Neighbors is a M/WBE certified graphic design studio run by Melisa Tekin, who is the Creative Director and Lead Designer. Melisa holds an MFA in Design, a BFA in Design, and a BA in Urban Economics and Marketing. Melisa works with nonprofit and corporate clients to help them build and maintain a compelling visual identity for their brands.

In addition to running her studio, Melisa is an Assistant Professor of Visual Communications at Farmingdale State College. She is also an active member of Urban Design Forum, an organization that connects and inspires New Yorkers to design, build and care for a better city.

Most recently, Melisa hosted an Office Hours event at Urban Design Forum, where she discussed her research on Privately Owned Public Spaces in New York City and a mobile toolkit she designed to activate them.