Isabella Petito Portfolio

PORT OLIO F ISABELLA PETITO

RESUME ABOUT ME

SKILLS

EDUCATION

GRAPHIC DESIGN Illustrator Photoshop Indesign Lightroom

As a designer with a background in Architectural Studies and Mathematics, I find inspiration in the balance between logical reasoning and creativity. My work aims to be the intersection of reason and expression, a blend of geometry and aesthetics. With a deep appreciation for spatial relationships, patterns, and proportions, I approach design as both an art and a science.

ITHACA COLLEGE Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics August 2021 - May 2025

EXHIBITIONS

GANNETT DISPLAY “Commercial Plaza”- Fall 2023 “Mixed Use Housing”- Spring 2024 “Travel Brochure”- Spring 2024

DRAFTING & MODELING AutoCAD Sketchup Revit

PROGRAMMING Latex Wolfram Python Java MANUAL Sketching Hand Drafting Model Making

CONTENTS 1

MIXED-USE HOUSING

2

COMMERCIAL PLAZA

3

REUSE CENTER

4

SMALL WORKS

5

GRAPHIC DESIGN

2

1

MIXED-USE HOUSING GATEWAY COMMONS

The Mixed-Use Housing project is a proposed 14-floor mid-rise apartment complex in downtown Ithaca, NY, designed to integrate residential, retail, and commercial office spaces with public and communal areas. The building houses studio, two-bedroom, and four-bedroom apartments, with retail and dining spaces on the lower levels and commercial office spaces bridging the transition between retail and residential floors. The project includes residential parking beneath the building as well as retail parking behind the building. A key aspect of the design is its proximity to a natural creek, making outdoor space a priority. Communal spaces encourage social interaction, while both public and private balconies provide the needed outdoor space.

1

Created: Fall 2023 Advised by: Prof. Zohreh Soltani

1 Digital Overlay on Physical Site Model

DESIGN CONCEPT: The design follows a loose “form follows function” approach, transitioning from commercial and public spaces to residential areas. To incorporate this approach, the ideas of growth and a visual spiral serve as key influences in shaping the building’s dynamic form.

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MIXED-USE HOUSING GATEWAY COMMONS

A

1st Floor Plan

A

2nd Floor Plan

A

Typical Floor Plan Floors 6,8,10

A

Typical Floor Plan Floors 7,9,11

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MIXED-USE HOUSING GATEWAY COMMONS 2 Bedroom Apartment

The two-bedroom apartment layout balances communal and private spaces. The openconcept kitchen, living, and dining area serves as a shared space, while the separate bedrooms and adjoining closets offer privacy.

Additional features include a full bathroom, a half bathroom with an in-unit washer/dryer, and a private balcony. There are three layout variations, all featuring the same amenities and design goals, with configurations varying slightly to fit different spatial needs.

Studio Apartment

The open-concept layout integrates the sleeping, living, and kitchen areas to maximize space without compromising functionality and comfort. There are four variations of the studio apartment, each with a private bathroom, washer/ dryer, storage, and a private balcony.

4 Bedroom Apartment

The four-bedroom apartment is designed to span two floors, offering ample communal and private living space. Each floor contains two bedrooms, each with an adjoining closet. The main floor includes a spacious open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, as well as a full bathroom, a half bathroom with an in-unit washer/dryer, and a private balcony. A staircase provides access to the secondary floor, which features a full bathroom and a more intimate secondary living space. The design of the secondary floor aims to maintain a sense of connection between the levels, ensuring the needs of those on both floors are met without creating a feeling of separation. There are two layout variations, each featuring slight adjustments to maximize the use of space across the two floors.

Top Floor

Communal Space/Balcony 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 13

2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 12

Communal Space/Balcony Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 10

Communal Space Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 8

Communal Space Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 6

Communal Balcony Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 4

Communal Space 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Retail/Restaurant Public Restroom

Level 2

Level 11

Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 9

Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 7

Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 5

Commercial Offices Studio Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment 4 Bedroom Apartment

Level 3

Retail Commercial Office Public Restrooms Facility Management

Ground Floor

Retail/Restaurant Public Restroom Facility Management

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MIXED-USE HOUSING GATEWAY COMMONS

Front Elevation

Section A

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2

COMMERCIAL PLAZA PRESS BAY ALLEY

The proposed Commercial Plaza is an urban micro-retail development in Ithaca, NY, inspired by the repetition and scaling of a simple geometric form, the cube. The design explores volumetric relationships to create a dynamic interplay of form, scale, and materiality. Rather than each cube functioning as isolated volumes, the units are strategically interconnected, ensuring the plaza has a unified appearance. A consistent material approach ensures visual continuity while introducing contrast throughout the plaza. The design incorporates locally sourced and sustainable materials to complement the Ithaca context. While the cube remains the foundational element, its expression is adapted to create a spatially diverse yet cohesive facade.

1

Created: Spring 2023 Advised by: Prof. Zohreh Soltani

1 Physical Model

DESIGN CONCEPT: Originating from a study of volumetric relationships, the design began as four sets of cubes, each constructed from a distinct material. This study allowed for an exploration of various configurations and interactions, leading to a design that balances modular repetition with dynamic variation.

