Melanie Islam, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, LFA
Principal & Sustainability Director
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
- George Bernard Shaw
melanie@masonarch.comCommissioner
Climate Change Commission, City and County of Honolulu
Director, 2022
American Institute of Architects Hawaii State Council
Honoree, 2019
Pacific Business News 40 Under 40
Board Chair, 2017 - 2021
U.S. Green Building Council Hawaii
Women in Green Honoree, 2019
USGBC Pacific Region
Registered Architect, State of Hawaii, AR17596
National Council of Architectural Registration Board, No. 123280
LEED Accredited Professional, LEED AP BD+C
Living Future Accredited Professional
Doctor of Architecture, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2008
Melanie has been with MASON since 2012.
Melanie found her identity in architecture early in life, and believes architects have the fortunate responsibility to positively change the way our built environment is constructed, managed and operated to yield a more resilient and sustainable place for the next generation. She is driven to work on projects that improve our communities and thrives on opportunities that guide smart choices in energy efficiency, healthy material selection, and sustainable design. She advocates for sustainable and energy efficient reuse of existing building stock as a strategy to address near-term carbon reduction targets.
When she’s not working or volunteering, Melanie cherishes her time in the kitchen, often preparing elaborate South Asian meals or making her sought after samosas while rocking out to disco music.
Affiliations:
- American Institute of Architects, National and Honolulu Chapter, Director 2020-2021
- U.S. Green Building Council, National and Hawaii Community
- International Living Future Institute Ambassador Network
- YWCA Honolulu, Board Member, 2021 - present
