Our Team

Derek P. Porché
AIA

Derek Porché is a Principal Architect and Co-Owner of Porche May Architects, a leading architectural firm in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Born and raised in Lake Charles, Derek developed a passion for architecture and design early in life. He pursued his passion by attending Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2006.

After graduation, Derek gained extensive experience during his tenure at a leading architecture firm, however, immediately upon licensure Derek was excited to accomplish a long-time goal of his, starting his own practice. In 2008, he co-founded Porche May Architects with his business partner, William May, with the goal of creating a firm that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and excellence in every project.

As a Principal Architect at Porche May Architects, Derek has played a key role in the design and management of a variety of projects, including commercial, residential, and institutional buildings. His approach to design is grounded in his commitment to understanding each client's unique needs and preferences, and he strives to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He also incorporates sustainable and energy-efficient features into his designs, reflecting his belief in the importance of creating environmentally responsible buildings. He is an active member of multiple professional and community organizations including the American Institute of Architects and the SWLA Economic Development Leadership Alliance and remains committed to staying up to date with the latest trends and developments in his community and in the professional & technological fields.

As a Co-Owner of Porche May Architects, Derek is dedicated to maintaining the firm's reputation for delivering exceptional architectural services to its clients. He takes pride in mentoring and guiding the next generation of architects and creating a positive and collaborative work environment that inspires creativity and innovation.

Louisiana License # 7264
Texas License # 21977

William H. May
AIA LEED AP BD+C

Meet William May, an accomplished architect with a global perspective. William has lived, studied, and worked in both the United States and Europe, garnering multiple design excellence awards during his studies at LSU in Baton Rouge and Karlstad University in Sweden. After graduating in 2006, he gained experience working for a globally recognized design firm in Vienna, Austria, where he contributed to high-profile design competitions and notable projects, such as the Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam. Returning to Louisiana, Billy spent 10 years as a Senior Associate and Studio Leader for a local Baton Rouge firm, where he worked on award-winning higher education and dining projects.

William's passion lies in the creative process, from developing conceptual ideas to bringing them to fruition. He enjoys collaborating with his team and clients, finding fascination in the complexity involved in designing a space. Living abroad has given him a unique perspective and the opportunity to explore new environments, while he is fortunate to work in his home state of Louisiana, enjoying a modern, remote lifestyle in Austria with his family.

William is a creative thinker who draws inspiration from his colleagues, clients, and surroundings. His work has touched the lives of many in Southwest Louisiana, and he takes pride in the contributions he and his team have made to the field of architecture. William's global experience, combined with his passion and expertise, makes him an invaluable partner in any architectural project.

Louisiana License # 8089
NCARB # 79571
GBCI # 10308010
SAP Evaluator # 92994

  • John Melancon

    AIA, LEED BD+C, LEED O+M, NCARB
    Senior Project Architect

    John received his Masters in Architecture from Louisiana Tech and received various awards while he was there: IIDA Delta Regional Award of Recognition and Excellence and Food Management Project Recognition. At a young age, John’s family moved to Thailand, where he graduated high school. Eventually moving back to Ruston, LA, settling down, and working in Baton Rouge. John’s work philosophy is centered around building relationships with clients and co-workers. He’s driven to build trust with clients and exceed their expectations. He strives to provide effective communication, collaboration, and understanding of a client’s unique challenges, and then turn them into opportunities.

    John is an outdoorsman, loves to hunt and fish - preferring a bow. He keeps busy with creative projects that include art and furniture. His favorite novel series is by Vince Flynn and his most impactful book is Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.

    Louisiana License # 8046
    Mississippi License # 5618

  • Katie Shay

    AIA, NCARB
    Project Architect

    Katie is our well-traveled Project Architect born in Decatur, Illinois, and is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Master of Architecture from Ball State University. Finding her way to Lake Charles, Katie found passion in residential architecture. With her husband being a football coach, she often travels, now working in Lexington, Kentucky. Having a well-traveled architect like Katie gives a unique insight into residential trends. She loves helping our clients along their journey to achieving their dream home.

    After work, Katie spends time outside with the family, going to the lake, and cooking new things… sometimes to her husband’s despair.

    Louisiana License # 9952

  • Kaylynn Borges Mejías

    IIDA, Assoc. AIA
    Interior Design Associate

    A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she majored in Interior Design and Architecture, Kaylynn is our resident interiors and materials expert. She has a passion for learning and self-improvement. In the office, Kaylynn enjoys taking a client’s dream and vision and turning it into reality.

    She was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Louisiana as a young child. Staying creative is important as she loves creating one-of-a-kind projects while experimenting with various mediums. Kaylynn is always interested in watching a movie and spending time with her family.

  • Mandy Broussard

    Office Manager

    Mandy is the conductor that keeps the train on schedule. After receiving post-secondary education at both McNeese and LSU, then working in healthcare for 15 years, she came upon working within the office of PMA. Mandy keeps us organized, from implementing standard processes, onboarding new team members, HR documentation, and creating recruitment materials, to leading the charge with contract administration and assisting the design team with construction phase documentation. Working at PMA feels like a family, and she enjoys the creative work environment.

    When she’s not at her desk, Mandy loves to spend time at home with her partner and their Corgis - Juniper and Maple, and their Cocker Spaniel - Charlie. She has recently sprouted a passion for sustainable vegetable and herb gardening to use while cooking anything from 5-star meals to secret Cajun family recipes. She is also a self-professed nerd and enjoys watching any series or movie in the anime, fantasy, or sci-fi genres, and collecting Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter LEGO and Funko.