Forty Under 40: Melissa Haynes

Melissa Haynes said her accomplishments as a self-taught interior designer originate at her engineering father’s analytical mind and interior designer mother’s creative energy.

Haynes’ firm has designed some of Northwest Arkansas’ most significant residences and commercial properties, with results featured in Southern Living, Traditional Home, Southern Home, At Home in Arkansas, and Beautiful Kitchens & Baths.

Haynes graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2006 with a communications degree. Her passion and talents soon emerged as she planned the construction of her family’s first home in Fayetteville. Haynes immersed herself in studying design, building and roof plans, and proportion and scale.

When the home was finished in 2008, Haynes’ doctor visited and liked the design so much that she asked Haynes to help renovate her own historic home.

“That was my first real job. She [the doctor] told all her friends. And most of them called me,” Haynes said.

Haynes’ home was featured on the cover of At Home in Arkansas, and her design career took off.

The MH Design team has eight employees, including three designers — one specializing in architectural design.

Friends describe Haynes as a real example for working mothers. She begins most days on the Peloton in the playroom of her two young children, reaching the office about 10 a.m. after devoting her morning to their needs and adventures. She said that finding balance is a constant challenge.

Haynes donated her time and resources toward the multimillion-dollar renovation of the Tri Delta house on the UA campus. She is a long-time supporter of TheaterSquared, SoNA and the Walton Arts Center.