Melanie Freeland
AIA
Creative Director
Architecture
Education
Bachelor of Architecture
Kansas State
Melanie’s commitment to delivering innovative design in demanding settings is evident throughout her portfolio. As a Creative 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 20 years of Architecture and Interiors experience. Her background includes work on residential projects and works 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 for design and the pedestrian in the city. Since her first project in downtown L.A. over 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 a former Director-at-Large for the Highland Park Neighborhood Council and served as the Co-Chair of the AIA/LA Women in Architecture Committee.
