Melissa Turnbaugh

Melissa brings more than 16 years of specialized expertise in the planning, design, and management of educational facilities for both public and private institutions. She is driven by a belief that all students should have equitable access to innovative indoor and outdoor learning environments. With her role as the National Education and Innovation Leader, Melissa serves as a resource and advocate for research-based, student-centered, and purpose-driven learning environments. In her career she has worked on a variety of projects ranging from the youngest learners in early childcare centers to advanced academics in career and technical high schools all while building meaningful, long-term relationships with clients. Recently she has partnered with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Children & Nature Network and Google to reimagine the educational environment of the future.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the Rice University in Houston and is a registered Architect in the state of Texas. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Houston ACE Mentorship Program and was named Architect of the year for 2021 by RED News Houston.