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COMMERCIAL PLAZA PRESS BAY ALLEY

1st Floor Plan

2nd Floor Plan

3rd Floor Plan 14

COMMERCIAL PLAZA PRESS BAY ALLEY

Front Elevation

Section A

Model Image Monocolor

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3

REUSE CENTER

CAYUGA WATERFRONT TRAIL The proposed Ithaca Reuse Center is a multifunctional building along the Cayuga Inlet, dedicated to sustainability, creativity, and community engagement. Serving as both a reuse and recycling center and a vibrant community space, the facility integrates artistic maker spaces, greenhouses, and retail areas that promote up-cycling. The building is divided into two halves: one focused on fine arts, textiles, and the sale of up-cycled creations, while the other supports industrial functions such as woodworking and salvaged material resale.

A centrally located donation drop-off provides convenient access to both halves, while community greenhouses throughout the site reinforce sustainability efforts.

1

Created: Fall 2023 Advised by: Prof. Zohreh Soltani

1 Digital Overlay on Physical Site Model

DESIGN CONCEPT:

For traffic flow, the structure began as two separate masses with slight dimensional variations for better use of space.

Greenhouses were placed to bookend the building, ensuring their presence and influence is felt throughout the space.

Studio workspaces were arranged to ensure easy walkability and to maintain an open, fluid feel throughout the space.

To improve safety, the donation drop-off entrance/exit is widened, which also softens the remaining rectangular corners.

The angular geometric form maximizes space efficiency while the polygon’s many sides retain a “curve-like” feel.

The unused corners are removed to create a unique irregular geometric shape that serves as the first floor of the project.

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REUSE CENTER

CAYUGA WATERFRONT TRAIL

1st Floor Plan

Back Elevation

2nd Floor Plan

Front Elevation

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REUSE CENTER

CAYUGA WATERFRONT TRAIL

Interior

Digital 3D Model

Interior

Digital 3D Model

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REUSE CENTER

CAYUGA WATERFRONT TRAIL

Site Plan

Model Image Monocolor

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4.1

SUNKEN GARDEN GANNETT LIBRARY

This project proposes a remedy model for the Sunken Garden attached to Ithaca College’s Gannett Library, aiming to transform it into a functional space for students while preserving its garden-like atmosphere. The design focuses on improving accessibility, usability, and engagement, ensuring that the space can serve as a welcoming environment for study, relaxation, and social interaction. The proposal creates an outdoor extension of the library while also beautifying the campus.

Created: Fall 2022

Advised by: Prof. Lauren O’Connell

Immersive View

Remedy Model

Observational View As Is Model

Aerial View As Is Model

Immersive View As Is Model

SUNKEN GARDEN

GANNETT LIBRARY

Immersive View

Remedy Model

Immersive View

Remedy Model

Aerial View

Remedy Model

Observational View

Remedy Model

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4.2

LIBRARY SURVEY

MUI HO FINE ARTS LIBRARY This project is a study of Cornell University’s Mui Ho Fine Arts Library. The goal of this project was to practice the architectural documentation process of a physical building. The survey began with a preliminary phase focused on researching and capturing the interior space through photography and free-hand sketches. In the final phase, the preliminary documents were translated into architectural plans and sections, providing documentation of the library’s spatial organization and design elements.

Created: Spring 2023

Floor Plan

Advised by: Prof. Zohreh Soltani

Birds-Eye View

Survey Photography

Eye-Level View

Survey Photography

Worms-Eye View

Survey Photography

LIBRARY SURVEY

MUI HO FINE ARTS LIBRARY

Interior Sketch

Section A 28

5.1

TRAVEL BROCHURE

RHODE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES The City Map & Guide set of travel brochures, features three iconic Rhode Island Lighthouses: Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island, Newport Harbor Lighthouse in Newport, and Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett. Each cover design features a blue-toned background, emphasizing Rhode Island’s strong connection to the ocean.

While each brochure stands alone as a guide to an individual lighthouse, together they form a cohesive set - united through color, layout, and theme.

Created: Spring 2024

Background Collage

Southeast Lighthouse

Reference Image

Newport Harbor Lighthouse

Reference Image

Point Judith Lighthouse

Reference Image

TRAVEL BROCHURE

RHODE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES

Block Island City Map and Guide

Block Island Cover

Newport

Narragansett

City Map and Guide

City Map and Guide

Newport Cover

Narragansett Cover

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5.2

PICTOGRAM SET CASINO THEMED ICONS

The goal of this project was to create a cohesive set of three pictograms inspired by classic casino imagery: playing cards, dice, and poker chips.

Each pictogram was designed in two variations, a vibrant red version and a sleek black-and-white version, balancing visual appeal with clarity.

The goal is to distill these iconic elements into simple, recognizable symbols suitable for various applications, from digital interfaces to print materials, while capturing the essence of the casino experience.

Created: Spring 2024

Colorized

Colorized

Dice

Colorized

Playing Cards

Poker Chips

PICTOGRAM SET

CASINO THEMED ICONS

Playing Cards Black & White

Dice

Black & White

Poker Chips Black & White

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5.3

FLAG REDESIGN

RHODE ISLAND STATE FLAG This project reimagines the Rhode Island state flag, incorporating imagery important to the state’s identity and heritage. The redesign explores 5 variations featuring iconic elements such as the anchor, which represents hope; waves and a sailboat, symbolizing Rhode Island’s deep connection to the ocean; and 13 stars, honoring its history as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution.

The designs aim to modernize the flag while preserving its historical and cultural significance that represents the Ocean State.

Created: Spring 2024

“Unwavering Hope”

Current State Flag

Reference Image

State License Plate

Reference Image

FLAG REDESIGN

RHODE ISLAND STATE FLAG

“Sailing The Tide”

“The Hopeful Voyage”

“Anchored in Hope”

“Wave of Freedom”

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