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Melody Burghard Emerick sits at the head of an award-winning architectural firm whose success, she says, is based on a passion for design.

After graduating from the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture in 1994, Burghard Emerick worked at several firms before founding Emerick Architects 15 years ago with her husband, Brian. The Portland-based firm, which in the early days operated out of the couple’s garage, now boasts a staff of 10.

The firm has garnered multiple awards for its work, including a 2011 TopProjects Award from the Daily Journal of Commerce for Fire Station No. 7 and a 2008 Preservation in Action Award from the Architectural Heritage Center/ Bosco Milligan Foundation for NW Fence and Wireworks.

Burghard Emerick’s design talent was also recognized recently by Gray Magazine, which selected her as one of five women who have risen to the top of the Northwest architecture scene. Her design for a Division Street residence in Portland won two awards last year from the International Interior Design Association and will be featured in an upcoming homes tour sponsored by the American Institute of Architects.

Her success in the architecture field can be attributed in part to her commitment to teamwork and collaboration on projects, approaches she encourages at Emerick Architects.

She also leads the firm’s dedication to mentorships and diversity – half of the firm’s staff, including two recently certified architects, are women.
In addition to teaching design at Marylhurst University, Burghard Emerick has been involved with the AIA’s Architects in the Schools program.