Melanie Mason

Melanie Mason is a Principal at Jasmax. Having spent 20 years dedicated to the health sector, her comprehensive project portfolio spans a wide range of space typologies, and she is a specialist in the design of mental health facilities. 

Since joining Jasmax in 2021, she has led the design of a 60-bed rehabilitation facility and spinal unit, the Specialised Rehabilitation Centre, at Manukau Health Park in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The design provides for both the physical and mental wellbeing of patients, with a holistic approach to therapy and recovery.

A high point of her career, Melanie led the design of the 76-bed Tiaho Mai Acute Mental Health Unit at Middlemore Hospital, which was completed during her previous role at Klein, cementing her reputation nationally as a leader in the design of acute and forensic mental health facilities. At Jasmax, she has gone on to develop business cases and peer review numerous mental health facility designs across Aotearoa New Zealand on behalf of Te Whatu Ora. She has also assisted the health ministry to develop design guidelines for forensic mental health.

An advocate for placing patient wellbeing at the heart of the design, Melanie works closely alongside client teams to ensure consultation and briefing processes are collaborative and targeted, and the resulting facilities work efficiently and effectively for staff, management and maintenance teams.

Melanie is a member of the New Zealand Health Design Council.