Can lower construction costs an estimated 6–13% vs. standard two-stair buildings⁴
Fits narrow infill lots that can't support a double-loaded corridor
"Cons"
After 3 stories in height- Not by-right in most U.S. municipalities — only where code is amended²
Base IBC caps unamended single-stair multifamily at 3 stories and 4 units per floor²
Requires full sprinkler coverage, added fire compartmentation

🏗️ 4-Story Stick-Framed, Surface-Parked Apartments (Type V/III)
"Pros"
Wood framing is among the lowest-cost construction types per square foot³
Surface parking runs ~$1,500–$10,000/stall vs. $20,000–$50,000+ for structured⁵
Widely permitted by-right in multifamily/mixed-use zones
"Cons"
Surface parking consumes the most site area per unit, cutting density⁵
Capped at 4 stories under Type V without a non-combustible podium²
More impervious surface, more stormwater management

Footnotes
APA / CNU — fiscal-impact and missing-middle research on value-per-acre and infrastructure cost by housing type.
ICC — 2021 IBC egress, fire-rating, and Type V height/story limits.
NAHB — Survey of Construction data on per-square-foot cost by structure type.
CNU — circulation-area and cost comparisons, single-stair vs. two-stair multifamily.
ULI — Urban Land research on surface vs. structured parking costs.

🏫 Ribbon Cutting Celebration!!We are proud to celebrate the completion of a new 19,300-square-foot, two-story The Goddar...
06/16/2026

🏫 Ribbon Cutting Celebration!!

We are proud to celebrate the completion of a new 19,300-square-foot, two-story The Goddard School in Severna Park/Millersville, Maryland!

Designed by The Martin Architectural Group for DAD Development LLC, this project reflects our continued partnership with Dipti Singh and Courtney Feather, marking the fourth project we have completed together.

The new facility will expand enrollment capacity from 180 to 260 students, creating opportunities for more local families to access high-quality early childhood education while adding approximately 20 new teaching positions to the community.

It was an honor to join representatives from the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the ribbon cutting and the positive impact this school will have on the region!

We would also like to recognize the talented project team that helped bring this vision to life:

•Ownership team: DAD Development LLC – Dipti Singh & Courtney Feather

• Civil Engineering team: Kimley-Horn – Mackenzie Mogan, P.E. & Jeff Smith, P.E.

• MEP Engineering – Daniel Chimel

• Structural engineering: Walus Engineering – Kelly Walus, PE

• General Contractor: Old Town Construction

Special recognition goes to our Martin Architectural Group team members, Drew Romanic, AIA, and Jaime Esbensen-Kelly, RA & Khashif Smith, whose leadership and dedication helped guide the project from concept through completion.

At The Martin Architectural Group, we are passionate about creating educational environments that support learning, growth, and community development. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this project a success.

⚽🇺🇸🇲🇽🇨🇦 The World Cup is here, and Philadelphia is ready! 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸⚽The City of Brotherly Love is thrilled to welcome count...
06/11/2026

⚽🇺🇸🇲🇽🇨🇦 The World Cup is here, and Philadelphia is ready! 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸⚽

The City of Brotherly Love is thrilled to welcome countries, teams, and fans from around the world as FIFA World Cup activities kick off!

We're especially proud that our own Steve Zalecky is part of the effort. Steve has joined the FIFA volunteer team and will be helping welcome arriving teams and visitors at Philadelphia International Airport. He is one of roughly 65,000 FIFA volunteers serving across North America to help make the tournament an unforgettable experience.

The photos show Steve in his FIFA gear outside our office beneath the flags of nations from around the world, along with Philadelphia City Hall proudly displaying its giant FIFA 26 banner.

Philadelphia has always been a city that welcomes people from every background, and we're excited to share our history, culture, neighborhoods, and hospitality with visitors from across the globe.

Good luck to all the teams, safe travels to all the fans, and welcome to Philadelphia! ⚽❤️

We’re excited to share our submission "Rise at Girard" for a national Single-Stair Housing Design Competition — a forwar...
05/19/2026

We’re excited to share our submission "Rise at Girard" for a national Single-Stair Housing Design Competition — a forward-thinking approach to urban multifamily housing that aligns with the ongoing national conversation surrounding International Code Council proposal E24 and the future of residential building design to address "The Missing Middle".

As jurisdictions across the country reconsider single-stair residential construction, our proposal demonstrates how thoughtful architecture, modern fire protection systems, and performance-based design strategies can work together to create safe, sustainable, and community-focused housing, and utilize existing land for proper density.

Our six-story, 21-unit mass timber concept explores how single-stair typologies can:
• Increase density on constrained urban infill sites
• Improve daylight and natural ventilation
• Reduce inefficient double-loaded corridors
• Create healthier and more connected living environments
• Support “missing middle” and mid-rise housing goals

The design integrates:
• Open-air exterior egress stair
• NFPA 13 sprinkler protection
• Pressurized elevator shaft and lobby
• Open breezeways and areas of refuge
• Type IV-B mass timber construction
• Short travel distances and naturally ventilated circulation

Together, these strategies create a robust life-safety approach while improving resident experience and strengthening the urban fabric.

With the ICC’s pending E24 proposal exploring expanded allowances for single-exit residential buildings in future code cycles, we believe projects like Rise at Girard can help demonstrate how innovative housing solutions can responsibly address density, sustainability, affordability, and livability in our cities.

This summer, The IDDeal Place will open as Palm Beach County’s first independent living community designed specifically ...
05/19/2026

This summer, The IDDeal Place will open as Palm Beach County’s first independent living community designed specifically for adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)!

📐 Construction Update-Summer Grand Opening: The IDDeal Place

We’re honored that our Florida office at The Martin Architectural Group is part of the team bringing The IDDeal Place to life in Palm Beach County.

This transformative project, developed in partnership with the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and the The IDDeal Foundation, will become the county’s first independent living community designed specifically for adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and only the eighth community of its kind in Florida. As construction continues through the flurry of final details and crafting moments for the future residents, we reflect on what has been created.

An aerial view of the community and progress can be seen here:
https://lnkd.in/eyRKRdDM

Situated on a thoughtfully planned 3.27-acre campus, IDDeal Place will establish a new supportive community including:
• Residential Building #1 with 18 beds
• Residential Building #2 with 6 beds and overnight accommodations for two staff members
• A Director’s House
• Outdoor spaces designed for passive recreation, connection, and socialization

More than a housing development, IDDeal Place represents an opportunity to create a supportive environment centered on independence, dignity, inclusion, and long-term security for adults with I/DD.

We are proud to contribute our architectural expertise to a project that will have a lasting impact on residents, families, and the broader community. Projects like this remind us how thoughtful design can help shape lives and strengthen communities.

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