John Leahy received degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Architecture from the University of Virginia and the Southern California Institute of Architecture. He was an engineering specialist at McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry researching sustainable materials and manufacturing processes and developing the protocol for Cradle to Cradle certification. He was also a designer at Studioworks Architects and shop director at Rios Clementi Hale Studios in Los Angeles.

Balancing artistic talent with his professional experience, John’s passion for printmaking and involvement as a member of the collective, The Printmakers Left, have greatly influenced his academic research in design media and digital fabrication techniques. He received the Vivian L. Aunspaugh Fellowship at the University of Virginia and was also selected as a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellow in Mixed Media. John has also collaborated with architect Perry Kulper on work exhibited at the Prague Architectural Biennale, and was an exhibition designer for Hernan Diaz-Alonso’s (Xefirotarch) contribution to the Venice Biennale of Architecture.

John has been an integral member of the community at the White Stag campus. For well over a decade, he has supported students, faculty, and staff within the College of Design, the Lundquist College of Business, and the School of Journalism and Communication.