Architectural
Thoughtful architectural design is at the heart of successful cultural, civic, and community development projects. For performing arts centers, historic venues, and urban revitalization efforts, architecture must do more than create beautiful spaces — it must elevate the human experience, honor the surrounding context, and contribute to long-term community vitality.
We work with architectural leaders who understand that design is both an art and a strategy. Our collaborative approach helps clients reduce risk, align design decisions with funding and operational goals, and ensure that each project serves as a lasting asset to its community. This integration of creative vision and practical execution is key to realizing spaces that inspire, engage, and endure.
Gary Martinez, FAIA
As part of our coordinated network of industry-leading experts, Palmer Westport collaborates with Gary Martinez, FAIA, a Senior Principal and Senior Director at OTJ Architects. Gary is an internationally recognized authority in the design of cultural and performing arts centers, with a long history of advancing projects that uplift communities and reduce environmental impact.
Gary directs the execution of award-winning landmark theaters, guiding stakeholders and professional teams as he unlocks the social and economic power of cultural venues to heal and strengthen urban neighborhoods.
The restoration and transformation of historic theaters often involves complex adaptive reuse challenges, requiring a careful balance between preservation, technical modernization, and the creation of spaces that meet the needs of contemporary audiences.
In each project, Gary works closely with owners, public agencies, and design teams to uncover a building’s hidden potential and guide it toward renewed purpose. His process is both strategic and human-centered — integrating acoustic, structural, and experiential considerations with long-term operational goals.
By leveraging evidence-based principles, strategic insight, and a digitally integrated process, we work with Gary and his team to help mitigate design risk and deliver enduring, human-centric solutions that maximize each organization’s investment in the built environment.
At Palmer Westport, we believe that architectural excellence is achieved through partnership — bringing together visionary designers, engaged stakeholders, and dedicated technical experts. Our role is to help ensure that the architectural process supports the broader mission of each project, integrating design with funding, operations, and community priorities.
From early planning through final construction, we provide clients with a trusted framework to move projects forward confidently. With architectural leadership that understands the unique demands of cultural and civic spaces, we help create places that are not only functional and beautiful but also meaningful to the communities they serve.
