Melissa Templeton, Ph.D.

Melissa brings a unique blend of academic rigor and empathetic understanding to her role as part of our social and behavioral sciences team. With a background in anthropology and a passion for equity issues, Melissa’s professional impact extends beyond her current role, influencing the broader industry with her commitment to community advocacy and knowledge generation.

She is a vital bridge between the communities we support and the architects, designers, planners and engineers who shape their environments. Melissa listens to community needs, advocates for them and shares their stories within the firm and the wider industry. Her work contributes to the generation of knowledge and helps make informed decisions in service of our communities. 

Melissa’s professional journey is as diverse as it is impressive. Before joining us, she was a dance scholar and professor, teaching and researching dance history, global studies and cultural studies. Her research, published in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and encyclopedia entries, draws on qualitative methods such as ethnography, field notes, interviews and archival work. She has presented her scholarship at conferences across the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Greece. 

An active member of the Environmental Design Research Association, Melissa resonates with its mission to advance and disseminate research, teaching and practice toward improving and understanding the relationships among people, their built environments and natural ecosystems. She is working toward publishing research on campus planning and student well-being; maternal health, equity and the built environment; and the impacts of design in rehabilitative justice facilities. 

Known for her empathy, thoroughness and positivity, Melissa gives our clients confidence, knowing she sincerely cares about the communities we serve.