Jonathan Dessi-Olive

Jonathan Dessi-Olive is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University’s School of Architecture, with prior roles at Georgia Tech and MIT. His work bridges computational design, structural engineering, and sustainable materials, focusing on mycelium-based composites, tensegrity systems, and shape grammars. He leads the MycoMatters Lab, which explores fungi-driven construction for decarbonization and circular economies.

• PhD advisors: George Stiny, Terry Knight, John Ochsendorf (MIT)
• 2017-2019: Visiting Assistant Professor, Georgia Tech
• 2020-2021: Director, MycoMatters Lab

Research interests include architectural acoustics, biomaterials, and algorithmic design. His projects integrate shape grammars with material performance, such as Simulation-Validated Shape Grammar for Architectural Acoustics (2022) and mycelium-based structural prototypes like Monolithic Mycelium: Growing Vault Structures (2019). Articles emphasize sustainable fabrication, acoustic optimization, and bio-composite reinforcement.

Recent work with Tim Hsu on acoustical arrays and mycelium structures has appeared in Nexus Network Journal and Structures and Architecture. Key trends show interdisciplinary focus: computational methods, material science, and community-driven design. Awards include the 2019 Best Full Paper at SimAUD and the 2017 Ventulett NEXT Fellowship.

Scientific Awards:

• Best Full Paper Award, SimAUD Symposium (2019)
• Georgia Tech Masonry Research Grant (2018)
• Ventulett NEXT Fellowship (2017)
• TODA Fund Grant (2015)
• ARCC King Medal (2010)

As Principal Investigator for the Sustainable Development for Rural Kansas project (2020-2021), he explored agricultural byproduct-to-building material pipelines. Collaborations span plant pathology, agricultural economics, and engineering. The MycoMatters Lab demonstrates his commitment to integrating design, biology, and robotics for scalable eco-material solutions.

Lab projects include the 2018 El Monolito Micelio pavilion, which used fabric-formwork casting for monolithic mycelium structures, and the 2019 Air-Ten Module inflatable tensegrity prototype at Georgia Tech. His 2020 APDESIGN PPE Response mobilized 3D-printing during the pandemic, producing 2800+ face shields.