John Marshall

John Marshall is a tenured Associate Professor of Art and Design and non-tenured Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Michigan, where he served as founding director of the Master of Design in Integrative Design program at the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design (2014-2020). He co-founded the design practice rootoftwo, employing participatory methods to create innovative experiences, artifacts, and public spaces for clients including Midtown Detroit Inc., The Kresge Foundation, and the City of Detroit.

Education:

• PhD in digital design and fabrication technology, Robert Gordon University
• Master of Arts in Art as Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture, The Ohio State University
• Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art with Honors, Glasgow School of Art

Marshall's research centers on participatory design methodologies applied to architectural spaces, public art installations, and community-driven projects. His work integrates digital fabrication with tangible experiences, evidenced by collaborations with healthcare systems (VA Ann Arbor), corporations (IBM Watson Health, Steelcase), and urban initiatives like the Detroit Square project. This interdisciplinary approach bridges art, architecture, and social engagement through charrettes and co-creation processes.

Scientific Awards:

• AIA Michigan Honor Award 2016 (Rules of the Road with DAUB)
• SXSW Place by Design Finalist 2016
• Knight Arts Challenge Award 2015
• Knight Arts Challenge Award 2014

As founding director of the MDes program, Marshall advised graduate students in integrative design while securing grants through the Knight Foundation and Kresge Foundation. His industry partnerships with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Guardian Industries, and Stryker demonstrate applied research translation. Current projects include the Egalitarian Metropolis initiative and Detroit Square development.

Marshall co-leads rootoftwo design studio and collaborates with Anya Sirota on urban design research. His work with Malcolm Cochran Studio on virtual prototyping of public art established early expertise in digital fabrication, now extended through university-industry charrettes and the RND Lab network.