Design Veteran Martin Roberts Dies

June 15, 2020  by Laurie Northington in Designer Weekly, Industry, Obituaries   

Roberts had over four decades of experience in design for brands like Barnes & Noble, Cartier, Carmax, and Sheetz stores, before turning his focus on the home furnishings industry. He worked for Mathis Brothers, Miskelly Furniture, Morris Home Furnishings and Haverty’s, in addition to projects for manufacturers like Flexsteel, Harden, American Leather, Thomasville and Home Meridian International.

“Martin had a tremendously profound and positive impact on the businesses and lives of many of our members,” said Andrew Kauffman, chief executive of the buying group Furniture First. “His talent was limitless, but he was humble about it. All he needed was a pen and something as small as a cocktail napkin and he could show you how to transform ‘an outhouse into a penthouse.’ One of Martin’s true gifts and strengths was that he ‘got’ furniture retail. He not only looked at a project or situation through the eyes of the store owner, but through the eyes of the consumer. He understood placement, flow, accessibility and, in my opinion, the most important factor: Creating ease and comfort for the customer shopping experience.”

Roberts is survived by his wife Anne Roberts, daughter Emma Artz, sons Benjamin and Tony Roberts, and four grandchildren.