I had the great honor and privilege of knowing Martín as both a student, and later as a colleague at ASU. Martín is easily one of the gregarious people whom I have known. Always very warm, welcoming, friendly, thoughtful, and deeply considerate of the needs of others. He will be sorely missed, and fondly remembered.

- Phil Horton

I worked with Martin in the early 2000's at Todd & Associates Architecture firm.  I knew right away how smart he was and that he would be doing great things.  He was always upbeat with a positive attitude and was just a pleasure to be around.  He left T&A before I was laid off  during the recession and we disconnected for several years until one day he contacted me about a position at an engineering firm he thought I'd be perfect for.  I am still at the firm today and would never have even known about it if not for Martin.  What a wonderful man.  I am so sad that his life was cut short.  He will be missed by many.

Dear Martin: I will miss you. You lit up any space you occupied, and you were an incredibly supportive - but also precise and exacting - colleague. I admired you and always enjoyed the occasions when we could get together for good food and conversation, of course always including some scintillating archispeak. I was looking forward to the work and activities we planned to share in the near future, and am so sad that we will never experience them together. Wherever you are, I know that you will carry on with your customary grace, humor, and intelligent clarity, and I will think of you and your incredible smile often. Wishing you peace and happiness forever.
In Friendship, Alice (and the JFAK crew)

Michael B. Lehrer, FAIA, a past president of AIA|LA, shared this personal reflection after hearing the news:

“I just heard from Alice Kimm that our most beloved colleague, Martin Ramirez, died in a motorcycle accident on Thursday. I met him first at the AIA leadership breakfast at my studio, and we became fast friends and colleagues. He was an exceptional human being, an exceptional architect, and made an amazing contribution to AIA LA by sponsoring the leadership breakfast for two years, with his kind, ebullient, humble, and sunny personality. I am personally shocked and a major loss. I came to love him for his intelligence, for his incredible kindness… the respect and appreciation he joyfully exuded–in word and deed–touched me deeply. He was a consequential guy with the vast promise ahead already beginning to show in big ways… I was so touched and impressed by how he came to LA, had his company sponsor our leadership breakfast for two years, showed up at every one, and set the scene as he introduced each of them. So smart. And such a good thing to do. A very, very special guy.”

Martin’s repeated willingness to run for the AIA|LA Board of Directors was a testament to his deep, unwavering commitment to serving this profession and this city. His platform was a clear reflection of his character, focusing on advocacy, inclusivity, and collaboration.

To truly understand Martin’s drive, one only needs to read his own words. In a recent interview for our website, he shared the moment he first wanted to become an architect:

“Yes! When I was 5 years old and living in Mexico with my grandparents in a house that didn’t have floors. I was very curious as to why that wasn’t the case for some of my other relatives. I asked my grandfather one day, ‘Who designs and builds houses?’ When he said, ‘Architects do’ (in Spanish), I knew that from that day on, I would someday become an architect.”

Martin was the best architect I ever worked with.  Every project that he worked on was made so much better because of his presence, personality and support.  It is so sad that he has passed away so young.  Martin will be missed.  My heart and prayers go out to his family. - Myles H. (HDR Inc.)

Martin was a classmate of mine and was always kind in a world that is not always so kind. Every time we would run into each other, Martin would always share what he was up to with pride. Martin was also a great family man. You will be remembered my friend.

— Oscar Lopez

Honoring Martin's impact and legacy within the ASU community. 💛 Our deepest condolences to their loved ones.

— On behalf of the MyPath2ASU team

Martin’s passion for architecture and community left a mark on us all. May his legacy continue to inspire. 🕊️

— Vivian Pelayo

Martin was a joyful human to experience, and a professor/person who you truly felt was seeing you for you.

— Jadyn Anderson

Very sad news. Martin will be terribly missed. He had the kind of smile capable of lighting up a room.

— Rocky H.

May his kindness and generosity ripple out into the world as the shining light that he embodied!

— Aleks Webster

“Martin was a pillar of love in our community. He inspired students and always found a way to make them feel welcomed and appreciated. His dedication to students was unwavering. He gave his time freely, nurturing both professional and personal growth, meeting each student where they were and guiding them toward where they could be.

As a member of our NOMAS community, he believed deeply in the power of representation and that every student, no matter what background, deserved to see themselves reflected in the profession. Through this service and compassion, he helped shape a generation of architects who lead with the same legacy of inclusion, purpose, and humanity.

He was an integral part of us and will continue to be. He was never my professor, but he was the one who encouraged me to become the college liaison for the professional chapter.”

— Julia A. Lopez, on behalf of NOMAS students

“It’s hard to find words enough to truly measure Martin’s goodness, generosity, passion, integrity, and friendship. 

