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Mabe
Architect/ Lavender Farmer
Melissa Marcott Mabe is an accomplished architect with extensive experience in the industry The recipient of numerous accolades and considerable recognition from peers and colleagues, she headed a prominent Colorado-based architectural firm for a time, overseeing several successful projects and managing the company’s operations
A driving force in the Colorado architectural scene, she was also a figure of inspiration to women professionals. Combining outstanding technical ability and extraordinary leadership skills with drive, innovation, and a forward-looking approach, she achieved a respected position among architectural professionals.
After many years as an architect, Melissa Mabe decided it was time for a change She then took the courageous step of becoming a lavender farmer, approaching this new pursuit with the same focus, drive, and determination that she employed throughout her architectural career
Educational Background
Melissa attended the University of Colorado where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She later earned a Master’s degree in Architecture.
As a business administration major, Melissa developed several valuable skills and proficiencies that would serve her well in her later career. She quickly found that she had an innate ability for analytical thinking, leadership, and financial management, all of which allowed her to excel in her coursework.
Melissa was equally adept in her Master’s education, applying uncommon creativity, technical proficiency, and an almost intuitive understanding of structural engineering principles. As in her previous bachelor’s degree program, she made full use of her problem-solving capabilities and highly effective communication skills
Upon graduating from the University of Colorado, Melissa was equipped with industry-level knowledge of management and marketing strategies and financial analysis capabilities. With her Master’s Degree education providing the necessary expertise in design principles, construction methods, and urban planning, she was ready to begin her architectural career
Melissa’s Architectural Career
Shortly after she began working as an architect, Melissa realized that she was tailor-made for her career The skills and knowledge she had picked up during college and her Master’s education proved to be invaluable in enabling her to make a mark in the industry
However, it was Melissa Mabe’s drive, determination, and technical ability that truly made her stand out among her colleagues These qualities brought her to the attention of some of the industry’s most powerful movers and shakers, and she was eventually offered the position of President at Ruggles Mabe Studio
Now known as Ruggles Lindeman Bell, Ruggles Mabe Studio was a prominent Colorado-based architecture and interior design firm when Melissa took the reins With her exemplary business management, strategic planning, and industry expertise, she proved to be ideally suited to the challenge, consistently meeting objectives and surpassing expectations
Melissa also realized that she had a natural talent for overseeing teams and managing client relationships due largely to her strong leadership and communication skills These qualities later proved to be instrumental in driving the company’s growth.
Of course, it also helped that Melissa had a thorough understanding of architectural design and construction processes. Along with her skill in identifying market trends and acting on them, these proficiencies enabled her to make timely and informed decisions that ultimately benefited the company
It should also be mentioned that Melissa possessed the financial acumen and problem-solving abilities that were crucial for profitability and operational efficiency These allowed her to expand Ruggles Mabe Studio’s scope and operations, significantly impacting the company’s bottom line.
Industry Recognition
Melissa’s excellence in the architectural field is apparent in the many accolades and recognitions she has received over the years, not just from her peers but also from prominent and well-respected institutions
For example, she was named one of the “Top 20 under 40” by ENR Mountain States and was recognized as a “Top Newsmaker among Architects” by the Denver Business Journal She was also a finalist in the Denver Business Journal's “Outstanding Woman in Business” recognition ceremony.
The Switch to Lavender Farming
These days, Melissa devotes most of her time and energy to managing Tres Lavender with one of her closest and dearest friends. A lavender farm and manufacturer of handmade lavender products, the company brings together the same skills and knowledge that have made Melissa such a successful architect, applying them to the rewarding pursuit of lavender farming
Melissa’s Charitable Works
Melissa Mabe is a regular contributor to many socio-civic initiatives and charitable causes, most notably “Rise Against Suicide” The organization was established to address rising suicide rates in the community, providing essential forums and support networks
Melissa’s support for Rise Against Suicide mirrors her compassionate and empathetic spirit, as well as her fervent commitment to helping others in crisis This comes as no surprise to longtime friends and family, who are familiar with her sense of social responsibility and willingness to make a difference in other people’s lives
Melissa also frequently contributes to the Erie lacrosse team in her alma mater, the University of Colorado. A longtime fan of the sport, she sees her support as vital to fostering a community spirit and inspiring youth development
Another charitable organization Melissa supports is Young Life, a Christian ministry that encourages children to develop their faith and serve others Again, this reflects her compassionate spirit, demonstrating her dedication to supporting young people in their spiritual journeys