Meléndrez led the design effort as part of a diverse consultant team that was selected to create a new campus quad for Santa Monica College’s main campus. This project was identified as a long term planning objective to be completed in conjunction with several new buildings on campus.

The quad seamlessly integrates and ties together both existing buildings and four new buildings currently under design and construction. Extensive landscaping and beautification efforts will facilitate an efficient circulation and flow pattern for pedestrian traffic on the quad, as well as other key access points that extend from the quad. An outdoor events staging area will be designed to present a variety of college and community events, informal gatherings and passive recreation. Other areas of the quad will be designed to accommodate a variety of other events, such as college fairs and exhibits. The design will integrate a porous, below-grade system, which will capture approximately 75% of the campus' stormwater run-off, and allow it to percolate into the groundwater system. Additionally, this system will offer temporary retention and first flush filtration.

The quad establishes critical open space for a rapidly growing student and faculty population, and provides the students, faculty and staff with a new, vibrant core to the campus.