Digital Collage Art Academic Assignments | 2021-2024 About Me
Earth Climate Hub for Operational Satellite Tracking and Research
capstone studio project
The EchoStar Earth Operations Center is a mission control-style hub addressing the environmental challenge of light pollution Located in The Beam , Arizona’s first mass timber structure, it spans three floors and roughly 109,000 sf , merging public engagement, data collection, research, and legislative action. Drawing inspiration from NASA’s mission control centers, EchoStar promotes both individual and collective efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of artificial lighting on human health, wildlife, and the night sky.
Each floor serves a distinct purpose: the first floor offers public access to interactive exhibits and educational programs, immersing visitors in the impacts of light pollution. The second floor is semi-public, focused on data collection and real-time observation. The third floor, reserved for researchers, is where actionable solutions are developed.
Influenced by 1970s sci-fi and terrestrial light phenomena , EchoStar’s design is both futuristic and rooted in nature. These inspirations shape the aesthetics and conceptual framework, sparking curiosity while underscoring the beauty and importance of natural darkness .
EchoStar is a catalyst for change, fostering collaboration among scientists, urban planners, and the public. The space empowers visitors to rethink their relationship with artificial light and take action to preserve natural darkness for a healthier, more sustainable future
Longitudinal Section
Revit, SketchUp, Enscape, Photoshop, Illustrator
The Beam, 401 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ Parti
Degraded Health
Disruption of Wildlife
Disconnection from the Cosmos
Loss of Heritage
EchoStar is a call to balance our appreciation for artificial light with the preservation of our view of the universe.
Skyglow
Presentation Room + Contemplative Space
This immersive installation on Floor 1 is the physical embodiment of the light pollution paradox -- its allure veils its destructive impact.
Visitors find solace within the soothing spheres, symbolic of the skyglow domes that form above urban areas. However, the most profound views in the room lie outside these orbs, where a dim, fiber-optic skyscape of stars reflects off of the mirrored upper room to represent the cosmos hidden beyond the city’s glare.
The installation prompts reflection on what is lost when generations grow without witnessing the raw splendor of the stars—a collective heritage and a connection to the cosmos
Graduated Light Entry Corridor
Illuminated Conversation Spheres
Presentation Space
Physical Modeling
Hand-Sketching
AI Modeling
The first floor of EchoStar invites visitors into a world of interactive learning. The VR Lounge, inspired by 1970s sci-fi aesthetics, offers an immersive, futuristic experience, allowing users to explore the impacts of light pollution in virtual environments
Adjacent to this is the Light Pillar Café, a serene space inspired by the natural light pillar phenomenon, where visitors can reflect on their experiences while enjoying the ambient, glowing design that echoes the beauty of nature’s light displays.
VR Lounge + Light Pillar Cafe
Floor 1: Public Engagement + Immersive Experiences
Light Pillars in Manitoba, Canada
Hotelling Workspaces + Contemplation Room
Floor 2: Data Collection and Observation
The second floor of EchoStar centers on exploration and reflection, and continuing with the 1970s sci-fi aesthetics.
Hotelling stations provide futuristic, flexible workspaces where researchers and visitors can collaborate on light pollution data and solutions
The Contemplation Room , with its mesmerizing combination of laser lights and black water pools draws visitors into a serene, otherworldly environment. The central light feature, inspired by a mothership’s tractor beam, serves as a meditative focal point, inviting moments of deep reflection and quiet observation .
Contemplation Room
Mission Simulator Room
Floor 3: Research and Action
The third floor of EchoStar is dedicated to focused research and developing actionable solutions.
A central feature of this floor is the Mission Simulator Room , which continues the nod to 1970s sci-fi inspiration. This immersive space allows researchers to simulate scenarios and explore innovative strategies for reducing light pollution
Mission Simulator Room
EXITS (2018 IBC)
BLUPRINT
BluPrint (“Business Learning Unleashed”) is strategically positioned in the historic heart of downtown Phoenix, housed within the iconic Hanny’s Department Store building. This adaptive reuse project stands as a premier hub, designed to cultivate deep mentorship and vibrant networking opportunities for both young and senior entrepreneurs . These two demographic groups, often facing similar challenges in the business world, find a supportive and enriching environment in BluPrint.
Occupying the second and third floors of the Hanny’s building, BluPrint’s second floor is dedicated to the incubator’s core services: Collaboration, learning, networking, and mentoring
The focal point of this floor is the expansive open-plan study library stretching its entire length and featuring binocular reading nooks . The Lishi Tea Bar and cafe lounge offer a casual yet stimulating atmosphere for business conversations, enhanced by sweeping views of the city.
The interior design of BluPrint draws inspiration from the building’s distinctive architectural elements . These features not only pay homage to the building’s architectural heritage but also infuse the incubator with a unique aesthetic that fosters a sense of continuity between the interior and the exterior and showcases the synergy between form and function.
