Design guided by meaning, memory, and perception.
The name Noema comes from philosophy. It speaks to meaning, memory, and perception, and that’s what every project aims to capture: spaces that hold beauty, story, and a lasting sense of place.
Martha Roark
Principal Designer / Owner
I’m Martha Roark, founder of Noema, an interior design studio based in Portland, Oregon. My work is guided by the belief that great design is not just about how a space looks, but about how it feels and functions in daily life.
I was raised in New Mexico, primarily Santa Fe, where the sun shines bright and the landscape is beautiful everywhere you look. From a very young age I remember admiring beautiful spaces: noticing how a space felt, analyzing why it felt that way, and planning in my mind how I would redesign the rooms I came across. That fire still burns in me today.
Now, with the education and experience to back it up, my purpose is not only to make spaces more beautiful but to give them meaning: an experience that stays with you.
When I’m not designing, you can find me baking a cake, walking my dog, lifting weights, or watching a sci-fi or fantasy film or show.
Personal
Every project starts by listening to your story, your routines, and what you hope your space can become.
Intentional
Each choice, from layout to lighting to a single object, earns its place by serving how the space is used.
Lasting
A balance of playfulness and longevity, so rooms feel fresh now and keep feeling right for years.