About The OBSIDIAN Group

The OBSIDIAN Group is an architectural design firm serving the US East Coast. Led by Kenneth Martin, FAIA, NOMAC, NOMAF, the firm delivers high‑quality architectural solutions with a strong commitment to community impact. Known for its professional expertise and dedication to mentoring future designers, The Obsidian Group integrates innovation, service, and purpose into every project.

Kenneth Martin

Kenneth Martin was educated at the City College of NY, Nazareth College, and the Georgia Institute of Technology in architecture, business and city planning. He is the founder of several organizations including the OBSIDIAN Group, is a former Councilman in NC and is a member of the College of Fellows of the AIA. He is a former President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and is an Emeritus member. He currently serves on numerous boards of directors. He is an Emeritus member of both the American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects. He is also a member of the NOMA Council and the NOMA Foundation. His passion is sharing his profession with aspiring architects, instructing high school students.

He had led The OBSIDIAN Group for over 35 years, designing project throughout the eastern region of the US. The firm maintained four offices along the east coast from NY to North Carolina.

Its major business markets include the following:

K-12 schools including sports stadium facilities, elementary and high school facilities in NC University Campus Buildings - TOG has designed many projects in the eastern US, including at nearly all of the public universities in NC. In addition, TOG has completed work at several private universities.

Religious Facilities - TOG has designed many projects in NC and beyond including sanctuaries, multi-purpose spaces, additions and renovations Municipal Facilities - TOG has designed facilities for Police Stations, Fire Stations, Town Halls, Community Centers
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities - As a major designer of these specialized facilities, TOG has designed facilities for most of the major drug makers in RTP, traveling internationally to do so.

Commercial Facilities - From offices to funeral homes to large-scale housing developments and TOG has designed many other facilities throughout the US.

The following is a sampling of our work…