Redefining Design with Emotion, Innovation, and Art
To flâner is to wander thoughtfully through the spaces we inhabit, seeking ways to build a better environment or craft poetry through a meal or a sculpture. The act of designing continually redefines itself, shaped by the environments we live in and the seasons we create.
As a designer, I see this path as a profound responsibility. Whether constructing a pen or a hotel, we create spaces that serve all living beings. How we navigate these elements depends on the circumstances we encounter.
This philosophy guides my work—whether building, painting, or savoring a boreal-inspired meal.
Who is Marc Northstar?
Marc Northstar embodies this philosophy in his work as a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and innovator. With a solid academic foundation from Stanford University and the California College of the Arts, Marc holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, a Design Thinking certification, and a Master of Architecture accredited by The National Architectural Accrediting Board in the United States.
Blending art, science, and technology, Marc creates spaces and experiences that are not only functional but also thought-provoking. His unique approach generates a sense of connection and contrast within the environments he designs.
Where Art Meets Technology and Science
With over two decades of experience, this portfolio highlights a commitment to blending creativity, design thinking, and AI to deliver transformative ideas. As a grant recipient from Autodesk and ARCADIA, involvement with the Robotically Augmented Design (RAD) Lab at Kent State University led to the development of a hybridized digital-physical workflow. This innovative approach integrates robotic arms, augmented reality platforms, and custom robotic motions to seamlessly merge art, technology, and science.
Architecture
Collaboration with clients, architects, engineers, and students has led to the successful delivery of a diverse range of projects. Early career experience includes contributions at Hopkins Architects on the design of the Dubai International Finance Centre—spanning one million square meters—and the Central Park Towers, followed by the Bahrain General Assembly project. After earning a Master of Architecture with NAAB accreditation from California College of the Arts, subsequent collaborations with firms in San Francisco and beyond further expanded architectural expertise. Contributions with FLAD Architects brought an art installation to the biotech Nexus building in Silicon Valley, while work with DIALOG in Toronto helped secure a winning design for the Seneca College international competition. Additional roles in Northern California have supported projects such as the Mountain View-Palo Alto High School District and the San Leandro Fire Station and Training Center.
Design Thinking and AI
A multidisciplinary approach has been central to recent projects, including collaboration with the USGBC on Oakland’s Faith Baptist Church, utilizing 3D scanning and digital twin technology to optimize energy use. Computational methods applied to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir's gravitational water system have enhanced both user comprehension and operational efficiency, demonstrating the value of integrating design thinking with advanced technology.
Art and Science Convergence
Artistic endeavors further explore the intersection of design and science, with projects such as the largest abstract biotech art piece in Silicon Valley. This work involved extensive research into biotech R&D labs and their surrounding environments, informing a unique design system that captures the complexity and beauty of biotechnology. The result is a user experience that bridges scientific innovation with artistic expression.
Visionary Approach
Exploration into extraterrestrial architecture has led to the development of a conceptual Mars city designed for one million residents. This work has been presented at institutions such as the Luxembourg Space Agency, Greece's Innovation Center for Natural Hazards & Infrastructure, and the International Astronautical Federation. The upcoming book, Extraterrestrial Nexus on Mars, will offer further insights into these groundbreaking initiatives.
Connecting the Dots
Throughout this journey, the focus remains on connecting art, technology, and science to drive innovation and progress. Each project is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the boundless potential that emerges when creativity, design thinking, and AI converge.