Passionate about the cultural landscape, Melise enjoys all aspects of urban design. She sees architecture as a tool to develop user well-being and meaningful experiences, and as a channel for serving others, all while positively impacting the local community.
Melise joined the studio in 2019 with a vast knowledge of the design process. An innovative thinker, she is technology-driven and people-focused, balancing client needs with project realities. While a graduate research assistant at University of Hawaii Community Design Center, she led discovery meetings with government officials and community stakeholders. During her two internships, she honed her drawing, modeling, and project management skills, building off her graphic design experience. She parlayed her learnings at an architecture and planning firm in Hawaii before becoming part of WRNS’ Honolulu design team.
Melise earned her Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, after spending a year at California Polytechnic State University. Throughout her education, she received numerous awards, including back-to-back honorable mentions at the AIA Honolulu Student Design Awards. On the weekends, you’ll find her spending time with family, crafting, and learning new recipes.