By: Azhar Hussaini
A building is not just something you walk into; it’s something you experience. The most impactful spaces don’t just serve a purpose; they tell a story, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression. This is the direction architecture seems to be heading, and Melissa Elbers is playing a role in shaping that shift—blending art and architecture to create spaces that aim to feel as good as they function.
As the founder of Nimbus Design Shop and an architect working across countries and disciplines, Melissa does not strictly separate design fields. She views architecture and art not as distinct categories, but as interconnected elements of a larger narrative. Her projects reflect this belief, creating spaces that are not only functional but that also carry emotion, meaning, and a strong sense of place.
Melissa’s career began in Peru, where she trained as an architect. From the start, she paid close attention to details that others might overlook: how light enters a space, how materials change over time, and how buildings interact with their surroundings. After moving to the U.S., her work expanded to include product design and ceramics. This shift helped her approach design from a more intimate perspective. It made her even more interested in the emotional side of architecture—what it feels like to live with an object or inhabit a space.
Today, her projects often include handmade elements such as sculptural lighting or ceramic pieces, integrated directly into the architecture. These are not simply decorative additions but are part of the original vision. For Melissa, it’s not enough for a space to merely serve a function. It also needs to create a feeling, to slow people down, or to tell a story. The more personal a space feels, the more powerful it can become.
Melissa believes that this blending of art and architecture is likely to continue. Technology, sustainability, and a more global perspective are pushing the field in new directions. We are already seeing buildings that engage with their environment, facades that shift, and materials that evolve over time. What excites her the most, however, is the potential to make design more human-centered. To create places that reflect who we are, not just what we need.
Of course, working in this way is not always straightforward. Many projects come with budgets, timelines, and expectations that leave little room for experimentation. Melissa has learned to navigate these realities while still staying true to her vision. She works closely with clients and collaborators to ensure that every decision contributes to the overall experience. It’s not about adding more elements; it’s about doing what matters and doing it well.
Photo Courtesy: Melissa Elbers
Collaboration plays an essential role in her process. She partners with artists, craftspeople, and other designers to bring different perspectives into the work. That collaboration is not just practical; it’s what makes the final result stronger. When multiple voices contribute to a space, it gains depth and feels lived-in, even before anyone moves in.
Looking forward, Melissa envisions a future where architecture feels more responsive and adaptable. She imagines public spaces that invite interaction, homes that evolve with the people who live in them, and designs that are not just seen but felt. She wants to continue creating spaces that are not just striking but are also meaningful.
Her work is a quiet push against fast, trend-driven design. Against buildings that prioritize cost or square footage above all else. She is showing that thoughtful design doesn’t need to be loud to make an impact—it just needs to be genuine.
In a world that is often moving at a rapid pace, Melissa Elbers is asking us to pause and reflect. To pay attention to what we are building, and why. Her approach reminds us that good design doesn’t separate art from architecture; it brings them together, creating spaces that remain with us long after we have left.
