MELODY HARCLERODE
Blue Heron Nature Preserve
African American AIA Fellow
SAY IT LOUD - Washington DC Exhibitor
Georgia Based Designer
Bio:
One of only 5 African-Americans in a class of 152 architects to be elevated in 2017 as an American Institute of Architects Fellow, Melody was recognized for the local, regional, and national impact of her K-12 design education initiatives and community programs.
MELODY HARCLERODE
Bio:
Blue Heron Nature Preserve Executive Director Melody Harclerode, FAIA, MBA, LEED AP brings resourcefulness and resolve to her passion for boosting awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of an environmentally wondrous 30-acre urban park in Atlanta, Georgia. One of only 5 African-Americans in a class of 152 architects to be elevated in 2017 as an American Institute of Architects Fellow, Melody was recognized for the local, regional, and national impact of her K-12 design education initiatives and community programs. She leads the eponymous nonprofit organization, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Inc. (BHNP) to advance its mission of connecting people with nature across Atlanta through innovative conservation projects, environmental education programs, and art exhibitions. BHNP has advanced diversity, equity, inclusion, and innovation as an organizational focus under Melody’s leadership. Nature lovers of diverse backgrounds benefit from expanded environmental education programs into underserved communities in Atlanta, relaunched school break camps, the development of a Youth Conservation Leadership program for teens, groundbreaking green infrastructure projects, revamped communications, and critically acclaimed nature-inspired art exhibitions. An author, newspaper columnist focusing on architecture and architects, Advisory Committee Member for the largest city park, one-time radio contributor of architectural news features, Melody lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.
Object:
Object Five - Alternative career, volunteer work with organizations not directly connected with the built environment, or service to society
Year of Elevation:
2017
Featured Project Name:
Fulton County Aviation Cultural Community Center
Featured Project Location:
Atlanta, GA
Featured Project Completion Date:
2014
Role in Featured Project:
Associate Architect
Featured Project Description:
The Aviation Cultural Community Center celebrates aviation through its permanent and rotating exhibits. The “Red Bolt” serves as the focal point of the building, and the art galleries located on either side of the library. One gallery is dedicated to art, photography and objects related to aviation, particularly African-Americans in aviation. The other gallery offers space for local or travelling artists’ exhibits. The Georgia Chapter of the ACEC awarded this project with a Merit Award in 2015.
