Interior Design and Interior Architecture
Aging in place
Residential Design
Martha Añez, RA, NCIDQ
Interim Chair, Department of Interior Design and Interior Architecture
Contact Information
Jefferson - East Falls Campus
4201 Henry Avenue
SEED Center Room 125
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Interim Chair, Department of Interior Design and Interior Architecture
Areas of Specialization
Education
MArch, Harvard University (1986)
BS, Architecture, University of Maryland (1983)
CERTIFICATIONS
PA Architecture Registration
NY Architecture Registration (inactive)
NCIDQ Certificate
AWARDS
2019 TJU Award for Outstanding Teaching
BIOGRAPHY
Martha Añez is the Interim Chair of the Department of Interior Design and Interior Architecture at Thomas Jefferson University and a Professor of Interior Design. She is a registered architect and holds NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certification.
Her academic career began at Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science in 1992. From 1995–2005, she taught at Wesleyan University, where she led the Architecture Concentration and was awarded tenure in 2004. In 2012, she returned to Philadelphia University—now Thomas Jefferson University—joining the Interior Design and Interior Architecture program, where she leads through a student-centered approach.
Teaching across the interior design curriculum, she is particularly committed to engaging students at key transition points in their learning. This includes foundation studios that introduce the fundamentals of design, technology courses that explore the reasoning and methods behind construction decisions, and studios that address the complexity of design while shaping meaningful spaces. Central to her teaching at all levels is an emphasis on user-centered design and environmental responsibility.
Her architectural practice centers on residential design, with a strong emphasis on creating age-friendly interior environments that promote well-being. At the core of this work is an appreciation for human experience, shaping spaces that respond to how people live, age, and interact within their homes.
Research efforts extend from her professional practice and focus on aging in place. Particular attention is given to the challenges of social inclusiveness posed by the Philadelphia rowhouse. This work examines the history and widespread presence of this housing type in Philadelphia, as well as the characteristics that can hinder the development of livable, age-friendly communities. Collaboration with occupational therapy professionals informs this research.