portfolio
architecture + interior design
inspired by people, shaped by purpose
Elizabeth Samuel
Architect
Currently pursuing an M.Sc in Product Design at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture with a minor in Interior Design from the Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal University, Karnataka, India. Eager to learn, experiment, and explore innovative design solutions.
Growing up in Muscat and Bangalore, I developed a strong fascination for diverse cultures and design styles, which shaped my creative outlook. Throughout my academic journey, I have sought to integrate these influences into my work while honing excellent problem-solving and communication skills. My experiences reflect a commitment to adapting and innovating within dynamic design environments.
Work Experience:
Architectural Intern,
Aequinox Consultants, Bangalore, India.
Dec 2022 – May 2023
Architectural Intern, Dec 2019 – Feb 2020
Ar. Arun Sam Varghese, Bangalore, India.
Portfolio Contents:
01 Co-working and Learning Hub (Academic Project)
04 KLRF Staff Kitchen, Tamil Nadu.
02 Kindle Garden, Kindergarten. (Academic Project)
05 KLRF Office Renovation + Furniture Design, Tamil Nadu.
03 SS Towers, Facade Renovation, Bangalore.
06 Miniature Furniture Design Competition with Studio Siara.
01
Co-working and Learning Hub (Academic Project)
LOCATION:
Manyata Tech Park, Malur Byranahalli Main Road,Bangalore, Karnataka-576104.
TOTAL SITE AREA: 38,860 sq.m
SITE AREA (without including area left for future expansion): 22,000 sq.m FAR: 1.5
Ground Cover Permissible: 50%
CONCEPT:
This project creates a platform for creative professionals and students to collaborate, learn, and engage with the community. By blending real-world experience with education, it bridges the gap between aspiring creatives and industry experts, fostering mutual growth and exchange.
Centred around the concept "Co-Creation," the initiative encourages students and professionals to partner on meaningful projects, sharing knowledge and hands-on experience, while building valuable connections for continuous learning and professional development.
SPACES INCLUDED:
1. Private Spaces: (Work Spaces)
Reception & waiting areas, Private cabins for Principal Creative Professional, Meeting/ Presentation room, Open collaborative work space for other creative professionals, Pantry, Printing room.
2. Semi-Public Spaces: Library, Seminar hall, Discussion pit.
3. Public Spaces:
Workshop area, Gallery and Eateries.
Master Plan of the site-showing the built and unbuilt spaces.
Zoning and Form Development:
Allocation of Spaces:
1. Central space supports stalls and exhibitions, fostering interaction and collaboration.
2. Quiet-zone library ensures focused research and study.
3. Flexible block integrates gallery, seminar hall, and discussion areas, expandable for large gatherings.
4. Upper-floor work spaces balance privacy and connection to public areas.
5. Site services and parking are discreetly placed along the western back wall.
The design process began by connecting the spaces through corridors and shared pathways, creating a seamless flow that unified the entire structure into one cohesive experience.
Next, the arrangement of spaces was refined to accommodate all required amenities while ensuring each block offered views of both the central and external public spaces.
Finally, the layout was optimised to include a main entrance and side exits leading to the surrounding green space.
This arrangement enhanced connectivity and maximised opportunities for users to engage with nature.
Elevation of the built structures, seen while entering the site.
Zoning of the site to show the allocation of spaces within the site.
Ground Floor Plan with Site Context:
This plan illustrates the layout of public and semi-public areas, including the workshop, gallery, eateries, library, seminar hall, and discussion pit. Landscape features like courtyards and pathways are integrated to enhance engagement and collaboration, connecting the built structure with its surrounding environment.
Aerial view of the built-spaces from the entrance.
View under the tensile roof
Interior view of the library
Interior view of the library
02
Kindle Garden (Academic Project)
Awarded Design Excellence for integrating Universal Design principles and innovative spatial planning.
LOCATION:
Eshwar Nagar,Manipal,Karnataka-576104.
SITE AREA: 4807 sq.m FAR: 2.75
CONCEPT:
The design features three blocks arranged according to academic hierarchy, with central open areas that seamlessly connect the built spaces to nature.
These unbounded spaces mimic open green areas for each block, fostering a sense of openness and community.
The space linking the three blocks is covered with colourful poly-carbonate sheets, providing a sheltered open area that can be used even during the rainy season.
