Thoughtful design for people who do meaningful work.

Hi! I’m Melissa—the designer, strategist, and storyteller behind the Archetype Design Studio. I’m based in Chicago with nearly 15 years of experience building and supporting tech startups from the inside out. I’ve led People Ops, shaped internal systems, built brands, crafted communications, and carried the emotional labor that holds teams and businesses together. I know what it means to build something that matters—and how hard it is to do that alone.

Archetype is my creative well—fed by everything I’ve learned, built, and felt.

This studio exists to support mental health professionals, therapists, and healers—people doing work that is emotionally layered, often invisible, and always essential. I create brands and websites that don’t just look polished—they feel grounded, safe, and intentional. Because when your work holds space for others, your online presence should hold space for you.

I work with care. I work with clarity. I ask the right questions, listen deeply, and design systems that reflect your values and meet you where you are. Whether you're launching a new practice or refreshing your existing one, I’m here to co-create something that honors the work you’ve done—and the work you’re becoming.