Since joining Callander Associates in 2003, Melissa has designed and managed a wide range of projects from small urban plazas to 100+ acre community parks. Her involvement in projects from concept to construction has allowed for a well-rounded knowledge of the built environment, including designing for site safety and sustainability. As a Gemini, Melissa thrives on a good design challenge and looks for ways to implement subtle surprises into the design to help activate spaces. “One of my favorite things about this profession is not only seeing your creations built but enjoying them with my two boys and hearing them ask to go back!” Even when she is not at work her favorite things still involve creating…from designing and working in her garden (which surprisingly looks nothing like her designs, as she is a self- described plant hoarder), to creating the most amazing meals for her family with limited pantry ingredients (while pretending to be on one of those cooking competitions shows).