2025 Designer Dozen Awards: Melisa Daives

Melisa Daives
Architect, MTVD Design Studio / Age: 31
Favorite Celebrity: Zendaya
Favorite Animal: My dog, Sonqo

WHY MELISA?

With a constant thirst for knowledge, Melisa says her passion for design is not only due to her profession but is a lifestyle reflected in all her projects. With several years’ experience with commercial design, Melisa has worked on many restaurant projects like Che Mono and Ñu Posta Urbana, alongside traditional retail, like pop-ups created for digital native brand Felicity. Melisa has some speaking gigs under her belt, including her lectures through the National Meeting of Women Architects in Argentina, where “she gives a voice and visibility to the work of women leaders in architecture … through talks, lectures, panel discussions and conferences,” according to her nomination.

Melisa works on a range of hospitality and restaurant projects in her role at MTVD. PHOTO: Gonzalo Viramonte, Córdoba, Argentina

Describe your background. How did you get started in design?

I’ve always been attracted to the visual and design world. Since I was a high school student, I was interested in art, photography, fashion design, dancing and craft. Then, I decided to be an architect, and I discovered space design. I think space awareness makes you understand the world in a different way, and the impact that it has on each of us. In those days, I was involved in an architecture magazine, too, and that made me experience the bond between graphic design and architecture. I joined MTVD Design Studio in 2019, working in retail merchandising, where I currently work as Creative Director. [At this] company, I had my first full experience in retail, and I exercised giving identity to spaces through ideas, texture and colors.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Personally, I struggle to feel confident and trust my own intuition and knowledge. Sometimes, I find it hard to accept that we don’t have to know everything.

What experience or specific interest has shaped you as a designer?

I like stories, I really enjoy finding meaning in every part of them. I think this makes me constantly reflect on design decisions and their significance, as well as the role they play in a space.

Describe some of your outside-of-work initiatives.

I’m really interested in feminism and women’s rights. I have previously participated in organizations related to these causes, and I always try to be an activist in my immediate environment. I believe there is still a lot to change in our societal mindset to improve the world, and I see this activism as a key part of my personal and professional life.

The best part of my day is…

…when the work is flowing.

I find (design) inspiration in…

…nature.