Magda Green Design strives to be known as an influential women-led interior design firm, both nationally and internationally that brings a classic touch to our designs while bringing a sense of culture, history, and diversity. By bringing timelessness to our designs, we would achieve each space to feel a sense of cohesiveness, elegance, and movement.
Magdalis Melo is an accomplished interior designer, entrepreneur, educator, and community leader with more than 18 years of experience in interior design, architecture, project management, and permitting. She is the President and Founder of Magda Green Design, established in 2013, and The City Girl, founded in 2025. In recognition of her professional accomplishments, entrepreneurial leadership, and commitment to her community, Magdalis was selected as one of Pennsylvania’s 20 Under 40 Latino Emerging Leaders for 2026, an honor presented by the Pennsylvania Latino Convention (PALC) recognizing rising Latino professionals, innovators, public servants, and community builders who are contributing to the future of Pennsylvania.
Magda Green Design is a full-service architecture and interior design firm specializing in residential and commercial design, space planning, construction documentation, finish selections, project management, and construction administration. In 2025, Magdalis expanded her professional services by launching The City Girl, a company dedicated to helping homeowners, business owners, contractors, and developers navigate the City of Philadelphia’s licensing, permitting, and approval processes. Through both companies, she provides clients with comprehensive support from project conception through construction and final approvals.
Magdalis earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Philadelphia and a Project Management Certificate from Temple University. Her extensive knowledge of design, construction, project coordination, and municipal permitting has enabled her to successfully lead projects of varying sizes and complexities throughout the Philadelphia region and surrounding areas.
Throughout her career, she has worked on a wide range of residential and commercial projects, including corporate offices, educational facilities, healthcare environments, restaurants, retail spaces, multifamily housing, hospitality venues, and residential renovations. Her professional experience includes projects for the Philadelphia Parking Authority, Rutgers University, Blank Rome LLP, medical offices, restaurants, hospitality venues, and numerous residential developments. Through Magda Green Design, she also had the opportunity to contribute to a hospitality project involving the Crowne Plaza hotel in Bucks County, where she was involved in the development of interior specifications, material and furniture selections, and space planning. This experience further expanded her expertise in hospitality design and strengthened her ability to coordinate functional, aesthetically compelling, and cohesive interior environments.
She is recognized for creating functional, innovative, and aesthetically compelling spaces while effectively coordinating consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies throughout each phase of a project.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Magdalis has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and community engagement. She has served as a board member of the Young Caribbean Professional Network (YCPN) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), contributing to professional development initiatives and strengthening connections within the design community.
Her entrepreneurial journey and dedication to the profession earned her recognition from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), where she was featured as a “Fixture Member to Watch.” Published on the ASID website, the feature highlighted her work as a business owner, her commitment to excellence in design, and her passion for making a positive impact through her profession.
A passionate advocate for education, Magdalis has taught classes through Jump Start Tioga, where she instructed entrepreneurs, homeowners, and community members on the City of Philadelphia’s licensing and permitting processes. Through these educational sessions, she has helped individuals gain a better understanding of navigating city regulations and successfully completing projects while remaining compliant with municipal requirements.
Her passion for serving others inspired her to establish Serene Uplift, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming spaces for individuals and families experiencing difficult circumstances. Through this organization, she led the transformation of the bedroom of a respected community leader and cancer survivor, creating a peaceful and restorative environment during her recovery. Serene Uplift also designed and completed a sensory room at Independence Charter School in West Philadelphia, providing students with a calming, inclusive space that supports learning and emotional well-being.
Magda Green Design has received industry recognition by winning the Habitat for Humanity Furniture Transformation Competition, with the award-winning furniture piece showcased at the Philadelphia Home Show.
Magdalis’ work and professional achievements have been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer and El Sol Newspaper. She has also been invited to speak at professional workshops, business conferences, networking events, and community organizations, where she shares her expertise in interior design, entrepreneurship, project management, permitting, and community development.
Inspired by her travels and appreciation for diverse cultures, Magdalis approaches every project with creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. She believes that exceptional design should not only be beautiful but should also improve functionality, enrich daily experiences, and positively impact the lives of those who use each space.
As an entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader, Magdalis is committed to mentoring others and believes education is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity. She is passionate about helping individuals understand the design, construction, and permitting process from beginning to end while encouraging future professionals to pursue careers in the design industry with confidence and purpose.
Her selection as one of Pennsylvania’s 20 Under 40 Latino Emerging Leaders for 2026 reflects the broader impact of her work as an entrepreneur, professional, educator, and community leader. Through her businesses, educational initiatives, nonprofit work, and continued involvement in the community, Magdalis is committed to creating opportunities, empowering others, and contributing to the growth and vitality of the communities she serves.
Through her leadership, technical expertise, creativity, and dedication to community service, Magdalis Melo continues to build a legacy of transforming spaces, empowering people, and strengthening communities through thoughtful design, education, and entrepreneurship.
Embark on a design journey with us as we fuse innovation and precision, striving for mastery in execution to bring your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and dedication.
"The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them."
Experience our exceptional design expertise, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to turning your vision into remarkable spaces.
Rapid construction for timely project completion.
Precision strategies for efficient execution.
Meticulous designs tailored to your requirements.
Impeccable designs that inspire and impress.
Magda Green Design provides expediting services. If this service is added to your project it is our job to gather all of the documents expected to be submitted to the License and Inspections department. The process depends on which package the client decides.
Expediting Service ONLY
When we’re only the applicant when the permit gets submitted to the city and the examiner comes back with the review, the expediter sends the review to the client and explain the items needed as per request from the examiner. Any paperwork and medication of the plan is the responsibility of the client to get everything completed. The client is responsible to send to the architectural company the examiner review and to any party. Magda Green Design will explains any paperwork needed. Until the client doesn’t send all requested items as per review from the examiner Magda Green Design won’t be able to submit the requested items.
Expediting Service & Architectural Drawing
Magda green design hired for both services. When the drawing is completed and all paperwork requested is complete Magda Green Design can submit the application.
Either package has a turnaround time of up to 20 business days for review. We will then receive a revision from an assigned examiner of the License and Inspections department. Once this happens, we will complete the comments asked of us. The next step is to submit the corrections online to the Eclipse website which is a part of the License and inspections department . This process can take another 20 business days (this depends on the examiner). When the permit is ready to issue, we will pay the city of Philadelphia. After this, the permit will be ready to be issued. Please keep in mind that most of the time, we will get additional revisions depending on the examiner which will delay the turnaround time.
Ready to turn your design dreams into reality? Contact us today to discuss your project and let’s bring your vision to life with our expertise and passion for exceptional design.
Magda Green Design offers full-service interior design including space planning, details, renderings, kitchen/bathroom design, decorating, and reconstruction services.
