My name is Diana Vasquez O’Dea. I am currently a senior in the Interior Design program at Virginia Tech. I’ve been passionate about design for as long as I can remember. Whenever I enter a space, my first thoughts are focused on the lighting, circulation, furniture layout, interactions between individuals, and how the space can be improved. It’s second nature for me to notice these elements, and I’m excited to apply the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my education in the professional world. I’m particularly interested in pursuing opportunities within the hospitality and restaurant sectors.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, experiencing different cultures, and volunteering at local animal shelters.
dianavasquezodea@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-vasquez-odea/
703.338.4802
Workplace NEXT Workplace
VT Innovation & Learning Center
& Additional Works
Links Jewelry Boutique
Polaroid
Sketches
polished stainless steel structure, which reflects the skyline, this concept brings a similar approach to brand representation. Just as Cloud Gate captures its surroundings, NEXT aims to reflect each client’s goals and mission, creating a space where their brand story is mirrored back in a compelling, immersive experience.
The color palette is drawn from the sky and Lake Michigan’s serene hues, establishing a cohesive, calming atmosphere. A unique water ripple-inspired metal ceiling guides individuals through the space, intuitively leading movement and adding a sense of flow. To provide transparency and an open feel, yellow-tinted glass surrounds huddle rooms, offering a visual marker for collaborative spaces while ensuring privacy.
Each area within NEXT serves as a canvas for brand storytelling, embodying the client’s essence. Through strategic design and thoughtful spatial navigation, NEXT transforms brand vision into a sensory experience, fostering deeper connections with clients and setting a new standard for impactful, interactive environments.
Color Scheme
Inspiration Images
Materials:
1. Water Ripple Stainless Steel
2. Interface Walk The Plank Carpet
3. Pink Carpet
4.
5. Felt
6.
7.
8.
9.
Inverna Terrazzo
Plain Blue
Cross-laminated Timber
Yellow Leather
Plain Gold Dimout Fabric
Exploded Axon
For levels 6 and 7, I wanted to create subtle wayfinding, so I used water ripple stainless steel in the ceilings. It’s not just functional, it adds a touch of texture and elegance that guides people through the space. In the workstations, I placed acoustic pendants to keep noise from bouncing, making it easier to focus.
For the flooring, I chose blue Interface carpet for personal areas to evoke calm, while the collaboration zones pop with pink, making them feel more dynamic and lively. For the hallways, terrazzo was chosen for its superior durability and easy maintenance, perfect for high-traffic areas.
When it came to the meeting spaces, I wanted a clear but playful distinction. The huddle rooms got yellow-tinted glass for a bright, energizing vibe, while the team meeting rooms feature blue-tinted glass, which feels more grounded and collaborative. Each element serves a purpose, but together they create a cohesive and thoughtful flow throughout the design.
6 Floor Plan
Phone Room/Small Meeting
Reception
Client Display
Team Meeting 4. Huddle Rooms
Production and Operations Department
Work Cafe
Media and Visitor Department
Meditation Room
Level 6 Egress Plan
Exit Access Travel Common Path
Construction Classification: TYPE IIA
Finish Classification: A WITH AUTO SPRINKLER SYSTEM Level 7 Egress Plan
PH Artichoke Glass Application: Cafe
JBD Slim Surface Mount LED Downlight Application: Ceiling
Droplet Celeste Application: Above stairs
Planar Pendant Application: Workstation ceiling
North Elevation
I designed built-in seating around the stairs to offer people an open and inviting spot to relax or have a quick chat. It’s not just seating, it’s a space that feels approachable and cozy. I chose a soft yellow fabric for the booth to give it a warm, homey vibe, paired with ash wood tables to keep it natural and timeless.
Under the stairs, I added a water feature to bring in a sense of calm. The gentle sound of water creates a soothing atmosphere, making it a perfect little corner for unwinding in a busy workplace. The whole setup is about blending comfort with functionality.
Toldbod Glass Pendant Application: Built-in booths and Cafe
Simple Tables Working Height Application: Built-in booths table
Second Level
Work Cafe
Team Meeting Room
Revit, Photoshop, Enscape
Workplace | Individual | Fall 2023
In this project, I had to find a problem in the workplace environment and create a solution. I focused on the lack of private spaces in this workplace.
In order to resolve this issue I chose the company Polaroid. My concept is moments, because when I visited the Polaroid website and pressed on “About Us” they state, “If you stop and think about it, our lives are built by moments: moments that can change your life, and everyday moments that create your life.” They emphazise the importance of living in the moment and holding your moments in your hands.
With that in mind, I created pockets of moments in my space. I accomplished this by having different levels of private spaces such as a work tent, work pods (single and duo), and booths. These little pockets allow individuals to have different levels of experience in the environment and be completely satisfied with the level of privacy the spaces provide.
First Iteration Space Planning
Third Iteration Space Planning
Parti Diagram
Section
Polaroid Workshop
Small Meeting Room Large Meeting Room Reception
Polaroid Colors
Cork Application: Large meeting
Airlite - Prince Application: Air purifying paint on walls
Concrete Application: Flooring
Large Meeting Room
Small Meeting Room
All Parts Of Physical Model
Physical Model 1st & 2nd Level
Exploded Axon
The linear lighting in my design serves as wayfinding to help guide visitors through the space. Many elements of my design features rectangular forms, with subtle curvilinear touches present in the double-height areas, mirrors, work lounges, pods, work tents, and recessed lighting.
