Multifamily Work | Projects with Hickok Cole | 2023
SMWE | Project with SMBW Architects | 2020
Puerto Vallarta House | Freelance Project | 2021
Altria Government Affairs | Project with SMBW Architects | 2022
Activation Capital | Project with SMBW Architects | 2021
Experiential Graphic Design
AboutAs a brand and interior designer my work focuses on shaping experiences that connect people to place. I thrive in a collaborative environment and play an essential role in projects by breathing life into spaces with brand sensibilities and graphic elements.
I combine conceptual and practical skills to find creative solutions for unique challenges in each project. I like exploring avenues to approach design with efficiency, while attending to every detail in the design process.
The following portfolio showcases my breathe of experience in academic, professional, and freelance projects.
01 | Puerto Vallarta House | Freelance Project | Page 45
Martin Agency
Academic Project
Location Year Richmond, VA 2019
The Martin Agency is an advertising agency based in Richmond, Virginia, with a rich history and a reputation for producing iconic and memorable advertising campaigns. Overall, The Martin Agency has established itself as a leading force in the advertising industry, consistently producing groundbreaking work that resonates with audiences and drives results for its clients.
The proposed design responds to the growing trend for collaborative work and spaces that allow creativity to flow. By blurring the lines between work and play, The Martin Agency has developed the perfect formula for optimizing creativity. Two concepts, initially thought to be opposite, now they are molded into a cohesive space.
WHY PLAY?
PLAY MAKES US HUMAN
“When productive work is suffused with the qualities of play--that is, with freedom, creativity, and imagination--we experience that work as play.” “In our culture today, those people who have the most freedom of choice and opportunity for creativity within their work are most likely to say they enjoy their work and regard it as play.”
- Peter Gray Ph.D.
BLURRING THE LINES
While intersecting opposing concepts creates pockets of different states of work and play, suffusion allows the creative process to be more fluid. This allows for a seamless transition between both concepts, and the space therefore supports different types of work providing employees with a range of spaces, from ‘all focus” phone rooms, to a “Living Room” that is equipped with media to fully allow collaboration.
space | Martin Agency
SEPARATING VOLUMES
The space is divided into two opposing volumes, in which primary programs correspond to “work” and “play”. Following, on each side, sections of the opposite volume exchange between one another creating spaces that interconnect both concepts.
While separating these volumes, it was important to create spaces that didn’t just support either of those activities at a time, but create moment of suffusion in which the become interdependent.
A portion of this volumes rotates on an angle to provide a natural circulation path, an allow visitors to feel welcomed into the space.
FLOOR PLAN
lobby + front desk
gender neutral restroom
kitchen + lounge
conference room
work stations
restrooms
media room
private offices
living room
phone rooms
work stations
meeting room
collaboration table
meeting room
storage
THE LIVING ROOM STATE OF MIND
Being comfortable plays a big role in the creative flow. There is no questions that we are the most comfortable in our living rooms. Furniture selection and layouts were carefully thought out to provide that same level of comfort, while fabrics and finished bring a more modern and polish feel to combine the “work” and “play” dualities.
FINISH SELECTION
The finishes in the space were carefully selected to emphasize that coexisting duality between work and play. The split volumes in the space received the same wood treatment :however, in finishing they differ. Lighter wood around work areas allows for focus, while a darker wood signals spaces of collaboration.
concrete floor + carpet with accent colors contrasting color woods
wood paneling + whiteboard glass surface
organic pattern carpet & accent color upholstery
black laminate and solid surface countertop
marble tile & textured ceramic tile
Cary St. Library
Academic Project + BFA Thesis
Location Year Richmond, VA 2020
Located in the edge of historic Fan neighborhood, Cary St Library is a proposed project that would provide Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts a dedicated library.
This space does not only challenge the function of traditional libraries. It addresses the rapid change on how students access information, and how human connections may develop. By cultivating the idea of connection, Cary St. Library would be set to become a community that provides students the resources to enhance their work.
THE SITE
BRIEF HISTORY
The building that today we know as Cary St. Gym has a history that is over 130 years old. This building has served a lot of different purposes, from a market to an auditorium. Over the years, the building has been impacted by major historic event such as WWII. From its opening, to its final renovation, the red brick building standing on Cary St. has been a landmark and a big part of Richmond’s history.
