“As architects we have a unique opportunity to rise above fads and fashion and build things that not only last but also carry forward a narrative about who we are and what we think. Each building tells a story, each project sends a message about our opinion of humanity. And buildings don’t lie”—mld

Martin Dreiling is President of DTA.

He provides overall vision and leadership for DTA. He shapes the ethical direction of the company regarding society and environment and guides new staff in learning the craft of place-making as responsible citizens. He enjoys making architects as much as making architecture.

Mr. Dreiling oversee strategies, analysis and concept development for all projects. He provides continuity over  all DTA work and ensures that our efforts, interactions and actions represent the highest standards of care and consideration.

Martin directly engages clients and projects that are personally compelling and well intended, projects that are good for community, friendly to the environment and projects that serve genuine needs.

He has restored historic houses, developed and realized successful multi-year facility programs for struggling public school districts, served as architectural steward for neighborhood churches and managed watershed restoration projects in critical habitats. He sees no boundaries between project types other than imagination. All projects require leadership, expertise and navigation skills coupled with an innate ability to learn about the subtleties of each client, each site and each community.

Martin believes that building sustainable communities and sustainable economies are inseparable goals. He believes that making healthy, robust and vibrant cities is the primary tactic of environmental stewardship, that no environmental policy is valid unless it addresses the health of the human habitat.

Every project he supports is analyzed for its ability to participate as both a good neighbor and a good steward. Projects that can’t achieve those goals are not pursued, though nearly every project can. It is usually only limitations of  imagination the prevent projects from achieving the highest standards.

Martin studied Architecture at the University of Oregon. He has worked for global and local firms since 1981 and started his first company in 1990

He is a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Urban Land Institute and the American Farmland Trust. He is a life member of the Sierra Club and supports the positive urban initiatives of environmental advocates as a key strategy in environmental health.

He helped create neighborhood development standards for the City of Burlingame and served on their first Architectural Review Board. He served on the San Mateo County Architectural  Review Panel and has written policy and development standards for a number of Bay Area cities.

Martin teaches leadership and participation skills to youth and helps guide neighborhood action groups on land use and planning policy. He volunteers for community projects, helps develop strategies for neighborhood activists and makes his staff available for similar work in their own neighborhoods