Bio:
The great designer, Melanie Ngami I am a designer currently working at GBBN Architects. I received my Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and have also studied at Tongji University in Shanghai and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first truly learned about architecture through a project with the ACE program at my high school. Before this experience, I had no measure for whether or not I would be any good at architecture, or even enjoy it for that matter.

What do you do?
I work primarily as a designer providing design options, diagrams, renderings, and models both digital and physical and construction documentation.

What excites you in the work you do?
Seeing digital models and drawings come to life excites me the most about what I do. Being able to see that work become reality feels like playing a virtual reality video game, with an added sensory component.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Erica Cochran inspires me professionally. She was the first woman of color I ever met within the academic side of architecture. She would always give advice that helped re-affirm my conviction to become a licensed Architect.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
So far, my proudest professional achievement is getting hired. Growing up the idea of a steady job was on par with the uncanny. To have made it to a point in life where I get to go to work every day doing things I actually enjoy still befuddles.

Featured Project Name: 
Sorrells Engineering & Science Library
 
Featured Project Location: 
4400 Wean Hall #4, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
January 17, 2017

Role in Featured Project: 
Modeling, Rendering, Drafting
 
Featured Project Description:
Sorrells library is an interior renovation project to an existing library space on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus. It transforms an archaic brutalist library design into something softer and embraces a forward-thinking concept of library design. The space is designed to be a progression from loud and collaborative to a more quiet and focused space.xWithin the space there are three prefabricated bamboo inserts that bring warmth to the space while adding further variety to the study spaces available.

Photography Credit:
Ed Massery- Massery Photography