Fueled by a passion for design as a form of artistic expression, I skillfully translate clients’ visions into captivating and personalized spaces. I thrive on the challenge of adapting my design approach to each project, guaranteeing a space that truly embodies the client’s unique style. Grounded in a holistic design philosophy, I firmly believe that successful design solutions seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality.
My collaborative approach and commitment to continuous learning allow me to stay ahead of design trends, transforming them into environments that not only inspire but also enhance the user experience. My aptitude for understanding concepts and applying them effectively to practical situations is a key strength that I consistently nurture.
Location: San Francisco, USA Site Area: 6064 sq.ft.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND GAP
Specific Research on Boutique Stores
Retail Apocalypse
Store Based Formats
Clothing Boutiques
Shifting Landscape
Problems
Brick-and-Mortar Retail in the U.S.
Gap
Cognitive Experience
Physical Experience
Affective Experience
Social Experience
Unite is a prototypical boutique experience designed in response to the increasing rate of social loneliness among the Millennial and Gen Z age groups. The primary goal is to blur the boundaries between brick-and-mortar retail spaces and third places in order to provide social support that people lack elsewhere.
This in return allows boutique format clothing stores to remain relevant while the retail apocalypse and growth of e-commerce continue to shape the face of the retail industry.
Retail Built Environment Impact on Social Health
RESEARCH PROBLEMS
How should the brick-and-mortar clothing boutique experience in the U.S. evolve based on Millennial and Gen Z consumers?
The In-Store Experience
Future of Retail Supporting Theories
Exploration of Retail as a Third Place
Advent of COVID-19
Growth of E-commerce
Target Audience
Demand for Third Places
Theory of Third Place
Sense of Place
Biophilic Design
Sensory Design
Black Box Model
Approaches
How can boutique stores become successful third places that foster social health?
Millennial and Gen Z as One Consumer Segment
How can the in-store atmosphere of a boutique store create a positive shopping experience?
How can the built environment of boutique stores better cater to retail therapy?
Millennial and Gen Z Perspectives
Third Places Social Interaction
In-Store Atmosphere Built Environment
Retail Therapy
Positive Experiences
RESEARCH METHODS
IMPLICATIONS FOR DESIGN
Visual Stimulus + Other Stimuli
Immersive Experiences
Multisensorial Experiences
Emotional Triggers
Focus Beyond Products
Key
Findings
Through the application of the triangulation method, significant findings were extracted from the research methodologies and a comprehensive understanding of the reviewed literature. These insights collectively contributed to the formulation of meaningful implications for design.
Human Connection
Flexibility + Control
Social Interactions Food Indulgences
Consumer Wellness
SUPPORTING THEORIES
Visual Connection
Material Connection
Mystery
Prospect Human Scale Inclusivity Takeaways
Guided User Journey
Key Touch Points
Accessibility
Ranging from 12 - 42 years old as of 2023
An inviting retail space created by drawing inspiration from comfortable environments that serve as a calming interlude in which shoppers can unwind in an age of frenetic pace. By integrating pauses and celebrating slower paces, the brand connects emotionally with consumers and increases engagement.
As of 2023, California is the state with the most number of clothing boutiques businesses in the US. Out of all cities, the demographics of San Francisco is ideal for the prototype.
Re-examining the urban fabric of the city’s Financial District under the lens of constraints presented by the pandemic could not only provide new economic viability for the city’s urban components but also prove to be a catalyst to revitalize the area. Lonely due to the hybrid work culture and willing to spend time shopping.
3 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111
PROGRAMING
USER JOURNEY
THE STROLL (PRIMARY DISPLAY)
The main display areas along with the walkways that allow customers to walk in a leisurely way.
Multisensorial Experiences
• Look and feel influences users to focus on hedonic motives.
Connection with Nature
• Design embeds prospect and mystery for a sense of openness coupled with excitement
• Daylight + artificial sky light incorporated
• Indoor plant and water feature for visual connection
Spatial Planning
• Curved design allows customers to experience the store at a slower pace.
• Way finding on floor as well as ceiling.
• Circadian lighting system to promote wellbeing.
Social Health
• Creates opportunity for interaction with companion, staff or fellow customers.
ESCAPE PODS
Decompression zones where customers can take a short break and rebalance themselves while shopping.
Connection with Nature
• Views of nature and access to natural light while resting caters to the user’s wellness.
Beyond Buy
• Charging points for customer convenience.
Social Health
• Provides control of space with semi-transparent curtains for privacy
THE STROLL (SECONDARY DISPLAY)
Located at the rear end displaying discounted items.
