Mélanie Murata, M.S.

Mélanie Murata is an award-winning American Architectural Designer, Art Director, and Professor whose work is rooted in a distinctly European tradition of beauty, proportion, and craftsmanship while shaped by a truly global practice. Born in Lima to a family of Spanish Castilian and Venetian Italian heritage, she descends from generations of architects and engineers on her father's side and couture seamstresses on her mother's, an inheritance that instilled both technical rigor and an enduring sensitivity to artistry, materiality, and detail.

Her design philosophy was forged in Italy through the study of Classical and Renaissance architecture in Florence before refining her practice in Milan under the mentorship of Piero Lissoni's studio, where she absorbed the discipline of Italian modernism, understated luxury, and timeless design. This foundation was further enriched through a Medici Art Residency with Galerie Philia, deepening her exploration of the enduring dialogue between architecture, sculpture, and contemporary collectible design.

Mélanie's international career has taken her from Hollywood to Asia Pacific and the Middle East, combining cinematic storytelling with world-class hospitality and placemaking. She contributed to Gensler's acclaimed Hospitality Studio in Los Angeles before joining NBCUniversal Hollywood, experiences that shaped her understanding of narrative, immersive environments, and guest experience at the highest level.

Today, she advises developers, hospitality brands, royal families, and private clients on ultra-luxury hospitality, branded residences, wellness destinations, private estates, and legacy properties throughout Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Her portfolio includes bespoke commissions for Her Royal Highness in Qatar alongside internationally recognized hospitality and residential developments, each distinguished by discretion, cultural intelligence, and uncompromising attention to detail.

Recognized as an LA Times 40 Under 40 honoree, Mélanie's work has been presented at Milan Design Week, Frieze Los Angeles, Dubai Design Week, and Art Basel Miami, and featured in Architectural Digest and Interior Design. Her practice unites architectural heritage with contemporary innovation, creating environments that are intellectually refined, emotionally resonant, and conceived to endure for generations.