Armin Martiros Bio
Born in Tehran Iran, of Armenian descent. Armin Martiros was inspired at a young age by his family’s love of art and design. Persian culture proved to be his introduction to the importance of tabletop presentation and ceremonial entertaining. After a short residency in London England, he moved to Toronto where he continued his education – concentrating on many disciplines of fine art and culinary management. A creative entrepreneur from a young age, he worked with local boutiques creating window displays and visual merchandising while he went to school. In 1994, with the experience and the knowledge he had acquired while freelancing, he started his first company, A-line Visual Merchandising, working for well-known properties such as The Hudson’s Bay Centre, Royal Bank Plaza and, Hazelton Lanes. His passion for merchandising led him to work with many retailers closely thus creating an opportunity for him to design a line of home accessories made from recycled iron for local fashion retail guru, Robin Kay. The lines’ success led to the idea of an independent retail boutique. Ma Zone Home Decor opened on May 15, 1998 and has become a favorite with local designers and the design savvy. With a specific aesthetic sensibility and philosophy, the term “proud living” became the ultimate theme. “Surround yourself with everyday objects that uplift and inspire you”, say Martiros when asked about his vision. The three-story boutique has received acclaim and has been published over one hundred times Ultimately, working on projects that are inspiring has always been what gives Martiros his drive (see project by II by IV Design Associates). Recently working with a French architect, he launched a line of lacquer wear that was featured last spring for the first time in North America. Appearing on such shows as the Designer Guys and with design personalities, Lynda Reeves and Debbie Travis, Martiros has brought his expertise and knowledge of accessorizing to the Canadian public. Recipient of the overall “Best of Show” at the interior design show in 2003 proved to highlight his incredible understanding of design coupled with space planning, receiving the best booth design was credited to his years of experience working on exhibition installations. Sharing his knowledge by sitting on the board of the advisory committee for Seneca Colleges’ visual design program where curriculum is outlined for hundreds of students each year and lecturing on many related subjects gives further purpose to his accomplishments. Martiros was nominated as the Chairperson as of 2008, working with leading industry professionals to better adapt the curriculum for an ever changing industry, in addition to judging the year end show. In March of 2005 Ma Zone relocated to the northeast corner of Jarvis and King, at the historic King George Square in the heart of the home décor and design district. The luminous 1200 square foot showroom has captured a distinctive new generation of clients while still catering to its original clientele who have been loyal followers of the design house for over fourteen incredible years. In September 2006 – Toronto Life chose Ma Zone as their pick for “The Best of Fall” – NOW Magazine readers voted for Ma Zone as “Best of Toronto” for home accessories On January 28 2007 , the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association selected Ma Zone as the “National Retailer of Distinction”. This recognition was in part due to the Company’s innovative approach to marketing and customer service. Community has always been an important aspect for Martiros, working in support of many local charities that share his philosophy. In 2011 working with Princess Margaret Hospital to raise funds for leukemia research and in March of 2012 staging an event for International Women’s Day entitled “Women of Style and Substance” received an overwhelming positive response. “Never settle for the ordinary when you can achieve the extraordinary”, Armin Martiros.