James Martin

James Martin’s interest in architecture began in childhood during visits to London, where he witnessed the interplay of historic and contemporary architecture — a perspective that has shaped his sensitivity to urban context, the evolving nature of cities, and the coexistence of new and old.

After beginning his career in the U.K., James relocated to Canada in 2017 and joined KPMB in 2022. In the years since, he has brought exceptional rigour to an array of architectural briefs, creating buildings that are sustainable, efficient, and thoughtfully shaped by space and light.

With an interest in adaptive reuse, James has played a key role for several technically complex urban infill projects. He is a project lead for the redevelopment of 200 University in Toronto, positioning a new rental tower above a 14-storey heritage office building. A skilled project manager, James was also integral to the visioning, concept design, and zoning submission for the Kelly Library and Student Residence project at the University of St Michael’s College, which will revitalize a mid-century library as a mixed-use campus hub with the introduction of a new student residence tower.

At KPMB, James has also contributed to the renovations of a public ferry terminal, a theatre integrated into the base of a residential building, and the firm’s sustainable rental housing portfolio with Kindred Works, which includes the 11-storey mass-timber Greencedar Commons rental building in Scarborough, Ontario.

James is an active member of KPMB’s sustainability leadership committee, helping to ensure that sustainable thinking is embedded as a core value across all projects.

Prior to joining KPMB, James held roles at Linebox Studio, Studio Mackereth, McLean Quinlan, and Saunders Partnership Architects. He studied at the Kent School of Architecture and the Manchester School of Architecture.

Outside of work, he enjoys kayaking, cycling, and attending orchestral concerts — oftentimes at KPMB’s own Koerner Concert Hall.