James Martin

I have always been keenly in tune with the built environment. Since I was a child I would draw homes wherever I went, listing in detail features, and even suggesting a price; Often my drawings would go as far as to include proposed improvements! Following this innate interest, I obtained my masters' degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art & Design and studied classical architecture with Cornell University in Rome. As the Senior Associate for Franck & Lohsen Architects, based in Washington, D.C., I worked on notable residences and institutions across the globe. Working in preservation,I oversaw the restoration of historic buildings across the country. Following my time in Washington, together with my husband, Jay Massey, we successfully launched Massey Martin Design, a residential design firm, and began our work on the restoration of downtown Savannah’s blocks of row houses. Our firm has transformed numerous properties from Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Savannah, and has been quoted and featured in local and national publications such as Savannah Magazine, Savannah Homes, Period Homes, Cottages & Bungalows, Cottage White, & Garden & Gun, as well as received preservation awards from the Historic Savannah Foundation. Our team’s astute knowledge in the local market and background in design offers our clients and customers a distinct value as we identify the value of homes with the ability to foresee the utmost potential of each property. Jay and I live at The Landings on Skidaway Island, where we enjoy the outdoor life of being on the water, surrounded by nature, while having historic downtown Savannah nearby. We enjoy the warm and welcoming nature of the Savannah community and support the efforts of the Historic Savannah Foundation, Savannah’s Philharmonic, The Caretta Research Project, The Humane Society for Greater Savannah. When we are not working, we love playing tennis and pickleball, kayaking, golfing, & exploring Savannah and the surrounding Lowcountry.