In 1978, the building was purchased by VCU, who was set to build a build a space to accommodate a growing student population. The building remained as it was until 2007, then renovation started. Later the building opened its doors to what we know now as Cary St. Gym.
CASE STUDIES
EXCHANGE
Architecture students at Auburn University were tasked with creating an interactive wall within the library of architecture to exhibit students’ work. A “plug-in-wall” was created where students could “pin up” their work. The wall rapidly became a space for exchange. It allowed students to share ideas and critique each other’s work. Work from students from architecture, graphic design, industrial design, and landscape architecture has been displayed. A nascent community developed, and work from those different disciplines started to communicate and inform.(Leouisis & Sproull)
INFORMATION ACCESS
A study at Oakland University (OU) was conducted to test if information literacy skills would strengthen students’ work. To complete a degree in a studio art program, OU included the requirement for students to write a formal thesis paper. Part of this addition to the curriculum required students to access the physical library and its collections. From art monograms, to art journals, to special collections, students were exposed to a whole world full of information and resources. This strategic change resulted in a positive impact in the quality of student work and an overall persistence in subject matter. (Reeve)
COLLABORATION
Traditionally, libraries are equipped with large reading rooms often set up with large table for six to eight people. These spaces have been contradictorily been intended for people working in solitude. Seating in individual carrels has begun to be the trend in how these spaces are laid out. Tall spaces are not frequently found in newer libraries; now nine-foot ceiling are completely adequate. Collaborative spaces are proven to be successful, and the endless configurations that modern library and education furniture offer, allow the students to feel a sense of ownership. (Foote)
PROGRAMMING
NOISE TOLERANCE
By separating programs in the with different noise tolerance, two volumes starts shaping the space and naturally crating an atrium separating both.
SEPARATING PROGRAMS
The space begins the get broken down further into defined spaces with different programs, while maintaining the requirements for noise tolerance.
DEFINING VOLUMES
Responding to the separation of programs, natural opposing volumes start to define spaces with a combination of extrusions and carvings.
3D MODELING
To get acquainted with the architecture of the building, its proportions, and intricate details, an accurate 3D Revit model was built from scratch referencing previous drawings from its latest VCU renovation, as well as historical documents. This provided a better understanding of the architecture and allowed the design to respect its unique characteristics and proportions.
VERTICAL NAVIGATION
Vertical navigation on the space is design to support programs that will be hosting larger groups. A set of stars is placed along each critique room, giving the auditorium a set of stair on each end.
While the auditorium bleacher do not serve as a primary mean of circulation, having entrances on the lower level and second floor allow for an even distribution of people when exiting the auditorium.
Vertical circulation also naturally steers users away from quiet zones, minimizing the sound traveling tho those spaces.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
intern
MULTIFAMILY WORK
Design with Hickok Cole
This section is a collection of work in the multifamily sector. Responsibilities during this project ranged from schematic design through construction documents, as well as specification of materials, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
Harp’s Landing - Mass Timber
St Albans
Benning Rd
The Tributary
Richmond, VA 2023 Raleigh, NC 2023 Washington, DC 2023 Raleigh, NC 2023
HARP’S LANDING - MASS TIMBER
Design by Hickok Cole
Harp’s Landing offers the opportunity to generate links between the public and private zones of the Libbie Mill neighborhood. Set on a raised platform, the pool terrace overlooks the public landscaped zone surround the lake allowing a sense of being surround by the landscape. On the ground level facing Libbie Lake South Street walk-up loft units face the townhomes enhancing the neighborhood scale and character.
Amenities Include:
Concierge
Entertainment Lounge
Hospitality Bar & Lounge + Piano Lounge
Fitness + Multi Purpose Room
Top Brewer
Outdoor Terrace
Pet Spa
Project Responsibilities:
Interior & Millwork Detailing
Construction Documents
ST ALBANS
Design by Hickok Cole
St. Albans is a two building development with over 400 units and 5,000 SF of retail that is part of a larger mixed-use development that includes retail, office and additional residential. The building’s courtyards open onto a stream and forest that will be preserved as part of the overall master plan. Top floor outdoor amenity areas are conceived as “Tree Houses” and will sit at the canopy height of the trees.
