Design At Work and MARION Join Forces in Merger

Powerhouse Marketing Firms Bring More than 80 Years of Combined Experience

Two of Houston’s most established and experienced marketing agencies have brought their expertise together under one roof. Design At Work and MARION merged in early 2026 to create a larger, more robust full-service agency.

Operating under the Design At Work name, the merged organization combines more than 80 years of marketing experience.

The coming together was a natural evolution for both companies, said John Anger, president of the merged organization and former partner at MARION. Leadership teams recognized shared values, complementary strengths and a mutual commitment to innovation and helping companies grow.

“When we stepped back and really looked at what both organizations brought to the table, this was a no-brainer,” Anger said. “This is a partnership between two of Houston’s cornerstone marketing agencies, giving clients access to more brainpower, more manpower and broader expertise across every area of marketing.”

The merger also preserves the people and relationships that helped build both agencies, with all team members invited to continue with the combined organization.

Founded in 1981 by Charles Freeman and Aaron Ellisor, MARION is a full-service firm that has supported more than 1,000 clients through services such as branding, digital marketing and website design. An early pioneer in digital marketing and innovation, MARION was among the first Houston-based agencies to design websites and offer search engine optimization services.

Design At Work was founded in 1990 by John R. Lowery, a former NASA illustrator and marketing strategist who launched the agency with a focus on creative services such as logos, brochures and websites. As client needs evolved, the company expanded into a full-service marketing agency built to provide consistent branding, strategic guidance and long-term support.

Lowery, who will step away from the organization to pursue retirement and spend more time with family, said the merger is an exciting next step for everyone involved.

“I was just 23 when Design At Work started, and it’s a strange thing to leave a company that’s meant so much to you for so long,” Lowery said. “What made this decision easy was knowing the company, our clients and our team would be in such great hands. MARION shares our values, our commitment to client success and our belief in never being afraid to break the mold. I can’t wait to see what this combined team will accomplish together.”

Anger, who joined MARION in 2006, echoed Lowery’s excitement.

The combined organization is built to evolve alongside industry shifts and client needs, he said, noting the ability to pivot quickly and effectively is crucial at a time when AI integrations are so rapidly changing the marketing landscape.

“Helping clients stay on the forefront is part of the challenge, but it’s also one of the biggest rewards,” Anger said. “Our teams understand our clients, their industries and the most effective ways to put these tools to work. As they advance, we will, too.”

As MARION and Design At Work continue integrating operations, he said he looks forward to what the future holds.

“Two is better than one, and this combined team is capable of great things,” Anger said. “We’re creating an agency that’s bigger, more capable and better equipped to help our clients grow. It’s an exciting time to be at Design At Work.”

About Design At Work

Design At Work (DAW) is a full-service marketing agency that helps businesses grow through strategic branding, digital marketing, website development, public relations and creative services support. Formed through the 2026 merger of Design At Work and MARION, the Houston-based agency brings together more than 80 years of combined marketing experience and expertise across a wide range of industries.