Meet Thomas Martin | Architect and general contractor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start my own business came from a combination of personal priorities and professional frustrations. I wanted more time with my kids and greater control over my schedule, rather than being tied to someone else’s structure. At the same time, I was tired of not being compensated in line with my experience and the value I bring, and of working under people who didn’t have the same level of knowledge or perspective. I also came to realize that HR departments ultimately serve the company, not the individual, and that job security is never guaranteed. Starting my own business was a way to take control of my time, my income, and my future.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Martinko Studios was built on the belief that thoughtful design and a strong understanding of the built environment can create real, lasting value. What sets us apart is not only our ability to look beyond the surface and approach each project with both a creative and practical lens, but also the fact that we are a father-son firm. That dynamic brings a unique balance of experience and perspective, allowing us to combine seasoned insight with a fresh approach. We don’t just focus on aesthetics—we think about how a space functions, how it gets built, and how it performs over time. That balance between design vision and real-world execution is a big part of who we are.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. The decision to start Martinko Studios came from a desire to have more control over our time, our work, and the direction we were heading in. It also came from frustration—feeling undervalued, working in environments where experience wasn’t always recognized, and realizing that there’s no real security in working for someone else. Starting from scratch meant taking on risk, building relationships from the ground up, and proving ourselves project by project. There were challenges early on, but we stayed consistent, focused on the quality of our work, and kept pushing forward.

One of the biggest lessons along the way has been the importance of trust and relationships. Every project is an opportunity to build credibility, and reputation is everything. We’ve also learned to be selective—understanding that not every project is the right fit has allowed us to stay aligned with our values and the type of work we want to be known for. Patience, persistence, and a commitment to doing things the right way have been key.

At its core, Martinko Studios is about more than just design—it’s about creating spaces with intention and working with people who value that process. We want our work to reflect a high level of thought, care, and collaboration. This is something we’re building for the long term, and we’re focused on growing in a way that stays true to who we are and the standard we want to set.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the city at its very best. We’d start with Santa Monica and Venice—walking the pier, biking the boardwalk, grabbing lunch at Gjelina, and catching a classic ocean sunset at Santa Monica State Beach, followed by dinner at Elephante. A day in Malibu would include morning at El Matador Beach, lunch at Malibu Farm, breathtaking views at Point Dume, and dinner at Nobu Malibu. We’d explore Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, strolling Rodeo Drive, sipping coffee at Alfred Coffee, enjoying lunch at The Ivy, and rooftop drinks and dinner at EP & LP or Catch LA. Downtown LA would offer cultural highlights at The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall, lunch at Bestia, and a rooftop sunset at Perch. Hollywood and the Hills would be all about hiking Runyon Canyon, driving through the Hollywood Hills, lunch at Great White, and sunset views at Griffith Observatory. Another day would focus on design and fine dining, exploring The Getty Center, lunch at Farmshop, and dinner at Spago or Providence. Finally, we’d close the week with a relaxing brunch at Republique, a stroll along Manhattan Beach Pier, a last sunset over the ocean, and rooftop drinks at Harriet’s. The trip would blend beaches, sunsets, rooftop views, fine dining, culture, and scenic drives—showcasing the full vibrant lifestyle that makes Los Angeles unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d have to give a lot of credit to my family, especially my kids, who have been my biggest source of motivation from the start. Wanting to build something that gives me more time with them and sets an example of taking risks and betting on yourself has been a huge driving force. I’m also grateful for the mentors and colleagues I’ve worked with over the years—those who shared their knowledge, pushed me to think differently, and showed me both what to do and, just as importantly, what not to do. Every project and every team I’ve been part of has played a role in shaping how I approach my work today. That collective experience and support has been a big part of getting me to where I am now.

Website: https://www.martinkostudios.com

Instagram: martinko_studios

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/martinko-studios/about/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/martinko-studios-los-angeles?osq=Martinko+Studios

Image Credits
Photo credits:

Woodgreen Kitchen Evan Ramzi
All other photos credited to Martinko Studios