Justin Ferguson

About Justin Ferguson

Dr. Justin Ferguson, or “Dr. J” to colleagues and clients, is a transformational leader in architecture and urban design. His unique approach, combined with his extensive experience as a licensed architect with a PhD and three decades of professional experience, sets him apart as a “unicorn” in the profession. As Director of Applied Research at BHDP, Dr. Ferguson focuses on the integration of space, tech, and people to create transformative outcomes. He works with project teams across various markets and industries to craft informed, empathetic, and experiential places that positively impact organizations’ people, their culture, and their ability to achieve their strategic goals.Dr. Ferguson has diverse experience across various project types with firms in Cincinnati, OH, Detroit, MI, and Indianapolis, IN. At BHDP, his projects include collaborations with Fifth Third Bank, P&G, and SSM Health. Additionally, he contributed to the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Workplace 2030 project, as well as leading their Human-Centered Design (HCD) Study.Dr. Ferguson’s influence extends beyond the Midwest, having been nationally recognized as an AIA Blueprint for Better Communities Champion and an AIA Design Justice Advocate. His expertise has been sought after by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the NEA, where he served as an expert resource team member for the Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD).Dr. Ferguson is the former Assistant Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University. In this role, he oversaw the college’s off-campus location in downtown Indianapolis, directed the Master of Urban Design (MUD) Program, and was the founding Executive Director of the Center for Civic Design. Additionally, he served as the Regional Center Hearing Examiner for the City of Indianapolis, where he reviewed proposed high-impact projects for the downtown area.

Experience

1. Director of Applied Research

   BHDP Architecture

   Oct 2024 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

   Transforming design through research at BHDP by advancing behavioral research across markets, developing tools and processes for measuring impact, embedding insights into practice, and fostering a culture where research and design work together to create impact-driven solutions.

Education

• University of Michigan

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Architecture / Minor: Urban Planning

  2017

• University of Michigan

  Master of Science - M.Sc., Architecture

  2002 — 2003

• University of Cincinnati

  BArch, Architecture

  1994 — 2000

Skills

• Architecture
• Architectural Design
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Research
• Team Leadership
• Sustainable Design
• Design Research
• Leadership
• Architectures
• Educational Leadership
• Urban Design
• 3d Visualization
• Department Administration
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Sketchup
• Community Organizing
• University Teaching
• Collaborative Practice
• Residential Design
• College Administration
• Construction Documents