Martine Ilana
Adjunct Faculty
Temescal Creative
AA - Apparel Manufacturing & Product Development, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
(2006 - 2007)
BFA - Industrial Design, University of Michigan
(1998 - 2003)
Martine’s work explores the balance between sustainability, material innovation, and storytelling in design. She is especially drawn to the ways natural and repurposed materials—such as woods, marble, leather, dead-stock textiles and tiles—can be transformed into functional, beautiful, and responsible design solutions. Vintage objects and traditional craftsmanship also inspire her practice, offering lessons in longevity, heritage, and emotional connection.
She approaches each project as an opportunity to merge ecological responsibility with aesthetic depth, whether designing interiors that reflect a sense of place or creating products that carry memory and meaning. Her research interests continue to evolve around circular design systems, localized production methods, and the creative possibilities that emerge when design honors both craft traditions and future needs.
Professional Experience
Martine has built a career at the intersection of design, product development, and creative operations, working across interiors, fashion, and consumer goods. As the founder and principal designer of Temescal Creative, she specializes in sustainable interior design and product development, guiding projects from concept through sourcing and execution. Her approach emphasizes thoughtful material selection, cohesive color palettes, and the creation of spaces and objects with a strong sense of narrative and place.
She is also the founder and creative director of La Lune, a vintage-inspired watch and jewelry brand that transforms the timelessness of heirloom design into modern pieces. Through American Lacing, a leather goods manufacturing factory, she has deepened her expertise in materials, production systems, and the complexities of responsible sourcing by working with clients across the United States to develop their leather trimming and binding needs.
Earlier in her career, Martine designed accessories for Vans, contributing to collections that reflected the brand’s “Off the Wall” ethos and deep connection to skate culture. Since then, she has collaborated with international teams and independent makers, developing products and spaces that balance creativity with operational strategy. Across all of her work, she brings a focus on sustainability, craft, and design storytelling, ensuring each project is both purposeful and enduring.
Significant Publications, Presentations and Exhibitions
Articles about Entrepreneurial Journey and Design Projects:
MICHIGAN:
https://voyagemichigan.com/?post_type=interview&p=174198
LOS ANGELES:
https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-martine-ilana-la-mer-collections-watches-culver-city-inglewood/
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-martine-ilana/
DETROIT DESIGN MAGAZINE:
https://detroitdesignmag.com/featured-homes/california-dreamin-west-coast-inspired/
https://detroitdesignmag.com/lifestyles/seasons/magic-treehouses/
DESIGN BOOM:
ARCH DAILY:
https://www.archdaily.com/992752/sodon-lake-house-temescal-creative
VINTAGE SWEATSHIRT PASSION PROJECT:
HUFFINGTON POST:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/women-in-business-qa-martine-ilana_b_6585292