Martin Kastner is an award-winning product designer, founder of Crucial Detail, a multidisciplinary design company based in Chicago, and co-founder of Nimble Manufacturing, a multi-modal turn-key manufacturer near Barcelona, Spain. Best known for his innovative collaborations with the acclaimed restaurant Alinea, Kastner created serviceware that redefined the fine dining experience. His work also extends to culinary icons such as The Aviary in Chicago, Thomas Keller’s Restaurant Group, and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Los Angeles.

Kastner’s design achievements have earned him multiple awards, including the IHA Best Product Design Award for the Porthole Infuser and Best Book Design and Best Cover Design for the Alinea book. He was also recognized as one of The Future Laboratory’s “100 Most Influential Individuals in Contemporary Design.” His creation of the Orb One Coffeemaker has earned international acclaim for its distinct design and functionality. His portfolio includes custom tools and presentation pieces for Team USA's performances in the Bocuse d’Or, the world’s most prestigious culinary competition.

Originally from the Czech Republic, Martin trained as a blacksmith and worked in historical metal restoration before transitioning into specialized metal processing technologies, sculpture, and design. In addition to Crucial Detail's projects, he has consulted for a number of large companies, focusing on Concept Development, User Experience, Product Design, and Design for Manufacturing. Across all his work, Kastner remains committed to creating innovative, functional products with a unique aesthetic vision.