About
My professional background is in both architecture and social science. My PhD research is centered on how architects implement an evidence-based approach to the design process. I have a bachelor’s degree in environmental design with an emphasis in architecture from The University of Colorado in Boulder, and a master’s in environmental psychology from Cornell University. Over the past decade I have worked as a design researcher in the United States, trying to help bridge the gap between research and practice in healthcare design. I have experience using applied qualitative and quantitative research methods including observation, focus groups, interviews, and survey design.
Research groups
Research projects
Ongoing research projects
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The Use of Evidence in Architecture and Design
This PhD project aims to investigate the current state of evidence-based design (EBD) practice in healthcare architecture and design.
Publications and research
Scientific publications
Piatkowski, Melissa
(2025).
Constructing Research: A Theoretical Perspective on Research and Creativity in Architecture.
Health Environments Research & Design Journal.
Vol. 18.
https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867251353730
Piatkowski, Melissa Lorraine
; Taylor, Ellen; Wong, Bob; Taylor, Dorothy; Foreman, K. Bo; Merryweather, Andrew
(2021).
Designing a Patient Room as a Fall Protection Strategy: The Perspectives of Healthcare Design Experts.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH).
Vol. 18.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168769
Piatkowski, Daniel ; Piatkowski, Melissa Lorraine ; McCully, Justin (2020). Toward a Rural Vision Zero: A qualitative exploration of bicyclist and pedestrian traffic fatalities in small towns and rural areas in Nebraska. Great Plains Quarterly.
Taylor, Ellen; Card, Alan;
Piatkowski, Melissa Lorraine
(2018).
Single-Occupancy Patient Rooms: A Systematic Review of the Literature Since 2006.
Health Environments Research & Design Journal.
Vol. 11.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586718755110
