ABOUT SIMONETTI STUDIO

Working at the intersection of architecture, cultural institutions, and capital project leadership.

A sketch of an ornate architectural fireplace mantel with detailed carvings, columns, and a framed painting or relief artwork above it. The drawing is done in brown ink with some shading.

My career has been shaped by one question: How can places reflect identity, memory, and meaning?

Architectural floor plan of a large building with rooms, corridors, staircases, and designated areas, labeled in Dutch, with a central circular section and various symmetrically arranged rooms.

I pursued that question through architectural practice, the study of history and theory, and years of exploring cultural landscapes. Along the way, I realized that meaningful places are shaped not by architecture alone, but by the relationship between people, mission, history, and the built environment.

That realization led me into leadership roles within museums and cultural institutions, where I found my passion at the intersection of architecture, strategy, and stewardship. It also inspired the creation of Simonetti Studio, where I help mission-driven organizations deliver projects that strengthen identity, preserve memory, and create lasting public value.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Melissa Simonetti

Melissa Simonetti, founder of Simonetti Stuio, smiling and wearing a black shirt, standing indoors with a blurred background.

With nearly 20 years of experience across architecture, construction, and institutional operations, I specialize in leading complex, mission-driven projects from concept through completion. Before transitioning into leadership roles within cultural institutions, I spent 15 years designing campus, civic, and urban projects at nationally recognized and local architecture firms. Today, I draw on that background to bridge architecture, storytelling, and operations in service of cultural memory, learning, and place.

I hold a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University and a Master in Design Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Our Philosophy

Meaning is rarely created by architecture alone—it emerges from the relationship between people, mission, collections, history, operations, and place.

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Modern skyscraper with glass windows and curved design against a light blue sky.
Color swatches and printed color labels on a dark grey surface, with some labels showing paint color names and codes.

Meaningful capital projects need more than good intentions and talented teams.

They need clear ownership, informed decision-making, and someone protecting the institution’s purpose from the earliest idea through implementation.

I have seen projects struggle when owners lacked the internal capacity or technical fluency to manage scope, budget, schedule, procurement, and stakeholder alignment. I have also seen institutions become vulnerable when architects, contractors, or consultants moved ahead without fully understanding the organization’s mission, operations, resources, or long-term needs.

In those moments, what was missing was not talent. It was translation, structure, and advocacy.

Simonetti Studio fills that gap by helping cultural and mission-driven organizations ask better questions, make clearer decisions, and move projects forward with confidence, care, and stewardship.

What Clients Can Expect

1

To make better decisions earlier

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To align teams more clearly

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To move through capital projects with greater confidence

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Let’s Get to Work.

If your organization is just starting to think about a renovation, expansion or capital improvement, Simonetti Studio can help clarify the path forward.

Reach out to start a conversation.

Reach Out