Marcel Harmon
At BranchPattern, Marcel Harmon serves as the Research & Development Team Lead, where his work is guided in part by Ruth Benedict’s belief that “the purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences.” This guiding principle shapes everything Marcel does, from his efforts to engage key stakeholders throughout the design process to developing tools that enhance the sustainability, wellness, and inclusivity of the built environment.
Marcel's academic journey began with dual Bachelors of Science degrees in Architectural Engineering and Anthropology from Kansas State University, followed by a Master’s in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico, where he also earned his Ph.D. His unique blend of expertise in engineering and anthropology, coupled with credentials as a P.E., WELL AP, and LEED AP O+M, allows him to approach projects with a holistic mindset, ensuring that the environments BranchPattern creates are sustainable, healthy, and welcoming for all.
Marcel’s career is marked by significant achievements, including helping develop post-occupancy evaluation processes for both the New Mexico Public Schools Facility Authority (NMPSFA) and Princeton University. He also spearheaded the creation of the Facility Infection Risk Estimator (FIRE), a critical tool for building safety during the pandemic. Marcel’s innovative spirit extends to his work on BranchPattern's human-centered design approach, the D.I.V.E. Project Framework®, which underscores his dedication to understanding everyone’s needs, allowing voices to be heard, celebrating differences, and verifying performance.
When he’s not shaping the future of sustainable design, Marcel channels his creativity into writing essays. He also enjoys taking to the trails for some mountain biking, kayaking with his family, and catching metal concerts with his oldest. Beyond his professional life, Marcel is committed to education, currently serving as a board member of the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) and previously as a board member of his local public school district.
