Leadership milestone positions the firm to accelerate national growth, deepen client relationships, and strengthen collaboration across its expanding practice. 

BOULDER, Colo. —  March 4, 2026 — Boulder Associates today announced the appointment of Melissa Pesci as Chief Executive Officer. Pesci becomes the first CEO in the firm’s history and will oversee firmwide strategy and operations across all offices, guiding Boulder Associates into its next phase of growth.

Pesci brings nearly two decades of experience in architecture and design leadership, including senior roles at HGA Architects and Engineers, where she helped lead the growth of the firm’s San Francisco practice. Her background spans healthcare, science and technology, and complex workplace environments, with a focus on building high-performing teams and aligning design excellence with business strategy.  

“As we looked toward the next decade of growth, it became clear that we needed leadership focused on strategy, market position, and strengthening our national footprint,” said Darci Hernandez, Principal and Board Member at Boulder Associates. “Melissa brings the experience, emotional intelligence, and collaborative mindset that align with our culture and position Boulder Associates for its next chapter.” 

In her role, Pesci will guide the firm’s continued evolution while reinforcing its commitment to research-informed, human-centered design and organizational alignment. She is committed to leading with transparency and approachability, fostering open dialogue across the firm and encouraging diverse perspectives to strengthen both decision-making and design outcomes. 

“I see tremendous opportunity to bring alignment across our teams and clients nationwide and build on the strong foundation already in place,” said Melissa Pesci, Chief Executive Officer of Boulder Associates. “My focus is on transparency, collaboration, and listening — because when diverse perspectives are welcomed, we make better decisions and create better outcomes.” 

About Boulder Associates, Inc. 
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Boulder Associates is a national architecture, interior design, and consulting firm specializing in healthcare, science + technology, workplace, senior living and early education environments. With offices across the U.S., the firm partners partners with highly specialized clients to deliver research-informed, human-centered design solutions that support operational excellence and long-term performance. Boulder Associates integrates strategy, planning, sustainability, and advanced design technology through a collaborative,data-driven approach – helping organizations navigate complexity, align teams, and create spaces that improve outcomes for people and communities.  Boulder Associates has nine offices in nine major U.S. markets – Boulder, Charlotte, Dallas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Seattle – the firm brings deep technical expertise and a culture of innovation to clients nationwide, delivering clarity and momentum at every scale.  

For more information, visit https://www.boulderassociates.com