MELODY TANG
LPA Design Studios
SAY IT LOUD - CALIFORNIA Exhibitor
California Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
LPA’s motto is Changing Lives by Design, and it sums up the potential we architects hold to make a real impact in the world. I believe in creating sustainable, beautiful spaces that address the needs of our communities and improve people’s lives.
MELODY TANG
Bio:
I am driven by a passion for both the practical and poetic aspects of design. An AIA Young Architect Award winner, my experience spans commercial, civic, hospitality, and healthcare projects - everything from renovations to multi-phase, ground up high-rise complexes. After graduating from Cornell, I started at Bostwick Design Partnership in 2003 before joining LPA Design Studios in 2005 and am now an Associate. A Director on my local AIA Board, I led its Design Awards competition for many years.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a kid I loved to draw, build with Legos, create homes and cities for my dolls. House hunting with my parents instilled an awareness of and appreciation for design. Architecture was a great blend of my technical/detail oriented and creative sides.
What do you do?
I leverage my strengths in communication, organization, interdisciplinary collaboration, and BIM to lead project teams from conceptual design through construction. As a firm leader, I develop and lead firmwide initiatives including our EDI Council.
What excites you in the work you do?
I love seeing our designs become reality as we progress through construction. I am also passionate about mentorship and education of the next generation, sharing lessons learned. It’s so rewarding to see their eyes light up when something “clicks”.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
LPA’s motto is Changing Lives by Design, and it sums up the potential we architects hold to make a real impact in the world. I believe in creating sustainable, beautiful spaces that address the needs of our communities and improve people’s lives.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am most proud of having received the 2022 AIA National Young Architect Award. To be counted among peers who have made an impact in so many ways is an incredible honor. I hope it inspires future diverse architects to realize they can do the same.
Featured Project Name:
County of Orange Civic Center
Featured Project Location:
Santa Ana, CA
Featured Project Completion Date:
2022
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect & Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
The Civic Center modernizes and streamlines the way the County of Orange serves its citizens. Developed as a Public-Private-Partnership, it is a model for sustainable, integrated design. Two 6-story buildings consolidate 13 previously scattered departments, with a convenient “one-stop shop” public service counter, Hearing Room, and open plaza. The design uses passive strategies including solar shading, an efficient envelope, and natural daylighting to reduce energy use from the baseline by 77%.
