As we near our firm’s formal 75th anniversary date in October, we begin to acknowledge the leadership team that is responsible for leading our firm into the future. We proudly spotlight Principal, Melissa Regan-Byers. Melissa’s journey with HKIT began 17 years ago and was guided by a desire to join a firm that designs meaningful projects and one with strong female leadership. Inspired and mentored by Principal Emeritus, Dara Youngdale, Melissa’s approach to leadership demonstrates a similar commitment to mentorship. Melissa actively supports young women within HKIT and as a mentor with Girls, Inc., inspiring the next generation of architects.

When asked about her favorite project sector, she shared, “I feel the most inspired by my work on school projects. I love kids and the excitement and energy they have when they enter a new classroom or multipurpose building for the first time. I enjoy that oftentimes our projects involve taking older buildings with outdated technology, HVAC systems, poor ventilation, or acoustics and transforming them into healthy learning environments. It brings me joy to know that our work can make a difference in a child’s life.”

Looking toward the future and having successfully completed two Zero Net Energy (ZNE) projects, Melissa excitedly envisions a time when all HKIT’s education projects achieve ZNE status.

Melissa’s dedication is just one example of the passion that drives our firm.