Melvalean McLemore

About

Melvalean McLemore, AIA, NOMA is an accomplished architect and industry leader with over 15 years of experience in the design and management of mixed-use, commercial, residential, K-12, higher education, and aviation projects. She is among the first 500 licensed Black women architects in the U.S. and the 16th in Texas.

As a Director at Abstract, Melvalean leads strategic initiatives that strengthen design excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and project delivery across the firm. She focuses on advancing sustainable, high-performing environments and works closely with teams to shape projects that enhance urban density, community engagement, and the overall quality of city life. In this role, she also contributes to business development, client relations, and organizational systems that position Abstract to address the evolving challenges of urban growth.

Dedicated to fostering equitable, inclusive, and resilient cities, Melvalean co-founded Women in Architecture (WiA) Houston and has held leadership roles in the Texas Society of Architects’ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and the WiA Houston Women of Color Steering Committee. She also co-founded the NOMA National HBCU Professional Development Program, strengthening the pipeline of diverse talent in architecture and urban development.

Her contributions have been widely recognized, including a Mayoral Proclamation of “Melvalean McLemore Day” in Houston and features in The Architect’s Newspaper. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2022 TxA Caudill Early Career Achievement Award, Houston NOMA’s Ambassador Award, AIA Houston’s 2023 Ben Brewer Young Architect Award, and AIA National’s 2024 Young Architect Award.

A past President of AIA Houston, Melvalean remains engaged in thought leadership, advocating for sustainable vertical urbanism, innovative design strategies, and the role of architecture in shaping healthier, more livable cities.