Melanie is a creative pragmatist with a preference for collaborative, public, renovation and sustainable architecture.
She's interested in projects of all scales that focus on improving life for all people, and continuing a practice of strong collaborative relationships, careful research, and sustainable practices. She's a hard worker, and great at time management, and has a strong skill set including software (Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe, SketchUp) as well as sketching, documentation, application of building science, engineer coordination, and client communication. She has worked as a designer in Panama, Ecuador and all over the US, and is a LEED AP in BD&C. She is close to becoming licensed.
BuildingWork, Seattle, WA, US, Architectural Designer II
Architectural designer role focusing on several smaller historic renovations and adaptations, including the renovation and historic preservation of the Triangle Pub Building; also assisted with the documentation and design of a boutique hotel and restaurant in Walla Walla; a new CLT public library in Lake Stevens; and the CA of the groundbreaking Metropole building. Laid off due to financial issues at the firm.
Perkins&Will, Seattle, WA, US, Architectural Designer II
Worked on a variety of large-scale projects for this well-known firm including a high-rise residential tower with cascading greenspaces in Belltown; a 10-building life sciences campus in Berkeley, CA and a high-rise laboratory and office building in South Lake Union. Consistently provided a high level of documentation, consultant and City coordination and collaborative design input throughout, include complex creative and logistical problem-solving. Layoffs in fall of 2023.
Atelier Designs, New Orleans, LA, Architectural Designer I
Part-time job as architectural designer for a small firm in New Orleans, focusing on high-end residential housing with a historic renovation of a Garden District home, a new hurricane-resistant home on the Gulf Coast as well as a renovation of an office & co-working space (SD through CA) and the initial design for a restaurant.
Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design, New Orleans, LA, US, Fellow
Prestigious summer fellowship with a renowned non-profit design firm that focuses on education and small-scale, big-impact design projects for other non-profits in the New Orleans area.
Wold Architects and Engineers, Saint Paul, MN, US, Architectural Designer
Architectural Designer working primarily on educational buildings in Minnesota, with projects ranging from mechanical renovations, additions, entire new buildings, interior renovations. My job often was to run coordination meetings with engineering teams and contractors; meet with clients; create SD, DD, CD drawing sets as well as creating marketing materials such as renderings and diagrams. I also did some CA work in this position. I primarily worked in Revit with some Adobe and AutoCAD work as well.
IGreen Designs, Bloomington, MN, US, Designer / Revit Draftsman
Designer and draftsman at a small residential firm. Financial issues led to early layoffs at the firm.
Bahia Beach Construction, Bahía de Caráquez, EC, Lead Designer, Marketing
Working with a small construction company in Ecuador, whose main goal is to assist in rebuilding the city of Bahia post-earthquake, in a way that sustainable ecologically, economically, seismically and socially.
They build public and private structures from locally sourced bamboo using a local team of construction workers. They have hosted educational seminars for people to teach them how to build with bamboo, which a seismically safe material, lightweight, and considerably cheaper than unsafe materials like concrete and brick. They bring student volunteer groups from the US to teach about mission-driven business, construction types and culture, while using income to generate homes for those who cannot afford them. The company places a premium on community relationships and sustainability.
My position was to assist in designing homes and creating visuals for clients and the construction team. I also lead an effort to increase our marketing abilities by widening our social media and online presence and researching marketing strategies. I used my abilities as a photographer to add to our marketing as well.
I spent the first month of my time with BBC working and living on-site in Ecuador, and for logistical reasons now work remotely with them from Minnesota.
Earth Train / Experience Mamoni, Chepo, Panama, Architecture Intern
While living in a remote, off-grid rainforest campus at the foot of the Continental Divide in Panama, I assisted this non profit with designing their expanding campus for groups, staff and interns, as well as documenting the existing structures and site.
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, US, MArch, M.Arch 2 Year
Extensive involvement with the schools' community engagement wing including the prestigious Small Center Fellowship; acting as a design studio Teachers Assistant and Research Assistant for a book about the architecture found along the construction of the Panama Canal, and worked part-time at the small local firm. Also was involved with the Historic Preservation department, including the documentation of workers' spaces on a plantation in Mississippi, eventually earning a Certificate in Historic Preservation.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA, US, Bachelors, BFA in Architecture
Excellence in Architecture Design Award, Award
An award of recognition of exceptional designers and students in the 2016 year. Given by faculty.
Merit Scholarship, Scholarship
Received a coveted Merit Scholarship to assist me throughout my 4-year degree at MassArt.
