[My education] find-tuned my design skills [and exposed me] to all aspects of the design process. Martin Nash , Owner of Martin Nash Design Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, 1989 , The Art Institute of Atlanta

Owner of Martin Nash Design

Martin Nash is the owner of his own interior design firm, located in the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. The 550,000 square foot Center is home to 60 showrooms displaying product lines including furniture, fabric, rugs, lighting, accessories, floor and wall coverings, antiques, fine art and framing, kitchens, bath, tile and stone, and home theater products. Martin works with designers and architects in the showroom selecting furniture, lighting, and art for design projects. He says that the best part of his job is working closely with talented and creative people.

Martin is proud that his creative passion helped to change the dynamics of the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center—and the surrounding design community. When it comes to inspiration, Martin looks to nature and urban grittiness. “My hero is William Switzer.” And he recommends that current interior design students keep their options open when it comes to a specialization. “Consider the design showroom business as a viable career path.”

Martin, who in 1989 earned an Associate of Arts in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Atlanta, says that his education fine-tuned his design skills. He believes that big trend in the industry is exposure to all aspects of the design process via digital or online catalogs. “Younger designers want their furniture and lighting resources on a computer or tablet. The showroom industry must keep up with the next generation of designers.”