Jay Massey brings a distinct creative vision to the world of design, defined by an intuitive ability to uncover potential where others might not look. His approach—elegant, thoughtful, and naturally perceptive—is central to Massey Martin’s signature style.
A native of Savannah, Georgia, Jay studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and began his career in the performing arts, later spending several years in Los Angeles’s music industry. This rich foundation in the creative arts continues to shape his design sensibility—layered, expressive, and rooted in storytelling.
With over two decades of experience, Jay has contributed to a wide range of projects, from new developments to historic rehabilitations and restorations. He collaborates closely with architects, land planners, and builders, breathing new life into old spaces while honoring their character and history.
A passionate researcher and natural observer, Jay is inspired by the stories behind each project—whether it’s the history of a place or the personal journey of a client. These narratives inform the timeless, meaningful spaces that define Massey Martin’s work.
James Martin has always maintained a deep connection to the built environment, with a lifelong passion for architecture, history, and design. From an early age, his travels were shaped by a fascination with historic places, architecture, and antiques—interests that filled countless sketchbooks and continue to inform his work today. Whether exploring European cities or quiet Southern towns, Martin is continually inspired by the richness of the past and the enduring beauty of craftsmanship.
A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Martin earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation. He has called Savannah home for over 20 years, dedicating his practice to residential design that honors the city’s architectural heritage and sense of place. His love for Savannah—its layered history, graceful buildings, and deeply rooted traditions—is at the heart of his design philosophy.
Martin’s academic pursuits extended beyond Savannah, including participation in the University of Hawai‘i’s symposium on Eastern architecture and the study of classical architecture through Cornell University in Rome.
He previously served as a Senior Associate at Franck & Lohsen Architects, a Washington, DC–based firm, where he contributed to prominent residential and institutional projects across the globe. In the field of preservation, he led the exterior restoration of the Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington and historic structures at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Martin has also served on the Metropolitan Club's building committee and the board of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter. A native of Washington, DC, he brings a deep appreciation for tradition, history, and timeless design to every project, with Savannah as his enduring source of inspiration.