Martin E Schwartz

Principal, ULI, ICSC, SEGD

Founding and managing partner Martin Schwartz steers the future direction of RSM Design as the team’s CVO – Chief Visionary Officer. Martin is deeply committed to challenging the studio’s practice to stay at the forefront of environmental graphic design as an industry thought leader in philosophy, process and delivery. An architect by training, his background insightfully guides the way he brings together the aspirations of the design and development teams into a synergistic process that results in innovative and inspired projects.

Martin’s core objective is to passionately advocate for Creative Leadership in developing the design process through active collaboration, a compelling vision and a disciplined process. He believes in a “Principle-Centered Design” approach that seeks to detect each project’s unique character rather than invention. This has helped to foster a strong sense of design integrity to unify the vision, values and purpose in his work.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Business degree from the University of Texas, in addition to specialized coursework at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Switzerland. Martin is actively involved with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Society of Experiential Graphic Designers (SEGD), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Education

  • University of Texas, Bachelor of Architecture, Minor in Business
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Switzerland, Specialized Coursework

Speaking, publications & abstract topics

  • What is Wayfinding? It’s all about Human Needs
  • From Transactional to Transformational
  • Principle Centered Design
  • Connecting People to Place
  • Connect, Think, Activate, Inspire

Expertise

  • Design Strategy
  • Narrative / Story / Visioning
  • Project Renovations / Repositioning
  • Retail / Mixed-Use

Contact

Latest Articles.

Nov 29, 2018

Campus Placemaking: Anchoring Students with Clarity, Specificity, and Purpose

Sep 20, 2019

Connecting People to Place · Part 1: Experiential Design at the Long Beach Exchange

Dec 02, 2019

Crafting with Context

Sep 21, 2020

Experiential Design · Part 1 of 4

Sep 21, 2021

Spark Delight through Healthcare Signage Design

Sep 29, 2022

Healthcare Wayfinding & The Brand Promise

Oct 16, 2016

Placemaking Design: Public Spaces for the Community

All Articles

Recent Work.