Melissa Martyr | Director of Operations

Every day at NewStudio Architecture, Melissa finds new ways to apply her background in marketing, business operations, customer support, and project management. She visualizes, organizes, plans, and develops. "I make things happen," she says.

Because Melissa also has considerable experience in program development, technology, training, partnership development, education, and the arts, she's integral to various initiatives that reflect the mission and values of NewStudio Architecture. “My role focuses on building relationships within and beyond the office and helping to connect our core ethos to all aspects of our work.”

Best Thing About Our St. Paul Office:
The glass storefront

What Most People Don’t Know About Me:
I’m one of the founders of a language immersion and International Baccalaureate school, Lakes International Language Academy, in Forest Lake, MN; we opened in 2004 with 174 students in grades K-4 and today the school has two campuses for grades K-12 and an enrollment over 1,200.

Favorite Office Supply:
Can I say Sean Wagner? Honestly, the entire staff at NSA are the best and most valuable part of our office.

When I’m Not At NewStudio, I’m:
You might find me on a tennis court in the warmer months (I’ve been on a tennis hiatus since high school and now I’m on a quest for a decent serve!); I’m hoping to cross-country ski quite a bit on the local trails and on White Bear Lake in the winter (depends on the snow and how deliriously cold it is).

My Favorite Place:
Somewhere on a lake, including favorites such as White Bear Lake, MN; Geneva, WI; West Lake Okoboji, IA; or Lake Superior from Tofte, MN. Also, I’m happy anywhere in the Caribbean and traveling in general.

Someday, I Would Like To:
Become trained and certified to be a yoga and barre instructor.

Education:

M.S. Professional Studies in Higher Education, Iowa State University

B.A. Journalism and Mass Communications, Iowa State University