Darby Kaska - Interior Design Portfolio

CONTENTS

CAMPUS LIBRARY Higher Education Project

Spring 2023

OVERVIEW:

Parks Library at Iowa State University needs design solutions in order to provide adequate spaces for a variety of needs, specifically for neurodivergent students. Through our research, it was found that there needs to be a better variety of designated spaces, such as; tutoring areas, usable study rooms, collaborative areas, chill-out areas, presentations rooms, and quiet zones. Observations showed that these spaces/activities overlapped with one another creating an inadequate learning environment. As designers, we need to meet the needs of everyone, which means considering neurodiversity within students and individual learning styles/preferences.

CONCEPT:

Enhancing your experience, transforming your future.

The built environment of Parks Library will reflect Iowa State University’s aspirations to implement an innovative and inclusive space that is multifunctional to meet the needs of a diverse group of students.

1. Quiet Group

2. Tutoring Room

3. Open Indvidual

4. Semi-Private

5. Private Study

6. Administrative

Group Work

Room

Indvidual Study

Semi-Private Study

Study Rooms

Administrative Offices

URBAN OASIS RESIDENCY Assisted Living Project

Fall 2024

OVERVIEW

This project was accomplished with 3 classmates; Jaclyn Foster, Elliana Lewis, and Claire Wedewer. The goal of this project was to create a multilevel luxury assisted living facility in the AMA Plaza in Downtown Chicago. The main users of this space will be aging older adults, who are particularly pet-lovers. The residents will enjoy a maintenance-free, luxurious living environment where they can focus on living a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

The design aims to address the challenges faced by the aging population and help residents transition from their own homes to an assisted living facility. The design gives solutions to many of the issues assisted living facilities deal with today, including lack of privacy, sense of home, and independence for residents, as well as lack of staff-dedicated spaces. In addition, the design must adhere to the needs for a pet-friendly environment and take into consideration the guests and visitors of the space.

CONCEPT

The design takes inspiration from the modern architecture throughout the city of Chicago but mixes in soft elements to create spaces that are both sleek and comfortable. It aims to provide an engaging environment that will promote connection and a community and encourage an active, social lifestyle where residents can flourish. A pet-friendly facility will provide residents with companionship and comfort. Overall, the design will be usercentric, providing a serene space where residents are revitalized as they transition into their new homes.

LEVEL 6 - Claire

Residential Quarters

Library

Physician’s Office

LEVEL 5 - Darby

Residential Quarters

Pet Salon

Indoor Dog Park

LEVEL 4 - Elliana

Residential Quarters

Country Kitchen

Salon & Spa

LEVEL 3 - Jaclyn

Residential Quarters

Sun Lounge

Cinema

LEVEL 2

Lobby

Cafe

Lounge Bar

Dining Room

Garden

FIRST FLOOR LOUNGE BAR

LOUNGE BAR FLOOR PLAN (NTS)

2 BEDROOM SUITE - LIVING AREA

2 BEDROOM SUITE -FLOOR PLAN (NTS)

INDOOR DOG PARK

PET SALON FLOOR PLAN (NTS)

PERSONAL WORK POD

Workplace Design Solutions

Spring 2024

OVERVIEW

The intent of this project was to develop innovative and adaptable design solutions that address specific challenges in modern workplace environments. The problem my project focuses on is the growing use of video calls in the office paired with the lack of privacy and acoustic comfort.

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Good workplace acoustic quality is crucial for productivity and satisfaction. However, many offices fail to provide suitable environments, particularly with the increasing use of video calls. Lack of dedicated video call rooms forces employees to use their desks, leading to distractions and reduced productivity due to poor acoustic comfort.

SOLUTION

My solution was to create a furniture system that is not only visually appealing but also functional and conducive to productivity and acoustic comfort, allowing easy and quick access to privacy and quietness. The system is versatile and can adapt to an empoyee’s needs, as shown in the renderings.

EXPLODED VIEW

DETAILS

- Ventilation System - Replaces air in 60 seconds with airflow inlet pulling fresh air in, and two discreet ceiling fans push air out

- Optional motion sensors turn on lights and fans; built with manual options

- The sliding door magnetizes shut, creating a tight seal for acoustic comfort

- Easy and discreet connections for modularity

MATERIALS

1. Acoustic Felt

2. Sound Absorbing PET

3. Particle Board

4. Laminate

PERSONAL ACOUSTIC POD (VERSION 1)

ACOUSTIC DESK NOOK (VERSON 2)

ACOUSTIC NOOK (VERSION 3)

BLANC | Natural Cleaners

Retail Project

Fall 2022

OVERVIEW

This project was accomplished with two classmates; Krista Smith and Emily Greathouse. We were tasked with creating a retail space in downtown Ames. This project is constructed from a London-based company that focuses on sustainable practices as well as eco-friendly laundry services such as dry cleaning, tailoring, and more.

CONCEPT

Mending Us Together. By caring for clothes naturally, BLANC provides the opportuninty to live a greener and more fulfilled life.

BLANC hand selects the most environmentally friendly products to put on their shelves for their consumers. Therefore, we wanted their space to reflect their outlook on life by selecting sustainable materials in order to create a natural and clean aesthetic.

FRONT FACADE

FLOOR PLAN

ENTRANCE - RETAIL

EAMES’ ART GALLERY

Hand Renderings

Fall 2021

For this project, we were tasked with creating an art gallery that housed a cafe using Prismacolor markers as our drawing medium. The artist I was given for this project was Charles and Ray Eames.

Eames’ furniture designs are refreshing and timeless, therefore the goal was to create a space that reflected that.

SECOND FLOOR - CAFE

FIRST FLOOR - GALLERY

WAITING ROOM DESIGN

Freelance Project

Winter 2024

I was given the opportunity to work alongside local therapists to help design the waiting room they have been dreaming of. The three therapists rent out a space in downtown Ames, and share one waiting room that was furnished with random pieces from each of their homes.

The goal was to create a inviting atmosphere that was cohesive throughout. We wanted to incorporate colors found in nature to promote a sense of comfort and growth. Before installing the furniture, their landlord was able to contract workers to build a wall to create privacy and division from the offices and waiting room.

CONTE STILL LIFE Drawing Studio

Fall 2020

This still life was created in my drawing studio, one of the College of Design’s CORE classes. The drawing medium was conté crayons, composed of compressed powdered graphite or charcoal mixed with a clay base.

The first half of this project I was able to work in person, using the still life set-up in the classroom. The second half of the project was completed by looking at a digital image of the still life in the comfort of my home, as I contracted COVID and had to quarantine.

Despite the struggles I encountered during this porject, it became an art piece I am most proud.