Hoffmann Architects + Engineers promotes Melone and Salsabeel

 

 

Manhattan, NY Hoffmann Architects + Engineers, a design firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, has promoted Melissa Melone, AIA, and Fariha Salsabeel, assoc. AIA, recognizing their project experience and exemplary technical work.

Hoffmann Architects + Engineers recognizes Melone and Salsabeel for their invaluable contributions to the firm’s building enclosure projects, as well as their positivity in shaping a company culture that values shared learning, architectural achievement, and service. 

Melone, AIA, earned a promotion to senior staff architect. After joining the firm in 2021 as a project representative, she quickly rose through the ranks, earning promotions to senior project representative in 2022, to project coordinator in 2023, and to staff architect in 2024. Just three years after completing a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University in 2021, Melone achieved career milestones typically not accomplished until a decade or more in practice: she had earned licensure as a registered architect and had become one of the owners of the firm.

As a project manager, Melone guides clients in meeting compliance requirements for New York City ordinances, including the Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) and Annual Parapet Observation. Her FISP clients include Scholastic, the William S. Paley Foundation, Columbia University, Kalimian Equities, Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, SAMCO Properties, Minor Hotels, and the New York City Housing Authority. She also led Annual Parapet Observation surveys for 35

Melissa R. Melone, AIA senior staff architect buildings across the Columbia University Morningside Campus and conducted surveys at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) and at Verizon properties across the five boroughs.

“In the five years that Melissa has been part of the Hoffmann team, she has demonstrated not only technical proficiency, thoroughness, accountability, professionalism with clients and contractors alike but also with her peers at the office,” said Juan Kuriyama, AIA, director of the firm’s New York office. “Melissa’s professional development has been an important asset to the company, and we are committed to providing her with opportunities for her continued growth.”

Melone’s rise from junior staff to senior leadership was driven by hard work and careful study, yet her achievements also point to her selflessness in elevating those around her and building community. An alumna of the ACE Mentor Program, she was instrumental in spearheading Hoffmann’s involvement in the program, which provides project-based learning about the design and construction industry through a free after-school program. Through Hoffmann’s Community Action Committee, Melone leads an annual Thanksgiving food drive, and she is organizing a team for the 2026 Wall Street Run & Heart Walk. Even after completing her own professional credentialing, she continues to support her colleagues at Hoffmann who are seeking licensure through her leadership in the Emerging Professionals Group, sharing resources and guidance. Melone also serves as Safety Coordinator for Hoffmann’s New York office.

Salsabeel, assoc. AIA, has been promoted to senior project associate. Since she started with Hoffmann in 2024, as a project representative, she has impressed her supervisors and colleagues with her industriousness, technical capacity, dependability, and attention to detail. Originally from Bangladesh, she completed her Bachelor of Architecture degree at the Military Institute of Science and Technology in Dhaka with a prestigious National Board Scholarship, then immigrated to the United States, earning multiple scholarships and awards while completing a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design at the New York Institute of Technology.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Fariha on several projects and have really enjoyed watching her grow in confidence and take initiative in taking on greater project responsibility, including during construction,” said Kara Shypula, assoc. AIA, senior project manager and Salsabeel’s supervisor. “She produces thoughtful, beautifully crafted drawings and has quickly earned the trust of both our team and our clients — this promotion is incredibly well deserved.”

Salsabeel contributes to all phases of building enclosure projects, from condition investigation and design development to contract document preparation and construction submittal review. Her projects include facade investigations and repairs at multiple Columbia University residence halls and the Shapiro Center for Engineering & Physical Science Research (CEPSR), roof replacement at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Annual Parapet Observation compliance inspections at multiple Columbia University and Verizon properties, and roof replacement and facade rehabilitation projects for Fordham University at both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. Eager to nurture career development and camaraderie within the firm, Salsabeel is active in the Hoffmann Emerging Professionals Group, building a collaborative foundation that encourages professional growth.