Marshall Dunlap was involved in residential construction and remodeling during much of his time growing up in Raleigh. After getting his undergraduate degree in History at UNC-Chapel Hill and then spending a decade or so abroad, he returned to Raleigh to get a Master's degree in Architecture at N.C. State's College of Design in 2004.

Marshall developed an increasing interest in sustainable design and construction as a graduate teaching assistant and then as an adjunct instructor in the School of Architecture's undergraduate course on Environmental Control Systems. He became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2004, then got his building contractor's license and established Dunlap Design and Construction in Raleigh in 2005. In addition to operating this business, he serves as an instructional consultant to the NC Solar Center by teaching the NC Healthy Built Homes program orientations.