Check Out Martine Ilana’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martine Ilana.

Hi Martine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of art, design, and craftsmanship. My career began in fashion and product design, where I spent years designing watches, handbags, and accessories for global brands. While I loved the creative process, I also had a front-row seat to how much our industry prioritized cost over longevity, material quality, and environmental impact.

That experience fundamentally shaped the direction of my career. I became increasingly interested in sustainable design—not as a trend, but as a responsibility. I wanted to understand how thoughtful material choices, healthier interiors, and circular design practices could create spaces and products that were not only beautiful, but better for both people and the planet.

That journey eventually led me to found Temescal Creative, where sustainability is integrated into every project from the very beginning. Whether we’re designing interiors or creating custom furniture, we focus on reclaimed and responsibly sourced materials, healthy finishes, and preserving what already exists whenever possible. I believe the most meaningful design comes from creating spaces and objects that tell a story, minimize waste, and are built to last for generations.

Everything I create today is really an extension of that philosophy—combining timeless design with thoughtful material choices and a deep respect for craftsmanship, history, and the environment.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Like most creative journeys, it’s been full of unexpected turns, challenges, and constant learning.

One of the biggest struggles has been choosing to build a business around sustainability when it’s often the more difficult path. Working with reclaimed and deadstock materials means every project is unique. You can’t simply reorder materials or rely on standard production methods—you have to be flexible, creative, and willing to solve new problems every day.

Another challenge has been helping people see the value in circular design. For a long time, sustainable design was viewed as a compromise rather than something aspirational. Part of my work has been changing that perception by showing that reclaimed materials can create pieces with more character, history, and craftsmanship than something made entirely new.

Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve also experienced the ups and downs of building a business—from launching products and managing manufacturing to navigating economic shifts and learning how to grow sustainably. But every challenge has reinforced why I do this. It has taught me resilience, strengthened my commitment to thoughtful design, and reminded me that the most meaningful work often takes the longest to build.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the founder and principal designer of Temescal Creative, a sustainable design studio dedicated to creating thoughtful spaces, furniture, and fashion accessories that demonstrate how beautiful design and environmental responsibility can coexist. Our work spans multiple disciplines—from residential interiors and custom furniture to landscape installations and experiential projects—but every project is rooted in the same philosophy: designing with intention, minimizing waste, and celebrating the materials that already exist.

Over the years, Temescal has become especially known for our custom treehouse designs. Built primarily from reclaimed and repurposed materials, each treehouse is carefully integrated into its surrounding landscape, creating spaces that encourage imagination, connection to nature, and a deep respect for the environment. Rather than imposing architecture onto a site, we let the trees, light, and natural setting guide every decision.

Our interior design work follows a similar approach. We believe the most successful spaces are often the simplest—where natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and restrained design allow the architecture and landscape to speak for themselves. We prioritize healthy materials, adaptive reuse, and preserving the character of existing structures whenever possible, creating homes that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

Most recently, I’m incredibly proud of our collectible table collection. These one-of-a-kind pieces bring together reclaimed wood from historic buildings and industrial sites with deadstock and discontinued ceramic tile, transforming overlooked materials into functional works of art. Each table tells the story of the materials it was made from while demonstrating that sustainability doesn’t have to be hidden—it can be the defining element of exceptional design.

What sets Temescal apart is that sustainability isn’t something we add at the end of a project—it’s where every project begins. We believe great design should honor history, reduce waste, support craftsmanship, and create pieces that will be cherished for generations.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is creating things that have lasting meaning. Whether it’s designing a home for a family, building a treehouse where children will grow up making memories, or crafting a table from reclaimed materials that carries decades of history, I love knowing that the work will become part of someone’s life for years to come.

I’m also happiest when I’m surrounded by nature. Some of my best ideas come while hiking, walking through forests, or simply paying attention to the textures, colors, and imperfections found outdoors. Nature has always been my greatest teacher—it reminds me that beauty isn’t about perfection, but about authenticity, resilience, and time.

And finally, I find a tremendous amount of joy in giving materials a second life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking something that has been overlooked or discarded and revealing its beauty in a completely new way. It reinforces my belief that good design isn’t about creating more—it’s about seeing more potential in what already exists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.temescalcreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/temescal_creative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TemescalCreativeDesign/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/temescal-creative/