My aim for the rooms was to evoke distinct “moments” or “snapshots,” incorporating black outlines above the curtain walls to resemble the borders of a Polaroid picture, adding a sense of framing and focus to each space.
Duo Pods
Work Tent
Coalesse Host
Coalesse Bix
Lighting Design
Work Tent
Booths
Work Pods
VT
Innovation and Learning Center
Revit, Photoshop, Enscape
Innovation and Learning Center | Individual | Spring 2024
In this design, I prioritized creating features that foster diverse modes of engagement for students and faculty within the research center. By strategically zoning the space using distinct materiality and varying levels of privacy, I crafted an environment that promotes interaction, focus, and collaboration in equal measure.
Drawing inspiration from Gensler’s article ”Design Trends Shaping Education,” my research highlights the importance of offering multiple forms of engagement in educational spaces. This approach not only cultivates a sense of belonging, but also enables individuals to work and learn in settings tailored to their unique educational needs and working styles.
501 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
Materials
1. Burnt Orange
2. Aerial Wallpaper, Pink Granite
3. Aerial Wallpaper, Birch
4. Finnish Grey Brick
5. Walk the Plank Carpet
6. Gaja C2C, Woven
7. Polished Concrete Herringbone
8. Allude, Ash Leather
Exploded Axon
I adopted a minimalist approach in my design, utilizing a neutral foundation of gray and white, accented with maroon and orange to thoughtfully reflect Virginia Tech’s branding. To add texture and visual interest, I included design elements such as a herringbone pattern in the concrete flooring, introducing a sense of movement and sophistication. In the maker space, acoustical ceiling tiles not only enhance sound quality but also contribute to the overall design aesthetic, blending functionality with intentional detailing.
HushPhone
HushHybrid
HushMeet
Haworth Pergola Workspaces
Haworth Lotus Chair
Regarding my space planning design, I created a first level that has a more open, inviting, and warm atmosphere. My goal was to provide students and faculty with a range of options for how they could work. Through my research, I found that it is crucial to establish an educational environment that enables individuals to be flexible in their approaches to collaboration, learning, and classroom settings.
On my second level, I have a layout that is more closed off, including classrooms, faculty offices, a maker space, and a large conference room with a hint of open collaboration. The article emphasizes the importance of designing educational spaces with choice, adaptability, and connectivity in mind. That is why I created a space that allows people to work in private spaces such as offices and hush booths, as well as open spaces that have a more lounge-like atmosphere.
The
conference
for
offering both comfort and functionality. This height-adjustable chair features a subtle tilt mechanism, ensuring an ergonomic and enjoyable seating experience.
A distinctive and abstract light fixture was chosen for my large conference meeting room, serving as a striking focal point that captures attention and elevates the space’s aesthetic.
Fluxwerx Profile Lighting Fixture
NTS
My lighting selections were carefully tailored to suit the function of each space. In the classrooms, I utilized Fluxwerx linear suspended lighting fixtures positioned over the desks and projectors to provide focused and effective illumination. I chose BuzziShade pendant lighting for the upstairs offices. On the first level, I integrated Fluxwerx V-shaped suspended lighting fixtures paired with herringbone-shaped felt acoustical panels to deliver ambient lighting while highlighting the dynamic engagement spaces. For the second level, recessed lighting was used to create a seamless and consistent ambient glow, enhancing the overall functionality and design of the space.
Wallpaper in birch
Louis Poulsen OE Quasi Light
BuzziShade
Haworth Enclose Movable Office Walls
Openest Conference Booth
BuzziShade
This shade is incorporated in my office spaces to evoke a warm and inviting ambiance.
Louis Poulsen OE Quasi Light
Lotus
Lotus chair was selected
my large
meeting room,
Makerspace
Perforated Metal Acoustic Panel
Fluxwerx Profile Mini Frame
I used this acoustic panel in the Makerspace to enhance sound absorption, addressing the high traffic and noise levels typically generated by the 3D printer and collaborative activities.
This fixture features LED lighting, offering enhanced energy efficiency.
My makerspace is the focal point as you walk through the entrance of the research center. I acheived this by outlining the trim of the enclosed moveable walls in the Virginia Tech Impact Orange color. I completed the space by adding the Aerial Wallpaper in Birch as an accent wall.
Perforated Metal Acoustic
Fluxwerx Profile Mini Frame
Herringbone Concrete
Front Entrance at night
Links is a jewelry boutique that sits on a corner in NYC. Its products and interior space focus on promoting
What spoke to me is that the word “a connected flexible series of metal links.” this meaning as the foundation in my design. My concept is connectedness selling jewelry to the affluent but for the as well.
The objective is selling affordable, sustainable jewelry pieces, priced under $500, by including brands such as Milly Grace and Wolf & Moon. These brands showcase recycled materials. The physical space incorporates curves in my design connecting to the curves/links on a chain. The result is a boutique that seamlessly blends luxury aesthetics with approachable affordability.
Process Work
Exploded Axon
I used AI Midjourney to create this chandelier for my jewelry store
Mezzanine
Sections
Jewelry Store Logo
Product Storage Room
Mezzanine with Built-in Necklace Diplays
Bracelet Window Displays
White Marble Application: Reception
White Oiled Timber Application: Flooring
Weathered Timber Application: Display cases
White Plaster Application: Walls
Silver Application: Trim of displays cases
Glass Application: Stairs and top of display cases
