Melanie Rihm has been the new branch manager of bdla Bavaria since 15 May 2026. The landscape architect impressed the bdla Bavaria board with her combination of many years’ practical professional experience, a high level of commitment and her motivation to further develop the association and position it for the future.
Melanie is by no means a stranger to bdla Bayern. As early as the beginning of the last decade, she was involved for several years as a trainee representative (now known as a junior representative) in the Bavarian professional association.
After completing her apprenticeship as a horticulturist specialising in tree nurseries, she began her degree in landscape architecture with a focus on open-space planning and graduated in 2008 from Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences with a degree in engineering. This was followed by almost 18 years’ experience in the field – both as a freelance, self-employed landscape architect and as a staff member at planning practices in Freising, Munich and Starnberg.
Since 2025, Melanie has been working as a freelance, self-employed landscape architect once again and will continue this work alongside her role as office manager.
She was particularly attracted to the position at our office because it will allow her to help shape landscape architecture not only in individual projects but also at a higher level and within a broader context – for example, in the further development of the profession or in relation to key future issues facing the field.
A key priority for her is to further develop the links between planning offices, politics, public administration, universities, other specialist disciplines and our professional body. She is also keen to nurture and expand networks between students, those starting out in the profession, experienced colleagues and interested stakeholders.
Combining her professional experience with strategic association work and the representation of landscape architecture’s interests in professional policy was a key motivation for her application to the bdla Bavaria. As is her desire to work with the profession to generate new momentum and actively help shape the future of landscape architecture – with the aim of further strengthening the visibility and significance of landscape architecture for the challenges facing society in the future.
With this in mind: A very warm welcome and every success to you, dear Melanie – it’s great to have you on board!
Melanie will succeed Sophia Knoller as office manager; Sophia will, as planned, devote herself to her Master’s thesis following her departure and then gain her first experience of day-to-day office life. Many thanks, dear Sophia, for your energetic support over the past year! Melanie Rihm will be
supported by Elisabeth Auer, who is now gradually returning to work following her parental leave.
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