Multisensorial Experiences
• Provides visual + tactile accessibility in an organized and uncluttered manner.
Connection with Nature
• Soft artificial grass flooring to reduce stress on feet.
• Niche in wall creates mystery.
Spatial Planning
• Fixture designed to break monotony.
• Task lighting around mirror.
OPEN PORTAL LOUNGE
Hidden lounge space for longer breaks to energize customers.
Multisensorial Experiences
Visual + olfactory + tactile + gustatory stimuli.
Connection with Nature
• Visual connection with nature through center installation.
• Rotating door at lounge entry creates mystery while enticing individuals to travel deeper.
Beyond Buy
• Food and beverage services.
Spatial Planning
• Variety in seating.
• Provision of adjustable task lighting.
• Area can be used for pop-ups.
Social Health
• Consumers can socialist with friends and family midst the shopping experience.
• Encourages active and passive conversations.
MAGNETIC POINT 1
Sensory pull down display that rotates in slow motion to create a dynamic setting. A Musical note is heard with every pull.
Multisensorial Experiences
• Auditory + visual + tactile stimuli that attracts customers.
Connection with Nature
• Visual connection with nature through air plants.
• Mystery is maintained through hidden views.
Spatial Planning
• Auditory stimuli evokes emotional responses and reduces buyer uncertainty at checkout point.
Social Health
• Creates curiosity and encourages consumer engagement.
MAGNETIC POINT 2
Sensory display to engage customers during waiting times.
Connection with Nature
• Soft artificial grass flooring to reduce stress on feet.
• Dynamic Breeze for refreshing sensation and biological and physiological comfort.
• Cooler temperature encourages emotional decision making.
Spatial Planning
• Curved display gives better visual access.
EXPERIENCE WALK
Immersive walk-through to educate customers on new trends and collections.
Multisensorial Experiences
• Visual + aural + olfactory + tactile stimuli based on requirement
Spatial Planning
• The walk-through can be broken down into zones to showcase multiple collections.
Social Health
• Encourages social interaction.
PHOTO BOOTH
Activity that provides audience with incentive.
Multisensorial Experiences
• Attractive and stimulating built environment
Social Health
• Opportunity for users to interact with companions or fellow customers.
Beyond Buy
• Takeaway for social media.
THE DRESSER
Transformed trial experience with accessible fitting rooms as well as lounge spaces.
Social Health
• Lounge space to socialize with friends and family while trying on clothes.
Beyond Buy
• Personalized service
Spatial Planning
• Controllable + color changeable task lighting around mirror
• Adequate amount of hanging space with improved fixtures
PROJECT 2
WELLNESS SPA & RESIDENCE
Project Type: Academic, MFA 2021
Location: Vermont, USA Site Area: 4600 sq.ft.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
The spa is designed to reflect the concept of reinvigorate through qualities of the lotus flower. The lotus is a symbol of hope and grows out of murky water, petal by petal, into one of the most beautiful flowers. The same way, though multiple sclerosis is incurable, there is no reason for the patients to give up.
The spa aims to provide mental and physical strength that helps the visitors remain positive to prevent the disease from worsening and better manage their condition. An environment that can pass on this message to the patients will help them reinvigorate.
White Lotus is a new day spa that employs a threefold approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis that creates the foundation for healing.
- One, it provides intensive care to individuals in a peaceful sanctuary.
- Two, it complements the process of personal growth with rejuvenating experiences.
- Three, it puts the first two tools together to create changes in the body consistent with a healthy and sustainable environment.
Together, this treatment protocol is synergistic, creating treatment outcomes that are effective and holistic.
Reinvigorate : Provide energy Spa will support personal growth
Tranquil : Serene environment Spa will provide mental peace
Holistic : Support that looks at a whole person Spa will provide all rounded care
WARM SOFT COMFORTING
SPOT RENDER FLOOR PLAN FINISHES
The neutral and warm tones create a welcoming and hospitable environment while the curves in the design bring a sense of flow and energy to the space and are comforting to the eyes.
Scale 1/8” = 1’-0” Flooring
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN FURNITURE SELECTION
The materials and furniture pieces are carefully selected to maximize sustainability and increase the physical and mental wellbeing of the inhabitants.
Various types of wooden finishes are used across the commercial and residential space to form a material connection with nature. However, the textures and shades are made to differ to avoid a monotonous look while staying true to the brand language.
GERMI NA TEfo r
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
The store is designed to resonate with Savannah’s coastal character following the brand’s concept of designing environments according to their location and offering products in accordance to the local activities.