Amenities Include:
Leasing Lounge
Private Dining/ Screening Room
Coworking Space
Hospitality Bar & Lounge
Fitness + Sauna
Outdoor Terrace
Pet Spa
Project Responsibilities:
Finish Selection
Millwork Detailing
Interior Details
Construction Documents
BENNING RD
Designed by Hickok Cole
Benning Road will deliver 148 100% affordable housing units and 5,300 square feet of amenity space in Washington, DC’s Ward
7. Residents will have access to a business center, landscaped courtyard, fitness center and clubhouse, as well as garage parking, bike storage, concierge services, and security. The 5-over-1 project includes eight studios, 87 one bedroom units, and 37 three-bedroom units.
Amenities Include:
Leasing Lounge
Club Room
Family Lounge
Outdoor Courtyard
Project Responsibilities:
Furniture Selection & Specification
Model Unit Staging
Artwork + Decor Selection
LEASING LOUNGE
UNIT STAGING
B.1 Ink Leather
Blu Dot
Turn Low Table
D.1 Acacia
Minted | Lena Erysheva Monochrome
40” x 54” Walnut Frame
Society 6
Half Moon Colorblock
Blue - 18” x 9”
Amazon
Ann Temkin
Judd
Amazon
Albers and Moholy-Nagy
From the Bahaus to the New World
West Elm
Aubum
A.1 Golden Oak Velvet
CB2
Leno
6’ x 8’
Blu Dot
Bumper
C.1 Vesper Light Gray
Blu Dot
Dandy
THE TRIBUTARY
Designed with Hickok Cole
Located in Raleigh, NC, The Tributary gets its name by being adjacent to a stream flowing into a larger river. This building will deliver over 350 units, and over 6,000 SF of retail. Curated amenities focus on entertainment, innovation, and revitalization while indooroutdoor connections reinforce the connection to its site. The Tributary will offer innovative amenities including podcast rooms, production studios, an art studio, and a wellness suite which includes a sauna and a cold plunge.
Amenities Include:
Leasing Lounge
Private Dining/ Screening Room
Billiard Room + Card Room
Fitness + Suna & Cold Plunge
Podcast Rooms + Production Studios
Coworking Space + Art Studio
Outdoor Terrace
Pet Spa
Project Responsibilities:
Schematic Design
Design Development
Visualization
SMWE
Design with SMBW Architects
Location Year Woodinville, WA 2020
SMWE engaged SMBW to design their new corporate headquarters by transforming an old barrel warehouse into a two story complex. This space would combine different teams, currently working on separate buildings, into the same space. This includes a staff over 200 people, and events that attract large crowds.
Located in the mountainous terrain of Mt Rainier, the interior of the space there was an opportunity to use the terrain as inspiration for this space.
BUILDING NEIGHBORHOODS
Since this new concept would be combining several teams that were used to collaborating internally, they floor plan should allow for that to continue, while also introducing people from different groups ans allow new connections.
Total Square Footage: (49,850 SF) (59,768)
Total Private Offices: (75) (78)
This concept achieves those goals by providing each team a “neighborhood” with their own collaborative spaces, as well as “avenues” where different types of spaces allow the teams to start creating new connections.
Total Workstations: (157) (158)
PROGRAM DATA
Executive Team | 28 P.O / 50 W
Operations | 12 P.O / 30 W Wine Making | 2 P.O / 7 W Marketing | 23 P.O / 49 W
| 10 P.O / 21 W
Mezzanine above
STRUCTURAL + PROGRAM
Located in an active seismic zone, no changes in the structural framework of the building could be made, to avoid structural remediation. The existing mezzanine should remain, and expanded to accommodate the programmatic requirements.
Banking Executive team offices were placed against existing structural wall to create a more quiet/focused zone and allow remainder of floor to be more open and collaborative.
REFLECTING THE LANDSCAPE
Since minimal demolitions could be done to the building, the existing mezzanine had to remain “as is,” this created an opportunity mimic the buildings surroundings by creating a terraced staircase which provides multiple landing spots for impromptu meetings and viewing angles for town hall meetings.
01 02 | collaborative lounge and workstations | “the mountain” bleachers
Puerto Vallarta House
Freelance Project
Location Year Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
20021 - Present
A family from Virginia has chosen Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as their ideal getaway destination to host their loved ones. Currently under construction, the proposed house is designed to maximize the use of space, creating inviting places for the family to gather and entertain. Additionally, the house is thoughtfully designed to enhance the connection with the beautiful surroundings, ensuring that the views to the outside are maximized, bringing the beauty of Puerto Vallarta into every room.
