Katherine Melcher

Professor Katherine Melcher holds a faculty position at the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design (CED). Prior to this role, she served as Design Director at Urban Ecology, a nonprofit in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she pioneered participatory design processes for projects like the East Bay Greenway and Oakland schoolyards. Her academic work bridges philosophy and practice, focusing on community-driven urban design, environmental ethics, and the aesthetics of public spaces.

Prof. Melcher earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, a Master of Landscape Architecture, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning. Her research explores the intersection of aesthetics and social equity, emphasizing how community engagement can shape ethical urban environments. She has conducted projects in diverse locations including San Diego, Thailand, and Togo, addressing issues like post-disaster reconstruction and community forestry.

Her recent publications analyze pandemic-era urban adaptations, rural community assessments using digital tools, and the ethical dimensions of city design. Notable works include Invented Edens: Techno-cities of the twentieth century (2025) and Building collective know-how (2023–2024). She leads the Community Landscape Lab, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to equitable design practices.