Melissa Emerson

With more than 15 years of experience, Melissa leads complex healthcare projects of all scales — from single-room renovations to large building expansions — each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. She approaches every project with curiosity and creativity, finding inspiration in the distinct needs and character of each space. Melissa understands that every design decision, from the flow of an emergency department to the placement of a family waiting area, has a direct impact on care delivery and patient outcomes. She thrives in dynamic, high-stakes environments, balancing tight timelines, evolving priorities, and multiple stakeholders with a calm, collaborative approach that keeps teams aligned and focused on a shared purpose.

Her responsiveness and adaptability make her a trusted partner to clinicians, administrators, contractors, and design teams alike. Melissa believes great design emerges from thoughtful collaboration that unites function, aesthetics, and each client’s unique identity, creating spaces that support healing, innovation, and community. Beyond her project work, Melissa actively shapes the future of healthcare design through industry leadership as Co-Chair of the AIA Minnesota Health Design Knowledge Community and as a 2025 member of the Women’s Leadership TRUST.