David C. Martin

David C. Martin was the third-generation design partner for AC Martin Architects. This is a portfolio of significant projects that were designed during the period of 1970s to the 2010s. It includes a number of unpublished photos of award-winning architecture. The treatise includes many of David’s conceptual sketches, his thoughts about design philosophy and describes working relations with his partner Chris Martin and other team members within the dynamics of a large architectural firm. He describes the culture of the firm and how the practice evolved through the generations. The scale of the work ranges from individual houses to 75-story towers — from houses, churches, aerospace, universities to corporate towers. What differentiates this monograph from most is that it is a personal expression, illustrated by lush photographs from LA’s best architectural photographers, and includes personal sketches and watercolours that chronical the design process. It deals with teamwork, family, craftsmanship, and the joy of architectural practice.

Enterprise of the 1600s is a sea story, a business story, about overcoming great odds and continually making the best of a situation. It tells how positive thinking, seizing opportunities, and building win-win relationships can work even in a world coming out of the dark ages. Dennis Merritt as a boy was kidnapped and forced to work as a crew on a merchant sailing ship. He found ways to thrive, and he built his own shipping business using commonsense techniques that were available then but not ever used. The ruling governments were jealous of his success and angry that he had avoided paying huge tributes back to them. Outwitting them was dangerous. Watch as Dennis plans and maneuvers to stay alive and thrive while building the most successful worldwide enterprise of the times.