PROJECT 3
POP-UP STORE
Project Type: Academic, MFA 2022
Location: Savannah, USA Site Area: 8,500 sq.ft.
DESIGN BLUEPRINT
SPECIFICATIONS
The pop-up store is an ode to Patagonia’s brand values and culture, designed to enlighten the community through empirical learnings.
The retail environment ties together carefully curated immersive and experiential zones that inspire the customers to adopt a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and reevaluate their purchasing habits.
To reflect the brand identity, increase customer satisfaction and build customer loyalty, the materials used for construction are sustainable and the overall environment promotes health and wellbeing. Furthermore, to reduce wastage, rental furniture is used in most spaces of the store.
• High visibility & easy navigation CENTRAL DISPLAYS
IMMERSIVE WALK-THROUGH
• Experiential activity
• Effective way to deliver brand message
• Creates a stronger emotional connection with the brand
MATERIAL DISPLAY
• Sensory marketing approach
• New material inventions displayed to increase product value
• Motivation for customers to pay the price
Screens Display Board
CAFE WORN-WEAR ZONE WORKSHOPS FISHING ACTIVITY
• Enhances the experience
• Entices shoppers to spend time in the store
• Activity for children allowing adults to fully engage with the brand
• Emphasizes product offerings
• Community building
• Fun and Entertainment
• Fosters customer loyalty
• Skill development
• Going beyond selling
• Customization & personalization
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT 4
MEMORY CARE FACILITY
Project Type: Academic, MFA 2022
Location: Miami, USA Site Area: 10,695 sq.ft.
The safe and secure environment of the memory care facility aims to help the community create a sense of self as well as belonging while allowing the people with Alzheimer’s or dementia to rediscover themselves through stimulation, comfort and luxury.
The space would improve their quality of life by providing experiences that are full of purpose and familiarity, and engage all the senses.
PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED
ReNew
REMINISCENCE ROOM
LIVING AREA
• Acoustical paneling for privacy North Elevation
FURNITURE SCHEDULE
• Freedom to personalise
• Visual accessibility • Sensorial stimulus TV Unit
PROJECT 5
EXPERIENTIAL FOOD HUB
Project Type: Academic, MFA 2022 (Group Project)
Location: Richland County, USA Site Area: 6,500 sq.ft.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The space is an experiential food hub that is curated in an interactive and playful way to fulfill society’s need for social connectedness and work/life balance. According to the research, the community in Richland County lacks a necessary balance, largely due to the absence of third places. This project applies the place making theory and concepts from the metal health self care wheel to create an impactful experience.
As a collaborative group effort, the project involved equal contributions from all three participants towards the research, ideation, modeling, and rendering.
MISSING PROGRAMS
Start-up, Entrepreneurial & Creative Spaces
Social Connectivity & Interaction
Groceries & Restaurants
Diversity in Third Places
SUPPORTING THEORY
CONCEPT
Food is a common ground, an universal experience. Building on this, the project aims to create a third place where the community can not only shop for groceries in a zero waste retail format but also, participate in activities like cooking, coffee tasting and micro-green workshops to increase social interaction and foster a vibrant community. In this way worklife balance is cultivated by allowing life to flow with you, rather than forcing you to power through it.
Generate Revenue Empower Local Businesses Promote Sustainability Diversify Third Places
APPROACH TOWARDS DESIGN
PLACE
1. Micro-Green Workshop
Cafe Entrance
Jar Pickup & Educational Infographics
Zero Retail
Interactive Zone
Cooking Lab
Cafe
Cash Counter
Coffee Tasting 10. Pop -up Max. Occupancy: 100
ZERO WASTE RETAIL
SPIRITUAL : SENSE OF PURPOSE
Unconventional retail encouraging sustainable living by eliminating use of additional plastic packaging. Relates to our sense of life by giving meaning and purpose to the connection between our community and culture with the values and ethics we hold.
Approach
• Sociability: Interactive, Welcoming
• Uses & Activities: Sustainable, Fun
• Comfort & Image: Walkable, Attractive
• Access & Linkage: Accessible, Convenient
Design drivers
• Playful and interactive
• Efficient refillable storage
• Reducing waste through controlled quantity
• Product visibility
• Educational boards for spreading awareness
IN-STORE POP-UP
PROFESSIONAL : BALANCING WORK & LIFE
Business opportunity for local business owners to build the community and promote sustainable culture.
Allows people to pursue interests and purpose at work with a state of wholeness that results from bringing balance into life and work.
