Melissa C. McCoy

Principal Architect, Owner

CKJT Architects

Age: 39

Current city of residence: Kennewick

Briefly describe your company: 

CKJT Architects has been providing Architectural Services from our Kennewick office since 1957. With over 66 years of projects in our community, we have earned a reputation for providing thorough and responsive design services that best suit our client’s needs and expectations. I am honored to continue the legacy of meaningful projects that shape our communities.

How long have you worked there?

Just over 10 years.

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Idaho.

Briefly describe your job and how you got into it:

I looked for and applied to firms that invested in their communities and had good reputations. It’s worked out pretty well for me.

Tell us about your first job.

I cleaned an office after hours to earn money for a bus pass to attend my preferred middle school. I learned a lot about setting goals and adjusting plans as needed to achieve them.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Be patient with yourself. Rome was not built in a day.

What was your dream job as a child?

I am sure it changed pretty frequently. My curiosity and love of learning resulted in big dreams of how I might be able improve the world around me. When I found architecture, I knew it was the right path for me to make a difference.

What or who most influenced your career path or leadership style? This could be a book, class, person, etc.

My leadership style has evolved with every new experience, and it is hard to pinpoint a single influence, although my architectural mentor James Dillman has had the most significant impact on my career in the past decade or so. These are the reasons I am invested in maintaining my firm as a workplace that fosters growth and supports the potential of everyone at CKJT.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

• Sustainable and well-managed growth.
• Creating live/work/play community spaces.
• Creating venue anchors throughout our communities for events and activities that enrich our community culture and make the Tri-Cities an even better place to live.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

I am actively involved in supporting local small businesses and community events. This includes participating in and leading local nonprofit events, trade fairs, charity events and small business networking sessions. These experiences have allowed me to contribute to the local economy and have provided opportunities to engage with fellow community members, understand their needs and work toward common goals. Professionally I have served on boards, mentored and represented my profession at community and national events.

If you had unlimited time, what volunteer work would you be interested in doing?

Everything.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

I am not sure I can say it is something I have achieved, more something I keep present in my mind, adjusting as needed. Something I am constantly striving to maintain.

List any awards/honors you have received:

CollinsWoerman Design Competition winner, May 2008.

Do you have family? Pets?

My husband, son and I share our lives with a corgi named Comet, who keeps us on our toes, and a Kelpie named Hank, who is very laid-back by comparison.

What brought you to the Tri-Cities? Did you grow up here?

I have lived here on and off my whole life. There is just something about this place that makes it unlike any other.

What’s your dream vacation?

Anywhere I have not been yet.

Planner or procrastinator?

Both.

Introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert.

First car?

Chevy Sprint. It was nothing to write home about, but it got me around.

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Saturday mornings in downtown Kennewick, walks in the park by the river, and really whatever local community event that is happening at the time.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

Most people might be surprised to learn that I love baking and cooking.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Right now, it’s probably Blackthorne Neighbourhood Pub.

Favorite day of the week?

Wednesday.

Text, email, phone call?

Call.

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

We know what happened in the past. I want to know what happens in the future.