SPACES INCLUDED:
Creche, Playschool
Pre-Kindergarten
Lower Kindergarten
Upper Kindergarten
Toilets
Infirmary
Pantry and Dining Areas
Library
Activity Area
Nap Room
Staff Rooms
Administration Office
Principals Room
Meeting Rooms
The master plan of the site showcases the three blocks interconnected by colorful polycarbonate-covered walkways. It also highlights the playground, thoughtfully designed with various features to promote recreation and engagement.
LEGEND:
BLOCK A
1-Reception
2-Pantry
3-Meeting Rooms
4-Toilets
5-Principals Cabin
6-Office
7-Staff Rooms
8-Waiting Area
Reception: 22.5 sq.m
Pantry: 18 sq.m
Meeting Room: 45 sq.m
Toilets: 27 sq.m
Staff Room: 45 sq.m
Principals Cabin: 31.5 sq.m
Office: 22.5 sq.m
Waiting Area: 40 sq.m
Total Area: 300 sq.m
BLOCK B
1-Pantry and Dining Area
2-Infirmary
3-Toilets
4-Nap Room
5-Creche
6-Playschool
7-Activity/Play Area
Pantry+Dining Area:50 sq.m
Infirmary: 15 sq.m
Toilets: 18 sq.m
Nap Room: 21 sq.m
Creche + Playschool:48*2 =96 sq.m
Activity/Play Area:52 sq.m
Total Area: 300 sq.m
BLOCK C
1-Janitors Room
2-Dining Hall
3-Library
4-Toilets
5-UKG
6-LKG
7-Pre-KG
8-Activity/Play Area
9-Multipurpose Hall
Janitors Room: 15 sq.m
Dining Hall: 50 sq.m
Library: 65 sq.m
Toilets: 20 sq.m
Pre-KG,LKG,UKG: 48*3 =144 sq.m
Activity/Play Area: 113 sq.m
Multipurpose Hall: 407 sq.m
Total Area: 976.8 sq.m
Built up Area: 1580 sq.m
Exploded view of Block A
View of Block 3
Aerial View of the Site
03 SS Towers, Facade Renovation,Bangalore.
Internship Experience at Aequinox Consultants.
LOCATION:
Next to Maiyyas, 4th Block Jayanagar, Bangalore, India.
NEED FOR FACADE RENOVATION:
The ground floor had initially been leased to Maiyyas for an extension of their restaurant, while the upper floors remained unused.
After the contract with Maiyyas ended, the owner aimed to convert the entire building into a shopping complex, necessitating a more commercialised facade to attract retail businesses and enhance the building's visual appeal.
MY ROLE WITHIN THE PROJECT:
I highlighted areas for Structural Glass, ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel), and Stone/Tile cladding based on their potential to enhance the building’s aesthetic and structural integrity.
Through continuous client meetings, we (design team) finalised the building’s elevation and ACP colour options, refining the design using detailed 3D models and renderings to ensure alignment with client preferences.
TIME PERIOD OF INVOLVEMENT:
4 months
West Elevation
North Elevation
Technical drawings highlighting areas on the facade that could be filled with Structural Glass, ACP, and Stone/Tile cladding in various colours.
3D models displaying a rough layout of three options for ACP, glass, and stone cladding.
Option 1:
ACP-Croma Off White,Pearl Grey, and American Walnut.
Structural Glass for the fenestration Kadappa Stone cladding for the plinth.
Option 2:
ACP-Croma Off White,Pearl Grey, and Ivory Sapphire .
Structural Glass for the fenestration Granite cladding for the plinth.
Option 3:
ACP-Croma Off White,Ivory Sand Viva, and Parlato.
Structural Glass for the fenestration Brown Granite cladding for the plinth.
Existing West Elevation, showing the facade before renovation.
Existing North Elevation, showing the facade before renovation.
04 KLRF Staff Kitchen, Tamil Nadu.
Internship Experience at Aequinox Consultants.
LOCATION:
Kovalpatti Lakshmi Roller Flour Mills at Malayunkalam Farm, Tamil Nadu.
NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:
As part of the KLRF staff quarters ,the kitchen, design had to accommodate the preparation of meals for a significant number of people daily.
The scale of the operations necessitated the use of diverse cooking methods to ensure efficiency and flexibility in meal preparation. The layout also needed to include a preparation counter, storage rooms, and a washing area to streamline operations and optimise space.
MY ROLE WITHIN THE PROJECT:
I was responsible for understanding the client's needs and site regulations, and then developing design options that were to include a combination of firewood stoves, induction stoves, and gas stoves, along with space for a preparation counter, storage for provisions and vegetables, and an area for washing.
