Melissa’s journey into the world of design began in her home country of El Salvador, where the interplay of architecture and interior environments first sparked her curiosity. This early fascination guided her toward formal education, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Design from California State University, Long Beach, in 2016. Now a third-year graduate student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Melissa is working toward her Master’s degree in Architecture, with an anticipated graduation year of Spring 2025. Over the years, she has expanded her expertise across multiple design realms—from graphic and environmental design to interior design and architecture- continuously asking how these various disciplines might inform and strengthen one another, prompting her to reflect deeply on the nature of design itself—its capacity to transcend boundaries, challenge assumptions, and yield richer, more cohesive solutions.
A guiding principle in Melissa’s approach is the thoughtful reinterpretation of classical design concepts—rooted in timeless ideals such as proportion, harmony, balance, and authenticity—to create spaces that respond meaningfully to contemporary challenges. Rather than merely echoing historical aesthetics, she adapts these enduring ideas to address sustainability, functionality, and cultural sensitivity. Her approach involves exploring how materials, light, and spatial organization can be woven together to foster calmness, well-being, and a sense of belonging. She believes that the clarity and order found in classical proportions can guide both usability and foster a deeper sense of community identity.
Melissa consistently strives to think beyond the immediate demands of each project, asking how her work can uplift neighborhoods, encourage meaningful interactions, and respond to evolving urban conditions. She views design as both a dialogue with the past and a forward-looking practice, blending timeless principles with modern innovation. Through this perspective, Melissa aims to spark inquiry, demonstrate design’s transformative potential, and ultimately contribute to built environments that resonate across generations.