Approach
• Sociability: Welcoming, Neighborly
• Uses & Activities: Local business ownership
• Comfort & Image: Attractive
• Access & Linkage: Connected, Convenient
Design drivers
• Promoting local business and culture
• Visual Barriers - Opportunity to connect
• Flexible design
COFFEE TASTING
EMOTIONAL : PROMOTING POSITIVE EMOTIONS & MOODS
A coffee tasting experience for enthusiasts to explore the nuances of flavor and aroma in different brews. Fosters positive emotions, moods, thoughts, and feelings, and adapt when confronted with adversity and stressful situations.
Approach
• Sociability: Interactive, Diverse
• Uses & Activities: Fun, Active
• Comfort & Image: Attractive
• Access & Linkage: Connected
Design drivers
• Facilitating conversations
• Sensory experience that uplifts mood
• Ease of movement Learning a new skill
• Acoustic insulation for better interaction
INTERACTIVE ZONES
PSYCHOLOGICAL : FEELING GOOD THROUGH INTERACTION
Areas with food and store related interactive games to promote interaction and a positive mood. Allows one to maintain a sense of self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life and self esteem while feeling good and functioning effectively.
Approach
• Sociability: Interactive, Diverse
• Uses & Activities: Fun, Active
• Comfort & Image: Attractive
• Access & Linkage: Connected
Design drivers
• Promoting Interactions
• Feeling a sense of accomplishment through connections
• Incorporating incentives to build customer loyalty
• Pops of color to attract people
COOKING LAB
PERSONAL : SENSE OF SATISFACTION WITH LIFE
A culinary workshop for aspiring chefs to hone their skills and gain a rewarding sense of achievement. Enhances our overall well-being by fostering a sense of life satisfaction, purpose, emotional equilibrium, and mental health.
Approach
• Sociability: Welcoming, Diverse
• Uses and Activities: Special
• Comfort and Image: Attractive
• Access and Linkage: Convenient, Connected
Design drivers
• Developing a skill
• Incorporating various programs in same space
• Inclusive and welcoming
• Collaborative and interactive
• Encourage healthy choices
MICRO GREENS WORKSHOP
PHYSICAL : HEALTHY QUALITY OF LIFE
Educative workshops about growing microgreens and vegetables, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Promotes a healthy quality of life that allows people to get the most out of their daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress.
Approach
• Sociability: Street Life, Volunteerism
• Uses and Activities: Active, Vital
• Comfort and Image: Sittable
• Access and Linkage: Connected, Accessible
Design drivers
• Relieving Stress
• Encouraging a healthy lifestyle
• Bringing outside inside
• Promotes physical exercise
• Ease of maintenance
EXISTING STORE
• Brand image is not reflected
• Lacks warmth and character
PROJECT 6
JEWELLERY STORE
Project Type: Professional, Executed in 2021 Location: Mumbai, India Site Area: 540 sq.ft.
Ekansh Jewels is a eighteen year old jewellery brand that has an in-house design studio to provide customers with an extremely personalized experience.
This project aims to develop a new identity for the brand that resonates more with the modern audience. A contemporary approach coupled with graceful and elegant aesthetics was adopted.
The existing layout and site constraints were used as an advantage for the design process.
• Space not used efficiently
• Unappealing displays and bulky furniture
• No washroom access for customers
• Design does not enhance customer experience
DESIGN CONCEPT
To create an opulent atmosphere, a carefully curated color and material palette was employed. A deep wine hue, often associated with sophistication, formed the foundation, imbuing the store with a regal presence. To counterbalance the dark tones and prevent the space from feeling confined, soothing shades of pink, gray, and off-white were introduced, creating a harmonious and inviting ambiance. Sleek furniture pieces, featuring lustrous mother-ofpearl finishes, frosted glass, and brushed metallic accents contributed towards the sense of richness that jewellery design at this level demands.
DESIGN STUDIO
• Each space was meticulously designed for its specific purpose, with furniture choices reflecting the intended function.
• Patterned tiles employed on the flooring to infuse the space with energy and visual interest.
DIRECTOR’S CABIN
• Tranquil color palette chosen for comfort and relaxation
• Wall-mounted unit to maximize the space
• Ample natural lighting for enhanced well-being
Washroom
Design Studio
Entrance Director’s Cabin
Lobby
Showroom
• Dedicated wall to create mood-boards.
• A dresser for jewellery trials.
• Back-lit panels to highlight the displays.
• Customized furniture pieces to compliment the look and proportions.
