Percy Johnson-Marshall was employed in Coventry City Architect's Department, as a member of Sir Donald Evelyn Edward Gibson's team, from 1938-1941. During this time he collected papers, photographs, press-clippings and plans relating to the work being undertaken on the civic centre. Initially these were plans for comprehensive redevelopment. Following the civic centre's destruction in a World War II bombing raid, on 14 November 1940, plans for reconstruction were developed.

Johnson-Marshall also collected material relating to the innovative public housing projects which were undertaken during his period of employment with Coventry City Council.

One document survives concerning Johnson-Marshall employment record. This is a letter from Sir Donald Evelyn Edward Gibson asking Lord Reith to release him from active service in India and Burma, as Gibson felt his skills would be better utilised in the reconstruction work being undertaken in Coventry.