Michael Marshall Design

06/17/2025

We’re proud to unveil The Strip Mall — the very first project by our MMD MENA Office in Saudi Arabia, now under construction in the heart of Al Khobar.

From parametric pavilions that shimmer like desert mirages to a lush, waterfall-cooled central plaza, The Strip Mall fuses cutting-edge design with the spirit of the Eastern Province. Rawashin-inspired latticework, dune-shaped bronze screens, and a warm, earth-toned palette root the experience in Saudi identity, while contemporary glass pavilions pull natural light deep into every shop, café, and office.

A series of linear storefronts activate the street edge, framing a central plaza that acts as the heart of the development. Office spaces, housed in two distinct volumes, interact through shared amenities such as rooftop gardens, lounges, and other outdoor features. Lastly, the glass pavilions strategically punctuate the site to create inviting spaces for outdoor dining and a layered retail experience.

This milestone marks the start of a bold, regionally rooted design journey for MMD across the Kingdom. We can’t wait to share what’s next.
Project Fast Facts

Project: The Strip Mall — Al Khobar, KSA
Developer: Retal Urban Development
Location: King Fahad Road, Al Khobar
Total Built-Up Area: ≈ 6,000 m² / 64,000 ft²
Commercial GLA: 3,680 m² / 39,618 ft²
Office GFA: 1,722 m² / 18,536 ft²

06/06/2025

Wishing a joyful and meaningful Eid Al-Adha to all who are celebrating around the world.

We’re grateful to work with a global community that reflects a wide range of traditions and perspectives. Today, we pause to honor the spirit of Eid — a time of reflection, connection, and generosity.

To our clients, collaborators, and friends observing this holiday: may it be filled with peace, togetherness, and hope for the future.

06/02/2025

Congratulations to our partners at Gensler!

We’re thrilled to see Andy Cohen, FAIA; Diane J. Hoskins, FAIA, NCARB; Elizabeth Brink; and Jordan Goldstein recognized on Commercial Observer’s Power 100 list — a well-deserved honor celebrating their leadership and impact on the real estate industry.

We’re proud of our ongoing collaboration and look forward to many more opportunities ahead.

04/01/2025

At Michael Marshall Design, we honor the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines our shared communities. On this special occasion of Eid Al Fitr, we reflect on the spirit of unity, compassion, and giving that this holiday represents.

We send warm wishes to everyone celebrating—especially our cherished clients and friends across the U.S. and the MENA region.

May this Eid bring lasting joy, peace, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.

03/27/2025

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the remarkable women who help shape our firm every day.

From our COO to our talented architects and visionary graphic designers, your innovation, dedication, and leadership have left a lasting impact on MMD. Your work doesn’t just move projects forward—it builds a legacy.

We’re excited to see how you’ll continue to make history at MMD and beyond. Thank you for all that you do.

💬 Know a trailblazing woman in design? Tag them below and help us celebrate their impact!

03/19/2025

In celebration of Women's History Month, we're spotlighting two extraordinary women from the MENA region who are making history in architecture today—creating meaningful impact at every scale.

Today, we honor our own Eman Elnorag, Architect & Project Manager, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental to our firm’s growth.

Eman's journey began right after graduating from Port Said University with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urban Planning. Over the next seven years, she honed her skills through extensive training and work on prestigious commercial, hospitality, and residential projects, including private palaces and large residential complexes throughout Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. Her role often required traveling globally to source materials and custom-made furnishings from places like Italy, China, and Turkey.

In 2020, Eman embraced a new challenge by moving to the U.S., seamlessly integrating her expertise with Michael Marshall Design. She continues to evolve our management processes, enhance workplace health and safety, and foster meticulous client engagement. Now, she's balancing work, family, and new challenges in multi-residential and mixed-use projects—all the while being an essential leader in our new MENA office.

Her impact is undeniable, and we can’t wait to see how she continues to make history here in our firm and beyond.

💬 Know an incredible woman making history in design today? Tag them below! 👇

03/13/2025

In celebration of Women's History Month, we’re spotlighting two extraordinary women from the MENA region who are making history in architecture today—visionaries we believe the world will be talking about for years to come.

Today, we honor Hend Almatrouk, co-founder of the acclaimed Studio Toggle Architects and recipient of the 2017 Middle East Architect Awards: Young Architect of the Year!

After earning her degree from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna in 2011, Hend, alongside co-founder Gijo Paul George, established Studio Toggle, a firm dedicated to research-driven, ethical, and responsible design at both architectural and urban scales. Their work spans commercial, public-sector, residential, and hospitality projects, seamlessly blending innovation with sustainability.

With over 22 international awards, including Architizer's A+ Award for Best Architecture Firm in the Middle East and Africa (2022) and recognition in Architectural Digest's AD50 list (2021), Studio Toggle is garnering global acclaim while redefining the architectural landscape.

Stay tuned next week as we highlight our second featured architect!

💬 Know an incredible woman making history in design today? Tag them below! 👇

02/18/2025

We proudly support Yiselle Santos Rivera's run for president of the AIA in 2027. Their vision for a Future-Ready AIA (The American Institute of Architects) focuses on creating opportunities for all, advancing equitable design, and driving innovation in the profession.

With a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, Yiselle is the leader AIA needs to strengthen our industry's future. Let’s stand with a candidate ready to Empower, Innovate, and Lead with Purpose.

📢 Join us in supporting Yiselle Santos! Learn more by following the link: https://www.yisellesantosrivera.com/

01/23/2025

Join us for the UDC Spring 2025 Lecture Series: Projects Past and Present, featuring Michael Marshall and Sean Pichon! We'll discuss in detail what it took to bring our most significant projects to life and where we're headed next.

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia's Department of Architecture & Urban Sustainability. Don’t miss out!

01/16/2025

We're thrilled to participate in this incredible panel celebrating Black excellence in Architecture at The Octagon Museum! 🎤🏛️

We'll be joined by some of the most inspiring Black leaders in the field as they share their journeys, insights, and the challenges they've overcome to establish their firms and practices. Whether you're an aspiring architect, a seasoned professional, or simply an aficionado for design, this is a discussion you'll want to be a part of!

✨ A special thank you to the National Organization of Minority Architects DC Chapter and the Architects Foundation for raising the voices of underrepresented people in our industry and making events like this possible. Through work and conversations like these, we can make the future of architecture a little better, a brick at a time, for the next generation.

📅 Save the date and RSVP now by following the link!

A powerful Black History Month panel exploring leadership, legacy, and firm ownership

12/23/2024

🎄✨ Happy Holidays! ✨🎄

We wish you a season filled with joy and love! ❤️ Please note that we’ll be closed from December 23 and will reopen on December 30.

Thank you for an amazing year—we can’t wait to see you in 2025! 🌟