From Ecuador to Buffalo to the Hudson Valley: Designer Ingrid Martinez Joins Tinkelman Architecture
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (April 11, 2023) – Ingrid Martinez, the newest designer at Tinkelman Architecture in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., knew she wanted to be an architect since she was a child growing up in Ecuador.
Her father was a developer and construction worker whose family included many architects. Her mother, with an interest in interior design, engaged young Ingrid in building a cardboard model of their house, complete with furniture.
“We built it together and it kind of clicked,” Martinez said. “I want to make models and draw.”
She came to the United States at the age of 13 and followed her dream into architecture, undaunted by the field’s male dominance. Now, after studying architecture in several countries, and having gained seven years of experience, she is a project designer at Tinkelman Architecture.
She enjoys serving on a team in which the head of the company, founder and managing partner Steven Tinkelman, is deeply involved in every project. She is undertaking a variety of projects in the residential sector, mixed-use and higher education. In doing so, she will contribute to the wide variety of designs and plans that Tinkelman is renowned for producing for buildings and developments throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.
“Ingrid brings a wealth of experience and great energy to our firm,” said Tinkelman. “Her love of learning, positivity, attention to detail and warm personality invigorate our team approach and the work we produce. She will collaborate wonderfully with our clients to bring their visions to life.”
Martinez attended the New York Institute of Technology for one year, then transferred to the University at Buffalo. For two summers as a student, she studied architecture in Spain, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
“It was a great opportunity to immerse myself in the cultures and different types of architecture, and to experience how they solved the design issues they faced,” she said. “It was fascinating to see from city to city how they have adapted architecture to meet their needs.”
While a student at the University at Buffalo, she designed her family’s home in Riobamba, Ecuador, which was completed in 2015. Martinez earned a master’s degree in architecture from the University at Buffalo and later gained experience as a project designer on public school and higher education projects, as well as the development of health care facilities.
Martinez is devoted to encouraging people from marginalized communities to explore architecture as a career. She is a founding board member of the Architecture, Construction & Engineering Mentorship Program of Western New York.
She moved to Newburgh, N.Y., in 2020, marking a return to the Hudson Valley, where she had lived before college. With Spanish as her native language, she looks to open new opportunities for Tinkelman Architecture throughout the community.
About Tinkelman Architecture
Founded in 1992 by Steven Tinkelman, Tinkelman Architecture is a full-service architecture and planning firm dedicated to the betterment of the Hudson Valley, its communities, and its built environment. Committed to excellence, the Tinkelman team believes in addressing architecture from every angle. Tinkelman proudly provides clients with diverse solutions for their wide-ranging needs. The team does so by leveraging their unique skills and experiences, as well as some of the best leading-edge technology the architecture, engineering and construction industry has to offer. Learn more at tinkarch.com/
