Studio Slab, Inc.

Our Mission: To practice thoughtful design with integrity, and with intuitive discovery, lift the human spirit skyward toward excellence. Martin Mervel is an accomplished and talented architect who brings over 20 years of diversified design experience in commercial and residential projects. Mr. Mervel is a building Architect, committed and focused on integrating nature with built space. Mr. Mervel has managed award winning projects such as Kate Mantilini Restaurant in Beverly Hills, CA and the Crawford Residence in Montecito, California, working with Thom Mayne at Morphosis (2005 Pritzger Prize) and Michael Rotondi (ROTO). Both of these mentors encouraged him to open his own office Studio SLAB in 1987. Mr. Mervel has also channeled his architectural talent and artistic vision as an Art Director and Set Designer. Prominent projects include art direction and set design for 'Scream,' Michael Jackson's famed 6 million dollar video, as well as set design of Doctor Evil's lair for "Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery" based on the architecture of one of his heroes: John Lautner. Staying connected with touchstone cultural icons is consistent and reflected in the quality of his work. As a hands-on carpenter, he values the human necessity for making objects and defining space. "Our profession demands a high level of collaboration in a competitive market where the economics of delivering on schedule and on budget is equivalent to creating a new economy of beauty. Design is independent of scale; it is present at all levels in the universe." Heroes like Albert Frey, John Lautner, Rudolph Schindler and his dear friend Julius Shulman continue to teach him that keeping one foot in front of the other and focusing on expressions of timeless design principles are what life is all about. "Design process connects idea to program with vision, while growing in life inspires me to build with evolving technology from the moment of pulling a permit, to onsite discussions and following through, giving people what they want to have for their own enjoyment. We listen and provide comprehensive service," says Mervel. Mr. Mervel received his Bachelors degree in Environmental Planning at UC Santa Cruz and attended the Masters program as well as taught at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) from 1985-1995. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Mr. Mervel currently resides in Los Angeles where he enjoys sketching, cooking, traveling photography and spending time with his son, Ian.