Perspectives

Ms. Harclerode volunteers tirelessly to engage the public about the value of thoughtful architecture and design.  Melody currently
serves as a Public Awareness Director for the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Atlanta) and the Co-Founder
of an innovative architecture-based after school program for AIA Atlanta called Discover ARCHITECTURE.
 
Among her past activities, she chaired the elementary, middle, and high school (k-12) programs for the Atlanta chapter of American
Institute of Architects (AIA).  This role gave her the opportunity to enlighten hundreds of children about architecture and design through
special events such as the Youth Architecture Fair at the Atlanta Botanical Garden as seen below, the Logo Design Contest, and the Tour
and Sketch event at the High Museum.  Ms. Harclerode also volunteered as a Board Member of the Atlanta Urban Design Commission
from 2005 to 2008.  This organization regulates construction, renovation and preservation projects in fifteen historic districts in the city.

AIA Atlanta honored Melody for her commitment to the advancement of architecture with the 2010 AIA Atlanta Service to the Profession Award. 

Her advocacy for the field of architecture extends into her writings.  Ms. Harclerode writes a quarterly column on architecture and design
for the Atlanta INtown newspaper, and her columns have been featured in the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the AIArchitect, the
on-line newsletter for the American Institute of Architects.  A member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, she
hopes to increase children's knowledge and appreciaton of architecture through her books.