Firm Strengths
We believe that good architecture is a balance between art and science, grace and precision. Our buildings aren’t just about creating a memorable image, but also about using strategic siting and design interventions to achieve light-filled interiors with intelligent, efficient organization—in short, spaces where people want to live and work. We enjoy the process as much as the result, and delight in bringing together the big picture and the small details to create something better and more useful than the client imagined.
LFA is rooted in a foundation of socially and economically conscious projects for a culturally diverse clientele. We understand community-based organizations and like helping them advance their mission. Yet we’ve cultivated long-standing partnerships with patrons in both the private and public sectors. Our work to date ranges from site consulting and mixed-use planning to a nightclub lounge interior and single-family homes, from affordable green communities to LEED-compliant campus housing, plus hospitality, transportation, education, and health care facilities. LFA takes deep pleasure in revitalizing historic structures of all types, giving an abandoned building encrusted with cobwebs new meaning for the future while reconnecting it with the community.
M. Melanie Burnette RA
Principal/ President
Education
BS Architectural Design; Clemson University 1976
Undergraduate Studies; Chemistry and Civil Engineering, University of South Carolina
Professional Background
Partner / President, LeFevre Funk Architects, Inc., 2002-Present
Partner / President Stuart + LeFever Architects, Inc., Lancaster, PA 1994-2002
Project Director / Design, Gilbert Architects, Lancaster, PA 1992-1994
Project Manager/Design, Levengood Hammel Architects, Lancaster, PA 1990-1991
Associate & Senior Project Manager, Stevens and Wilkinson Inc., Columbia, SC 1983-1990
Associate & Designer/Project Manager, Architects Boudreaux, Ltd., Columbia, SC 1978-83
Designer/Job Captain, John Tabb Heward and Assoc., Columbia, SC 1976-1978
Registration
Registered Architect Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 1991 – Current
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards 1982
Registered Architect State of South Carolina 1982 – 1994
Registered Architect State of Delaware 1993 – 1997
Professional Participation
Member, American Institute of Architects
Member, Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania
download Melanie’s complete curriculum vitae below
15_MEL_Resume.pdf (26 KB)
Awards
101NQ | Lancaster, PA
2019 Commonwealth Award
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania
2021 Leadership Award
Lancaster County Planning Commission
The Keppel Building | Lancaster, PA
2017 C. Emlen Urban Preservation Award for Preservation
Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County
Steeple View Lofts | Lancaster, PA
Preservation’s Best of 2014
by the National Trust Community Investment Corporation
Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Historic Rehabilitation Awards
Honorable Mention
2013 Envision Leadership Awards
Leadership Award
Lancaster County Planning Commission
Turkey Hill Experience | Columbia, PA
2011 Envision Leadership Award
Achievement Award
Lancaster County Planning Commission
Dial Apartments | Lancaster, PA
2009 Community Revitalization Award
Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County
Urban Place | Lancaster, PA
2008 C. Emlen Urban Preservation Award for Leadership
Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County
2007 Smart Growth Leadership Award for Large Projects / Heritage Category
Lancaster County Planning Commission
Stony Brook Gardens | York, PA
2008 Excellence in Construction Award
Keystone Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.
Community Action Program of Lancaster County | Lancaster, PA
2004 Award for Creative Leadership
Charlotte Street Association
Residences at Hanover Shoe | Hanover, PA
2003 Bronze Award for Recognition of Excellence and Responsible Development in Pennsylvania Commonwealth Design Awards
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania
Certificate of Appreciation
Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce
Shrewsbury Courtyards 2 | Shrewsbury, PA
2002 ABC Keystone Award of Excellence
Association of Builders and Contractors, Inc
Allison Hill 2 | Harrisburg, PA
2001 Preservation Award
Historic Harrisburg Associates