Principals

Frank Z. Martin, Architect, AIA, NCARB

Co-Founder & President

Frank Z. Martin’s love of architecture stretches far beyond his history with the firm. At an early age, he was enamored with all styles of art and drawing, but it was high school drafting classes that really got him hooked on architecture. He went on to attend the University of Michigan College of Architecture and Design where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture with high distinction.

As his existing architectural practice continued to thrive, Frank met a fellow architect named Sam Dorchen, and in 1989, the two partnered together and founded Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc. Today, Frank serves as president and continues to play a pivotal role in DMA’s success.

For Frank, the most fulfilling and satisfying aspects of architecture are strategizing with clients and conceptualizing solutions that help DMA bring their clients’ visions to life. As someone with vast knowledge in a variety of fields and areas of architecture, he gravitates toward designs that are bold but also functional. Decades after diving into architecture headfirst, Frank is still immensely proud of and thankful for his talented DMA team, many of whom would consider him a workaholic. But is it really considered work when you genuinely love what you do?

Principals

Frank Z. Martin, Architect, AIA, NCARB

Co-Founder & President

Frank Z. Martin’s love of architecture stretches far beyond his history with the firm. At an early age, he was enamored with all styles of art and drawing, but it was high school drafting classes that really got him hooked on architecture. He went on to attend the University of Michigan College of Architecture and Design where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture with high distinction.

As his existing architectural practice continued to thrive, Frank met a fellow architect named Sam Dorchen, and in 1989, the two partnered together and founded Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc. Today, Frank serves as president and continues to play a pivotal role in DMA’s success.

For Frank, the most fulfilling and satisfying aspects of architecture are strategizing with clients and conceptualizing solutions that help DMA bring their clients’ visions to life. As someone with vast knowledge in a variety of fields and areas of architecture, he gravitates toward designs that are bold but also functional. Decades after diving into architecture headfirst, Frank is still immensely proud of and thankful for his talented DMA team, many of whom would consider him a workaholic. But is it really considered work when you genuinely love what you do?

Timothy Coon, Architect, NCARB, LEED AP

Partner & Project Architect

Tim Coon first fell for architecture in high school through an intro to drafting class. He followed his passion and received a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He soon joined Dorchen/Martin Associates, where he’s thrived for nearly three decades. Since then, Tim has become a revered project architect and a key partner at DMA.

Like most architects, Tim loves the beauty of pure design, however he tends to lean toward the technical nitty gritty stuff. The design development process holds a special place in his heart, as he’s extremely skilled at taking a finished design and figuring out how to make it a reality. Although he appreciates all architecture, Tim is particularly drawn to Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern styles. But don’t even get him started on “fake” materials. If something is supposed to look like stone or wood, it’s got to be authentic.

When’s Tim’s not bringing designs to life, he values quality family time, traveling and reading whenever he can. Friends and coworkers generally describe him the same: a reliable, funny, easy to work with guy who hates cheese and loves architecture.

Timothy Coon, Architect, NCARB, LEED AP

Partner & Project Architect

Tim Coon first fell for architecture in high school through an intro to drafting class. He followed his passion and received a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He soon joined Dorchen/Martin Associates, where he’s thrived for nearly three decades. Since then, Tim has become a revered project architect and a key partner at DMA.

Like most architects, Tim loves the beauty of pure design, however he tends to lean toward the technical nitty gritty stuff. The design development process holds a special place in his heart, as he’s extremely skilled at taking a finished design and figuring out how to make it a reality. Although he appreciates all architecture, Tim is particularly drawn to Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern styles. But don’t even get him started on “fake” materials. If something is supposed to look like stone or wood, it’s got to be authentic.

When’s Tim’s not bringing designs to life, he values quality family time, traveling and reading whenever he can. Friends and coworkers generally describe him the same: a reliable, funny, easy to work with guy who hates cheese and loves architecture.

Kenneth Moreland, Architect, NCARB, LEED AP

Partner & Project Architect

Ken Moreland jokes that he found inspiration to pursue architecture from an unlikely place: The Brady Bunch. That introduction to a fictional architect may have sparked Ken’s very real interest in creating inviting, inspirational spaces that are also functional. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Lawrence Technological University and has excelled at DMA since joining the firm in 1992.

As a project architect, Ken appreciates all aspects of the architectural process. From the initial design through the construction process, each step creates a sense of accomplishment that is uniquely its own. And the cherry on top? When a client openly expresses their genuine gratitude for DMA’s hard work. Although he appreciates all styles of architecture, Ken has always been drawn to the unique style of Gothic cathedrals – especially The Cathedral of Notre Dame – and wishes there were modern-day opportunities to work on such structures.

Outside of the office, Ken enjoys golfing, gardening and spending time with his wife and daughter. Decades after following in the footsteps of a TV architect, Ken continues to produce outstanding work as an important member of the DMA team.

Kenneth Moreland, Architect, NCARB, LEED AP

Partner & Project Architect

Ken Moreland jokes that he found inspiration to pursue architecture from an unlikely place: The Brady Bunch. That introduction to a fictional architect may have sparked Ken’s very real interest in creating inviting, inspirational spaces that are also functional. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Lawrence Technological University and has excelled at DMA since joining the firm in 1992.

As a project architect, Ken appreciates all aspects of the architectural process. From the initial design through the construction process, each step creates a sense of accomplishment that is uniquely its own. And the cherry on top? When a client openly expresses their genuine gratitude for DMA’s hard work. Although he appreciates all styles of architecture, Ken has always been drawn to the unique style of Gothic cathedrals – especially The Cathedral of Notre Dame – and wishes there were modern-day opportunities to work on such structures.

Outside of the office, Ken enjoys golfing, gardening and spending time with his wife and daughter. Decades after following in the footsteps of a TV architect, Ken continues to produce outstanding work as an important member of the DMA team.

Sam Dorchen, Co-Founder (retired)

For three decades, Sam Dorchen was an integral part of the longstanding success of Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc. His architecture career began in the 1960s with nearly a decade at the renowned Albert Kahn Associates firm as a staff architect. He was a principal at Dorchen and Serlin Architects, Inc. before starting his own firm in 1982. In 1989, that firm merged with F. Zeno Martin Associates, Architects/Planners to form Dorchen/Martin Associates.

Sam worked diligently to make DMA the respected architecture firm it is in Michigan and throughout the country. He is a graduate of both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, with degrees in architecture and science, respectively. Retired now, Sam spends a great deal of time in Northern Michigan with his artist wife Barbara and travels the country to see his children and grandchildren.

Sam Dorchen, Co-Founder (retired)

For three decades, Sam Dorchen was an integral part of the longstanding success of Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc. His architecture career began in the 1960s with nearly a decade at the renowned Albert Kahn Associates firm as a staff architect. He was a principal at Dorchen and Serlin Architects, Inc. before starting his own firm in 1982. In 1989, that firm merged with F. Zeno Martin Associates, Architects/Planners to form Dorchen/Martin Associates.

Sam worked diligently to make DMA the respected architecture firm it is in Michigan and throughout the country. He is a graduate of both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, with degrees in architecture and science, respectively. Retired now, Sam spends a great deal of time in Northern Michigan with his artist wife Barbara and travels the country to see his children and grandchildren.

Associates

Associates