The house blurs the line between inside and outside, thanks to a telescoping glass wall that opens the kitchen and living room right onto a spacious patio. The patio features a lounge, a built-in grill, and a dining area, with the same flooring extending throughout to make it all feel like one big, seamless space.
CONSTRUCTION SNEAK PEEK
FREELANCE SCOPE
The scope of work includes schematic architectural design, interior design, and the selection of Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E). Additionally, a curated art collection will be chosen to bring elements of the local culture into the space.
SKY & GUESTS
The primary use of the house is for the family to enjoy, but when they are not there, it will transform into an inviting vacation home. Designed to host up to 10 guests, each bedroom offers a private bathroom, ample closets, and built-in work surfaces for those needing to work remotely. To ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of Puerto Vallarta, the house features glass skylights at the main staircase and in every bathroom, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning deep blue sky from within.
Altria
Lead Designer with SMBW Architects
Location Year Richmond, VA 2019
Having previously collaborated with Altria on the design of branded environments, the client once again reached out SMBW to brings the same concepts into their “Government Affairs” office in Washington, D.C. This included creating an engaging environmental design package that celebrate Altria’s heritage and culture, as well as emphasize their commitment to a more responsible future.
To create this branded environments, SMBW had to coordinate with an array of entities. From the famous advertising company “Leo Burnett” to Altria’s marketing and legal team, to ensure this space accurately and responsibly reflects the company’s brand and culture.
AN EVER EVOLVING COMPANY
Altria’s logo was originally design the represent all the companies they own by displaying their colors in their mosaic logo; however, this ever evolving company has since parted with some of those The focal element of the elevator lobby is composed of a wood sing with Altria’s logo. To represent the evolving nature of the company, this sculptural sign is voided from all colors. The integrated lighting present the viewer with a sense of movement towards an exciting future.
BRANDED BOOKSHELVES
To celebrate Altria’s multiple brands and heritage, bookshelf that display an array of branded elements were conceptualized. From brand photography, heritage artifacts, to product sculptures, this bookshelves bring layers of depth the space and are strategically placed around the floor plans creating vignettes with seating, matching furniture, and matching carpet.
01 | wood Altria logo with integrated lightning color story accessories product sculpture brand prints themed books
CELEBRATING BRAND
All conference rooms in the space were named after an Altria product. Each room received a branded custom wallcovering displaying imagery provided by their advertising company.
MOVING BEYOND SMOKING
A top priority for Altria is remaining vigilant that harm reduction is an off-ramp for adult cigarette smokers and not an on-ramp for underage tobacco use. It was important for these themes to be highlighted in the office lobby, so visitors could learn Altria’s new vision. A six panel installation of light boxes was designed to engage users so they can learn the ways Altria is approaching its new vision.
A floating wood shroud with six digital displays was designed to bring media into the space. This allows Altria to have a rotation exhibition to display their mission, as well as providing them with a unique space for presentation and meetings.
Activation Capital
Project with SMBW Architects
Location Year Richmond, VA 2020
As Virginia’s entrepreneurism continues to climb; access to mentorship, resources, peers and funding is vital to support continued growth. Activation Capital’s had a vision for a new 100,000 square-foot facility for Virginia’s emerging connected technology, biological and health science companies.
Originally scheduled to open in 2021, the 8L project includes an office, hub and lab building, courtyard and parking for 500 vehicles.
CELEBRATING INNOVATION
Activation Capital is a leading innovation ecosystem development organization providing social, knowledge, and financial capital to clusters, entrepreneur support organizations, and entrepreneurs – accelerating their progress through development and maturation. A numerous amounts of small businesses achieved exponential growth to the program, allowing them to move into a bigger space on their own, some withing a year of starting.
Artwork around the space was envisioned to celebrate the multiple innovations and achievements these small companies had during their incubation program. This included digital displays with data metrics, to custom artwork with details of patents from these innovations.
WAYFINDING
While the space provides an array of spaces, ranging from meeting rooms, labs, to shared offices, this presented a challenge to inform users how to navigate the space. A comprehensive wayfinding package was design to help users find their way through the space. This includes color cues, graphic elements, floating sings, digital displays, and customized room signage for the tenant spaces.
Experiential Graphic Design
Work with SMBW Architects
Charlottesville, VA
Corporate Headquarters
Charlottesville, VA 2023
University of Richmond
Harris Williams
Washington, DC 2023 Washington, DC 2023 Raleigh, NC 2023