“Circles of Innovation” - Generative AI, PhotoShop
Existing vacant land soon became exclusively Chinese dwellings and merchandise shops
Vacant land soon became exclusively Chinese dwellings and merchandise shops. 1901 - 1915
ORIGINAL BUILDING
RETAIL + SERVICES
One-story brick building occupied by a drug store, then a hair salon, and retail businesses selling gowns and ostrich feathers.
A one-story brick building occupied by a drugstore, then a hair salon, and retail businesses that sold gowns and ostrich feathers
Retail destination for books, shoes, saddles, wallpaper, paints, and linoleum, along with the original Hanny’s retail store still in its 1912 form
Retail destination for books, shoes, saddles, wallpaper, paints, and linoleum, along with the original Hanny’s retail store in 1912.
Half-Mile Neighborhood Map
Detailed Breakdown
1986 - 2005
2008 - Present
HANNY’S BUILT
VACANCY
HANNY’S RESTAURANT
Lescher and Mahoney design the new Vic C. Hanny Co. department store building, revitalizing downtown Phoenix.
Lescher and Mahoney designed the new Vic C. Hanny Co. department store building, revitalizing the downtown Phoenix area
Hanny’s Department Store closes after 75 years. The site remained vacant until acquired by the City of Phoenix for firefighter training. It was eventually purchased by Milwaukee restaurateur Karl Kopp for adaptive reuse
Hanny’s Department Store closes after 75 years. The site remained vacant until acquired by the City of Phoenix, and used to train firefighters. It was eventually purchased by Milwaukee restauranteur, Karl Kopp, as an adaptive reuse project.
Thoughtfully refurbished with special attention given to retaining some of the unique architectural features, it reopened as a swank restaurant and nightspot.
Thoughtfully refurbished, with special attention given to retaining unique architectural features, Hanny’s reopened as a swank restaurant and nightspot
Round Reading Nook
Luxe Meeting Niche
Circular Reception Desk
Commercial-Grade Knoll Fabrics
100,000 BR, Stain-Repellent, Acrylic-Backed Polyester and Rayon Blend, NFPA 260 (Class 1), Soft and Sophisticated Hand
Central Library
Architecturally Inspired Sconces
Rounded Corner Columns
Fascia-Inspired Column Bases
Circular Acoustic Lighting
Circular Cafe Seating
Lishi Tea + Beverage Bar
Chinese Immigrants Building the Southern Pacific Railroad Line - Part of the Transcontinental Railroad (courtesy of the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office)
Chinese Immigrants in Arizona
Rooftop level
Workshop + Indoor / Outdoor Event Spaces
The third floor of BluPrint is primarily designed to host events of varying sizes , in both an indoor and outdoor capacity. The indoor space features a fully-equipped catering kitchen and an event bar for refreshments and socializing.
The curved, walnut display wall in the lounge has floating glass cabinets that exhibit the achievements of successful entrepreneurs nurtured by BluPrint. This helps to advertise new businesses to visiting investors, it serves as motivation to current users of the incubator, and it is showcases the program’s efficacy. Additionally, the floor houses a well-equipped fabrication/maker space, complete with hand tools, a 3D printer, and a small C&C machine, all set in an acoustically optimized area, conducive to focused innovation and creation.
Inspired Elevator with Terrazzo Wayfinding
BluPrint
Scored Metal Scrim Bespoke Door Pulls Referential Bronze Sculpture
Nearly half of the third floor extends into an open-air rooftop deck named “Petrichor,” a sensory haven designed around the enchanting aroma of the Sonoran desert following a rain storm
At the heart of this space are the creosote bushes , carefully positioned under misters so that they gently diffuse their signature scent throughout the day and evening. Every plant on this terrace has been chosen for its regional stability and fragrant scent. A small apiary plays a crucial role in sustaining this aromatic ecosystem.
A regenerative student lounge, inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing , where whimsy meets wellness.
This space is envisioned as a dynamic, living environment that encourages social engagement among design students, while enhancing mental health through pioneering light therapy, biophilic design , and the principles of Art Restoration Theory. Not just a place to unwind – this lounge is a transformative space that nurtures the mind, refreshes the spirit, and fosters a sense of belonging among design students.
National Winner - 1st Place, Graduate Division Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Student Design Competition 2024
Hypoallergenic, Low-Emitting, Colorfast, and Sustainable Fabric Made from Recycled Content
Aquarium Wall Niches
Aquarium Nap Room
Quiet room with wall-sized, freshwater aquariums and ergonomic niches.
Obstructed sightlines offer users privacy while allowing a sense of mutual awareness.