I pitched these ideation options to the client, and once the final option was selected, I detailed the design, including specifications for the materials used.
TIME PERIOD OF INVOLVEMENT: 2.5 months
COMBINATION OF BURNERS USED WHILE IDEATING OPTIONS:
Option a:
2 Induction Stoves + 2 Firewood Stoves + Firewood Storage
Option b:
1 Gas Stove + 1 Induction Stove + 2 Firewood Stoves + Firewood Storage
Option c:
2 Firewood Stoves + Firewood storage + 1 Induction Stove + 2 Gas Stoves
Sketch to show the ventilation mesh included above the store doors.
This option was finalised and further detailed with materials and dimensions. It was preferred over others due to :
1. It’s variety of stoves and the dedicated space allocated for the firewood stove with adjacent wood storage.
2.The preparation counter maintains an uninterrupted flow, as sinks are placed elsewhere on a separate wall ensuring efficiency.
3.For easier access to the external vessel wash area, the door was removed, and the outer block walls were replaced with a stainless steel mesh, enhancing ventilation.
Details within the vessel wash area
Section to illustrate the gas cylinder storage area
3D sketch to illustrate a view of the gas cylinder storage area
SS Mesh: allows ventilation within the space Wall up to lintel level
Bund wall with granite coping
Kadappa slab top block wall
05 KLRF Office Renovation, Tamil Nadu.
Internship Experience at Aequinox Consultants.
LOCATION:
Kovalpatti Lakshmi Roller Flour Mills at Malayunkalam Farm, Tamil Nadu.
NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:
The office building, though structurally renovated, had its interiors left unaddressed due to the space being previously unused. With the farm now fully operational, a functional and professional work space was required to house the auditor, farm manager, store manager, surveyor, and accounts staff.
The renovation aimed to create a minimalist interior aesthetic, offering a softer and more refined contrast to the green-painted exterior, which reflects the farm's branding and identity.
MY ROLE WITHIN THE PROJECT:
I analysed the space remotely using images and survey drawings to gain a thorough understanding of the layout.
My responsibilities included finalising spaces for the farm manager, auditor, store manager, surveyor, and accounts staff, ensuring each work space allowed ample natural light and ventilation without requiring structural changes.
I also developed mood boards for materials, wall paints, and customised furniture to align with the minimalist design vision and the farm's branding.
TIME PERIOD OF INVOLVEMENT: 2.5 months
Plan of the Office to be renovated.
Exterior view of the existing office, painted in distinct shades of green to symbolize the KLRF farm branding.
KLRF Office Furniture
Design, Tamil Nadu.
Internship Experience at Aequinox Consultants.
LOCATION:
Kovalpatti Lakshmi Roller Flour Mills at Malayunkalam Farm, Tamil Nadu.
NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:
The customised file cabinet was essential to efficiently organise and store documents in a space-constrained office environment.
It aimed to streamline access, maximise storage capacity, and integrate seamlessly with the existing interior design, providing both functionality and aesthetic value.
MY ROLE WITHIN THE PROJECT:
I designed a customised file cabinet to optimise document storage and access, aligning with user needs and spatial constraints.
I selected materials and finishes to complement the interior and created detailed drawings for fabrication, ensuring a balance of functionality and aesthetics.
TIME PERIOD OF INVOLVEMENT: 2.5 months
Materials:
1. Laminate: Shade: Cafe Walnut (10882) for the doors of the cabinet.
Shade: Cappuccino (22137) for the top and back of the cabinet.
2. Box hinge x 4
3. Handles (a pair)
06
Miniature Furniture Design Competition.
Secured 2nd place in the Competition by Studio Siara at MSAP
NEED FOR THIS PROJECT:
Design and create a miniature model of a bench that seamlessly integrates into the new campus of Manipal School of Architecture and Planning.
The bench should balance aesthetics and functionality, offering comfort while complementing the campus's overall design.
MY ROLE WITHIN THE PROJECT:
In this group project, my role was to focus on ideating and creating the 3D design of the bench.
I was responsible for developing design concepts, refining them, and translating them into a detailed 3D model that aligned with the overall vision for the new campus.
MATERIALS USED: Indowud nfc: It is a zero wood product,a superior alternative to tropical wood and wood-based panels like plywood, MDF/RDF in many ways.
Wooden Studs: used to maintain the space of 32mm between the pieces,joined together with a metal rod passing through it.
Metal Rod: Dia=20mm, used to keep all the wooden pieces and the spacers together.
contact details: email: elizabethsamuel.work@gmail.com phone: +44 07823689600