April 9, 2025
SPIKE Studio welcomes Melody Harclerode, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, MBA, as the first-ever executive director for the nonprofit organization.
With extensive architecture experience, Harclerode’s leadership marks a pivotal moment as the organization expands its impact on the AEC industry and local communities.
ATLANTA—(April 9, 2025)—SPIKE Studio is excited to announce that Melody Harclerode, FAIA, LEED AP, MBA, will join the SPIKE Studio board as its first-ever executive director. Melody brings nonprofit leadership experience at Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Sandy Springs Conservancy, and Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area to the position. She previously served as a board member at SPIKE Studio.
As executive director, she will be responsible for expanding recognition of SPIKE Studio’s impact, deepening outreach within the community, and creating more opportunities for underrepresented students to explore careers in architecture and design. With the addition of the executive director position, SPIKE Studio will continue to grow as a powerful platform for equity, education, and creative exploration.
“With a deep-rooted passion for SPIKE Studio’s mission and a strong commitment to advancing diversity in the workforce, Harclerode is poised to lead the organization into an exciting new chapter,” says Nate Hammond, Board Chairperson.
“I’m excited to work with SPIKE Studio to ensure this amazing organization’s financial, educational, and organizational success and growth,” says Harclerode. “I look forward to collaborating with the current board of directors, whose dedication and leadership have laid a strong foundation for the future. Together, we’ll build on that momentum to further our mission and expand our impact in meaningful ways.”
With decades of experience in the AEC industry, Harclerode is an accomplished executive director and architect. In 2018, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated Melody as a Fellow for the local and national impact of her design education initiatives, advocacy, and writings. She continues advising the AIA National K-12 design education committee she established.
In addition to this role, Harclerode enjoys public service as a member of the Westside Park Advisory Committee, co-chair of the AIA Georgia College of Fellows Committee, and longtime columnist for Atlanta Intown. In 2010, she founded an award-winning K-12 design education program to foster design thinking, creativity, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the built environment among the next generation. Her inspiring book, videos, and workshops reached design champions nationwide.
She earned her Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business and her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame.