Main Lounge Area
Plushy seating encourages socialization and connection. The variety of seating allows students with differing social needs to exercise autonomy of choice
Snoezelen Sensory corner
Ideal for neurodivergent students, yet welcoming to all, this is a tranquil setting for relaxation and deep sensory engagement. Two hanging chairs are positioned for easy conversation; immersive forest projections and warm, rope-light curtains create an escapist atmosphere.
Thermal Comfort and Forest Soundscape
A rheostat control panel allows for the customization of temperature, fan speed, and heating/cooling. A pendant speaker hangs overhead, emitting ambient nature sounds over a 140-degree spread, audibly defining the boundaries of the sensory corner.
Light Therapy Booth
The light therapy booth offers instant mood enhancement through brief sessions of exposure to specific wavelengths of light, presenting mental health treatment in a novel and approachable way.
Therapy Booth
Snoezelen Sensory Corner
koru house
Women’s
Transitional Living Home
Wenjing Wang, Carrie Dally
Koru House is a community-based transitional residence designed to support women reentering society after incarceration. This initiative employs a trauma-informed design methodology, it incorporates the 14 patterns of biophilic design , and it focuses on a human-centric design strategy. The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of participants’ post-release rehabilitation and their successful integration back into the community.
The concept for this project is inspired by the Koru . It is a spiral design that originates from the unfurling frond of a silver fern, an emblem deeply respected by the indigenous Maori of New Zealand . These curled fern fronds are esteemed for their remarkable regenerative qualities. They represent vigor, liveliness, and the beginning of a new season of life
The interiors prioritize smooth, curved lines , abundant natural light, clear visual pathways, and a regionallyinspired color palette.
Programming includes areas for communal dining and social interaction , a combined classroom and art studio, a dedicated space for yoga and meditation , private suites designed for weekend family visits, and comprehensive on-site job training programs in both greenhouse horticulture and culinary arts .
Recipient of the Design Excellence Award in the Master of Interior Architecture trauma-informed design studio for the Spring 2023 semester.
National Winner - 1st Place, Graduate Division Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Student Design Competition 2024
SketchUp, Enscape, Lumion, Photoshop, Illustrator
AutoCAD,
Sunken Conversation
Lobby Waiting Area
Reception Desk
Community Dining Area
Pastry Decorating Room
Commercial House Kitchen
Yoga + Pilates Studio
Adjoining Meditation Space
Individual Rooms
Family Suites
Studio Units
Biophilic Children’s Play Room Classroom
The Perryville Women’s Correctional Facility Education Room began as an entry in a university-wide competition to reimagine a space serving both ASU students and incarcerated women participating in joint educational courses. Rooted in TraumaInformed Design (TID), the space has evolved into an environment that fosters healing, personal growth, and collaborative learning
To maximize our $5,000 budget for the 1,000-sf room , our team leveraged industry connections to source high-quality, second-hand furniture that formed the foundation of the design. With a focus on flexibility and function, the room features a reconfigurable classroom , locking storage units, and a reading lounge that encourages quiet social interactions. This multifunctional space accommodates a variety of activities, including art classes, professional training, and collaborative learning.
Through the integration of TID principles, co-design, and evidencebased strategies the redesigned space incorporates softer materials to enhance the emotional well-being of its users. Acoustic improvements, calming colors, and biophilic elements combine to create a restorative environment, standing in stark contrast to traditional prison interiors.
This project’s holistic design approach supports recidivism reduction efforts, creating a rehabilitative space where both learning and personal growth are prioritized.
Winner - Educational Hub Refresh Competition Arizona State University, 2024
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Presentation Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Conference, 2025
Considerations for acoustics, lighting, textures, aromatherapy
Movable, height-adjustable
Accessibility
Perryville Prison
Perryville Prison Education Room
Carrie Dally, Wenjing Wang
Reconfigurable Classroom Space
Biophilia
Plants recognized by NASA as efficient air purifiers -- visitors leave healthier than they arrived.
Connection
Spaces that encourage positive social interactions and relationship building.
Wellness
Spaces that encourage mindfulness and facilitate therapeutic activities.
Natural Elements
Imagery of nature, water features, plants, and natural materials reduce tension and anxiety.
Resilience
Focus on elements that promote therapeutic healing, such as art, escapism, and positive affirmations.
Project Installation and Recognition
Installed in July 2024 at Arizona State Prison Complex - Perryville in Goodyear, Arizona, this project was unveiled at a grand opening in August, where it was presented to over 40 leadership staff members from the Arizona Department of Corrections. This design is under consideration to be the model for future carceral classrooms across the state.
I am a graduate of the Master of Interior Architecture program at Arizona State University, holding an MBA with an emphasis in Executive Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Hispanic Studies. I also served as a combat pilot for the United States Air Force.
These diverse experiences have given me a unique lens through which I approach design. I strive to create layered, narrative spaces that are deeply personal and concept-driven. My passions include vintage decor, biophilia, human-centric design, space exploration, and supporting local initiatives that preserve our dark skies.
