creating a winning concept

fast casual restaurant

Melanie created a concept idea for a hotel food concept innovation award. The parameters included; low footprint, able to be located in lobby or small retail space, plug n’ play equipment, locally sourced menu, and able to replicate easily at most locations. The solutions was “Greens & Grains”. A fast casual solution with microgreens and greens grown right at the concept.

Client
Landlord

Services
Research and assess market trends, demographic and location, and lead team to create concept.

Project Type
Fast Casual Foodservice

Year
2020

retail foodservice planning

Melanie worked with the owner and operations team to create a plan and design that highlighted the products for this retail location, as well as, the giving back to community attitude of the owner. Using the Owners and Melanie’s contacts, she connected the owner with other small businesses to highlight and sell their products.

Client
Owner/Tenant - Macadons

Services
Facilitate plan, lead client design team, integrate other specialty team members to expand the experience. Along with the owner and operations team, oversaw the contractor, and strategized a path for opening on time and budget.

Project Type
Retail

Year
2022

launching a retail location

co-housing affordable mixed income

creating a development plan

Indoor Farm  Vertical Farm

Urban living oasis

Online to brick and mortar

creating a learning community



Melanie researched various neighborhoods to assess comprehensive zoning plans, potential for higher density change, and negotiating the purchase of future higher development property. Integrating the life of the potential inhabitants into the plan.

Client
Owner/Tenant

Services
Create a feasibility study prior to purchase. After purchase, create a plan for tenant occupancy, remodel, and market study.

Project Type
Residential Feasablity

Year
2024


Melanie worked with past clients to obtain indoor farming equipment donations and space donations in order to create a learning community for local schools and non-profit groups to train and re-train into the indoor farming field and technology. Integrating the life of the groups into the planning.

Client
Indoor Farm Collaborative, Community groups, non-profits, and schools

Services
Coordinate, advise, create operating procedures, design plans, and PR regarding indoor farming and its positive impact on urban areas.

Project Type
Retail

Year
2021


Melanie worked clients wanting to turn their home into a “home away from home” inspired from their travels and love for a peaceful environment.


Melanie worked with a sustainable fishing and online business to determine if opening up a retail space made financial and brand sense. Integrating their business life into their strategic plan.


Client
Lummi Island Wild

Services
Advise on capital expenses, operations, design, and permitting necessary for a retail space. In addition, advised on curated products that had synergy with their seafood products, research potential partners, and cooking class opportunities.

Project Type
Retail

Year
2024

Client
IMr and Mrs. Moore

Services
Create an ideation board of client’s travel artifacts, planning in all aspects of how they live and transformed all their 1 bedroom + den their urban condo spaces.

Project Type
Residential

Year
2021