Tidal Joy is...
Tidal Joy Creative is a boutique architecture studio that crafts sophisticated and elegant design solutions for clients' homes, while also exploring the boundaries of fine art, craft, and other creative endeavors in the low country of South Carolina.
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About Joy
After nearly 30 years in the architecture industry, with 11 of those years spent leading her own multi-city architecture firm, native Charlestonian, Joy Martin, has formed the Tidal Joy Creative studio to selectively create custom homes for her clients and explore her skills in fine art. A seasoned architect and skilled watercolorist, Joy seeks to create spaces and objects that bring peace, elegance, and a sense of belonging to her client's homes. The name of the studio is drawn from the coastal location: artistic inspiration is like the ever-moving tides; it rises and falls constantly revealing new perspectives, pathways, and beauty.
Raised in Charleston, Joy was immersed early in the city’s rich architectural heritage. Combined with her background in the visual arts, this foundation made architecture a natural extension of her creative and technical talents. She earned her BS in Design from Clemson University’s College of Art, Architecture & Design, where she supplemented her architecture education with painting and furniture design courses. Undergraduate years were followed by formative internships with acclaimed architects and firms—including Christopher Rose in Charleston, New Urbanism pioneer Duany Plater-Zyberk, and Miami-based Zyscovich Inc.
In 2003, Joy completed her Master of Architecture at the University of Oregon, specializing in sustainable design. Her career then took her to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she spent eight years contributing to urban design and large-scale residential projects, most notably the 2010 Winter Olympic Village with GBL Architects.
After relocating to Minneapolis, Joy founded Joy Martin Architecture in 2016, an architecture studio dedicated to creating custom residential and commercial projects. In 2022, the practice evolved into Joy Architecture + Interior Design, expanding into Charleston while continuing to serve Minnesota. At the end of 2026, the firm will close with the launch of Tidal Joy Creative, LLC focusing Joy's creative energy on projects along the coast of South Carolina.