Hello, I’m Martyn. I was born in Bristol, although I have worked in parts of Europe and in the Far East.
I retired from being a freelance Architect/Electrical Engineer in 2019 and now have plenty of time on my hands after spending over fifty years designing numerous types of buildings for a variety of clients. It is very nice to see most of the buildings are still standing and in daily use.
During my forties I had a change of direction for about five years and became a professional fashion and glamour photographer. Although I returned to my first love of designing beautiful buildings some of the people I met in the fashion industry are still some of my best friends and I’ve kept my connection with photography. I’m a member of the Professional Photographers Association and take photographs of things that interest me.
One of my greatest pleasures is my painting in oils and watercolour and I give my artwork to my many friends as Christmas gifts or birthday presents.
My main reason for joining the engagement panel is because of my interest in buildings and social housing projects and how some occupants mistreat their house or flats as they are not their property taking the attitude that the landlord will rectify all defects and damage purely because they pay the rent for their housing. I will help Brighter Places educate some tenants on looking after their house or flat, how to get more satisfaction from living in a Brighter Place property, and how to make their building more efficient during the increasing costs of energy.
Using my career experience I can also help with reviewing sub contactors tender returns for prospective work with Brighter Places, advise on running contracts and final inspections upon project completion to ensure all works have been carried out as requested by Brighter Places.
I am prepared to speak with other residents in my immediate vicinity with any problems they may have either with Brighter Places or their neighbours.