
Melayne Dunlap
From: Logan, Utah
Desired Career Focus: Hospitality
Certifications: LEED Green Associate
Associations: IADSA, USGBC
Contact Info
Email: melaynedunlap@gmail.com
Phone: (435) 890-4243
See More & Connect
Melayne Dunlap was born and raised in Logan, Utah, and will graduate in May with a Bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture and Design, along with a minor in Art from Utah State University. Throughout her academic journey, Melayne has developed a comprehensive understanding of design, honing her ability to think critically, creatively, and conceptually. Her time at Utah State has shaped her professional perspective, encouraging her to explore how design intersects with wider cultural and intellectual ideas—expanding both her approach and her worldview. While she is drawn to abstract and conceptually driven work, Melayne is equally committed to the discipline, precision, and persistence that good design requires. Her dedication to refining her technical skills and her determination to bring complex ideas to life are reflected in the depth and quality of her work. She values the process as much as the outcome and approaches each project with thoughtfulness and follow-through. Melayne's interests center on sustainability, accessibility, and immersive, human-centered design—particularly within commercial and hospitality environments. She believes that design should be both impactful and enduring, serving people across all stages of life. With a strong balance of creative vision and technical skill, she aspires to one day establish her own firm and advocate for positive change within the built environment. At her core, Melayne views good design as transformative—something that shapes experiences, elevates daily life, and fosters connection. She is excited to continue growing her voice and hopes to contribute meaningfully to the field as her career evolves.
Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.
Student Projects
Sorella Women's Center
Sorella Women’s Center is a trauma-informed community resource designed to support and empower women, particularly survivors of domestic violence, who often face limited access to critical services. Rooted in the principles of safety and trust, choice and empowerment, collaboration and community, and beauty and joy, the center provides a welcoming, accessible space for healing and growth. Sorella offers legal advocacy, emotional support, mental health resources, and skill-building opportunities to help survivors regain autonomy and build strong, supportive networks. By fostering connection and resilience, Sorella, meaning sister, in Italian, seeks to break the cycle of abuse, countering the isolation that so often sustains it.
Ainsworth Kitchen
The Ainsworth Kitchen explores the intersection of warmth, elegance, and functionality in a residential kitchen designed for both daily living and entertaining. The design embraces a rich material palette, juxtaposing the organic with the bold. Brass accents in the lighting, hardware, and furnishings add a glimmering touch, while the custom curved island introduces movement and dynamics to the space. The adjoining breakfast nook provides cozy built-in seating, terracotta flooring, and layered textures that enhance comfort and intimacy.
Ol'Boy Barbershop
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Ol’ Boy Barbershop is designed as a welcoming space where walk-ins are always encouraged, and every visit feels like stepping into a familiar gathering place. With a strong focus on community, Ol’ Boy fosters meaningful connections, offering a place where conversations flow easily, trust is built, and every client walks out feeling their best. The upstairs residence adds to the shop’s personal touch, reinforcing the idea that this is more than a business; it’s a cornerstone of the neighborhood, dedicated to both craftsmanship and camaraderie.
Kagu Collection
In Japanese culture, torii gates symbolize transition, marking the passage from the everyday world to the sacred. The Kagu Collection draws inspiration from the torii’s elegant form and profound meaning, exploring how design can shape the experience of moving between spaces. Each piece echoes the gate’s clean lines, curved cross beams, and quiet strength. The collection embraces both function and presence—defining boundaries without enclosing them, creating fluid, intentional transitions within interiors. By integrating the philosophy of liminality and spatial awareness, the Kagu Collection seeks to foster mindfulness in everyday living, transforming furniture into subtle thresholds between moments, spaces, and states of mind.
Villa Escondida
Rooted in the rich architectural traditions of Spanish Eclecticism, Villa Escondida embodies the elegance of Mediterranean design while embracing the warmth of the Californian landscape. Inspired by historic haciendas and sun-drenched villas, the residence blends time-honored craftsmanship with contemporary livability. Terracotta roof tiles, arched colonnades, and intricate wrought iron details create a sense of old-world romance, and soft, sun-washed stucco walls invite a serene atmosphere to both the interior and exterior. Earthy terracotta flooring, shaded porticos, and an intimate courtyard invite leisurely outdoor living, celebrating the seamless relationship between architecture and nature.































