After graduating from Texas A&M and Washington University, Mel Hamilton (May 25, 1949 – February 2, 1992), AIA, joined the Houston Office of ISD Incorporated in the early 1970s. Early signs of promise convinced management to move Hamilton to the Chicago office, where he was instrumental in converting the branch from a small, somewhat conservative operation to one of the largest, most dynamic interiors firms in the Midwest. Hamilton eventually rose to the position of firm-wide director of design, attracting in the process such clients as Bally Manufacturing, Six Flags Corporation, Leo Burnett Company and First Chicago bank. In addition, Hamilton managed to turn out a number of award-winning showroom projects and a line of furniture for Helikon. He also served on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the Design Committee of the Chicago AIA.