FIRM PROPAGANDA

For the past 30 years, the landscape architectural firm of Steve Martino & Associates has been committed to the development and advancement of landscape architecture in the Southwest. With a demonstrated knowledge of materials and design skills, SM & A strives to integrate the needs of people and nature in clear and understandable terms.

Landscape Architect Steve Martino, FASLA, has earned a national reputation for consistent design excellence. Steve’s pioneering work with native plant material and the development of a desert-derived design aesthetic is widely recognized. A recurring theme of his work has been the dramatic juxtaposition of man-made elements with ecological processes. Celebrating the special characteristics of the desert has always been a passion.

Built projects consistently addressed the difficult conflicts of contemporary expectations in an environment whose foundation is a fragile desert landscape. His designs strive to make evident the positive aspects of our relation to history and the landscape and inspire people to live in ways that promote the health of the natural world.

Creating client-tailored environments that express a sense of identity and reality with the site and the region is an ongoing goal. Understanding the cultural significance and character of a site and applying these lessons to it’s new man-made circumstance is a pursuit that adds meaning to a project, often transcending the client’s original expectations.

Expertise as a thoughtful and consistent designer is demonstrated by the awards received from professional societies. His projects are known for introducing new technical innovations in design and horticultural practices. This innovative spirit has earned him more than 100 local, regional and national design awards, including eight National ASLA Design Awards and the induction of two gardens into the Smithsonian Institute’s “Archives of American Gardens”.

His works have been published nationally and internationally in over 80 books and 280 periodicals. The extensive publication of his work has generated a greater public awareness of the unique qualities of the Southwest’s desert environment. He is the recipient of ASLA’s Award of Excellence for the 2006 Professional Design Awards. He is also the recipient of the 2006 ASLA Design Medal. The nomination and endorsement letters outline Steve’s contributions to the profession.

Professional Registration:  Arizona, California, Nevada & Texas