Martha is originally from:
I grew up in Springfield, IL and Lexington, KY.
I lived in Asheville, NC, Helena, MT, and Madison, WI, before returning to Raleigh, where I went to graduate school and have been for the past nine years.
Favorite ecosystem:
A cold mountain stream in the Southern Appalachians. I love the feeling of smooth rocks and moss under my feet, and of course, fishing for trout! I’ve also been spending a lot of time on the North Fork of the New River in North Carolina, which is great for my adventurous five-year-old.
Favorite thing to do when not working:
Traveling, hiking/fishing/swimming/paddling, spending time with my family, cooking and enjoying a meal with friends.
Role models:
Old school: Randy Hester and Marcia McNally – Their work helped me understand how and why design should be used as a tool for positive social and ecological change.
New school: Bryan Lee and the folks at Colloqate -They are expanding the boundaries of design practice and exploring new ways to meaningfully engage communities in design and storytelling.
Childhood career ambitions:
A writer — I was a voracious reader, and I still am!
Favorite book and film:
Film: Matewan (John Sayles)
Book: Braiding Sweetgrass (Robin Wall Kimmerer)
Music that instantly puts Martha in a good mood:
Almost anything — my music tastes are wide ranging!
If Martha could have a super power, it would be:
Flying — I love being able to see a large landscape from above. Gotta have a window seat!
Pets:
My dog, Sprout, is my adventure partner and office mate. She is a certified mutt — 22 identified breeds!
Special talent, skill, or passion:
I love to cross-country ski, although it’s challenging in the South!
Most memorable experience in nature:
When I was a young kid, I attended a summer camp program where we were basically released to roam freely on a farm in Kentucky for half the day. I played in streams, caught crawdads, helped with the animals, and harvested food out of the garden. It was a wonderful glimpse into how humans and nature can thrive together. I can still taste that first home-grown carrot, fresh out of the ground.
Favorite food to eat or make:
I love to eat and cook fresh, local seafood, as well as whatever is coming out of my garden!
