Melanie Freeland

Education

Bachelor of Architecture
Kansas State

Melanie’s commitment to delivering innovative design in demanding settings is evident throughout her portfolio. As a Managing Studio Director at RIOS, she is a valuable asset to a diverse set of projects from large scale workplace projects like Sunset Las Palmas to wellness-driven oncology experiences like the University of Southern California Ellison Institute. She has over 15 years of Architecture experience. Her background includes work on residential projects and work with prominent artists on site-specific installations including the late Sol LeWitt, James Turrell, Jeff Koons, Robert Irwin, and Charles Ray.

Melanie’s dedication to design exploration and discussion drives her passion about design and the pedestrian in the city. Since her first project in downtown L.A. a decade ago, she has become a voice in the grassroots transportation community and has been featured in the LA Times, KPCC, Curbed, and Streetsblog, promoting alternative forms of transportation and infrastructure. She volunteers her time to numerous organizations including United Way and the Downtown Women’s Center. She is Director-at-Large for the Highland Park Neighborhood Council and is Co-Chair of the AIA/LA Women in Architecture Committee.