Martin was my sixth-year studio student—first in Fall 2012 in Argentina and again in Spring 2013 back in Arizona. Earlier, in Spring 2012, he had approached me seeking to connect him with architect Jorge Mario Jáuregui, who had just lectured at the School, in hopes of gaining internship experience working in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. This opportunity became a transformative experience for him during the summer before coming to Buenos Aires. Later that same summer, he joined my architecture practice there, working with deep devotion as we pursued public projects for disadvantaged communities. He often brought his son along, and I would see them as he proudly watched him practice soccer with passion.

Right after his semester in Argentina, he sent me a lovely photo of his family back in Phoenix with the caption, ‘Mi familia en la nieve :)’. Not long after, he received the Design Excellence Award for his capstone studio project on the homeless communities of Buenos Aires.

I continued to follow his career and we reconnected again in 2021. I invited him to meet Director Sanguinetti and to teach with us—he was incredibly excited, and his presence brought such energy and inspiration to his teaching that it immediately uplifted everyone around him. Martin dedicated himself to the unhoused initiatives, a true passion of his, and he quickly became a beloved member of our community.

— Claudio Vekstein, Professor of Architecture

Martin… a genuinely great person and a passionate professor. He made studio a fun place to be, especially with my studio mates. I remember that he would always call me “Maui” instead of calling me by my name. He gave us all memories that will forever be cherished. Mahalo nui loa for everything you shared with us. Sending all my love and condolences to your family all the way from Maui, Hawaii. You will be missed dearly. A hui hou, until we meet again.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Martin and I worked together on a project in LA when he was at HDR.  He was great to work with, and we kept in touch through seeing each other at conferences.  He will be missed.

2017 August in the HDR LA office, celebrating our 100-year anniversary open house.

2017 August in the HDR LA office, celebrating our 100-year anniversary open house. Martin is in the back right.

2017 August in the HDR LA office, holding our 100-year anniversary open house

2017 August in the HDR LA office, saying congrats to our coworker Selena

I had the pleasure to work with Martin at GFT. We met recently but collaborated together on a couple of efforts. We got to meet in person during an event earlier this year. What a brilliant, and kind soul. There was nothing but kindness, brilliance, and his true self everywhere he went. Thank you Martin for sharing your values through the way you worked with us. May we continue to spread that same spirit, light, and kindness everywhere we go and in everything we do.

You are missed!

“Lets call Martin”
“Let’s ask Martin”
“Let’s pin Martin”

These were the words that I would utter many times during the past 2 and 1/2 years from my DC GFT office 2668 miles from the LA GFT office. I’m a bit in a daze still processing how I will not be able to say these words anymore. How I was “just talking to you” over TEAMS on how our latest project interview went.

How can someone whom I have never met “physically” had been such an incredible encouragement over this past few years? Because that person was Martin. A brilliant, kind and caring colleague that only hoped every day he could helped not only make communities better but also make friends along the way. GFT won’t be the same without you. My prayers and condolences to your family, LA Office colleagues and your loved ones and friends.

Circe Torruellas
GFT Colleague

I felt Martin's beautiful spirit all around me as we shared a wonderful ride up the mountain to view the sunset.  I can still hear his laughter as we LOL all day, I will never forget such a wonderful weekend with my nephew, Tia Gracie.

Martin,
You Hired me and took me on board at GFT, and in so doing I was able to quickly know you and felt your goodness and greatness as my Boss, Colleague and friend.  I will really miss your presence.....
Ramon

Martin was one of my most lovely students. He brought his smile, dedication to his work, and incredibly kind and generous way of being in the world to our classes. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. 
Renata Hejduk
The Design School

I knew Martin since we both worked at Carollo. He always had a big, inviting smile and made me feel inclusive. He was the very first person who introduced me to Toastmasters at Carollo. I have seen him work in different capacities at Carollo’s Toastmasters club and his impromptu speeches always did strike a chord. He certainly had a positive influence on me. I often see his updates on LinkedIn and feel happy about his accomplishments. I had personally witnessed his dedication to the Civil Engineering industry and passion to help/mentor others. I am still shocked to know that he is no more! His jokes and smiles were contagious. He will be missed but definitely not forgotten by his friends and families. Miss you my friend!

Martin and I worked together at Carollo.  When he moved to LA to take the job with HDR, he and I were roommates while we were each planning the next steps of our lives.  He will forever be a significant part of my personal growth and an inspiration for how hard work, focused intention, and genuine care for others results in career development and opportunities for our families.

OBITUARY

Martin Ramirez Jr.

June 22, 1980 – October 9, 2025

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care

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