Patricia Negrón Meléndez

Master of Architecture

Patricia Negrón Meléndez is a Puerto Rican designer and Spring 2026 graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her identity and lived experiences have shaped a passion for design justice, community-centered design, advocacy, and equity, inspiring her to view architecture as a tool for strengthening communities and expanding opportunity. Throughout her time at SCAD, Patricia viewed leadership as an extension of design. She served on the executive boards of both SCAD AIAS and SCAD NOMAS for three years, including two years as Co-President of SCAD NOMAS, where she worked to foster community, expand professional opportunities, and empower students to become leaders within the profession. In recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, and service, she received the Alpha Rho Chi Bronze Medal from the SCAD Department of Architecture.

Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond her university through national leadership. Patricia served as the 2025–2026 National Student Representative for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and the 2025–2026 AIAS NOMA Liaison, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and student engagement across the country. She will continue that work as the 2026–2027 Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the 2026–2027 Student Director for the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), where she hopes to continue advocating for students while helping shape the future of architectural education.

As Patricia begins graduate school, she plans to pursue architectural licensure while deepening her understanding of how architecture can create more equitable, resilient, and community-centered places. She hopes to build a career that bridges professional practice, leadership, and advocacy, using design to create lasting impact both within communities and across the profession.

"Growing up in Puerto Rico, I've experienced firsthand how the built environment can shape opportunity, resilience, and quality of life. It's what drives me to pursue architecture — to design alongside communities, advocate for equitable investment, and help build a profession where the people shaping our built environment reflect the communities they serve."