Meret Girgis Portfolio

meret girgis middle tennessee state university selected works 2022-2024

meret girgis

I am a recent graduate from MTSU’s Interior Design Program. I am an experience-driven person, and use every opportunity to utilize design as a tool in crafting experiences for others. I am drawn to big, conceptual ideas and strive to implement purpose into space.

education

middle tennessee state university Bachelors of Science in Interior Design, 2021-2024

motlow state community college Associate of Science, 2019-2021

experience

student designer

Middle Tennessee State University, 2022-2024

affiliations

mtsu interior architecture collaborative Secretary, 2023-2024

iida campus center Student Representative, 2023-2024

proglobe summer school, germany Student Participant, May 2023

mtsu asid/iida student chapter Secretary, 2022-2023

615. 839. 6153 mgirgis0515@hotmail.com

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linkedin.com/in/meretgirgis meret_design the commons hotel hospitality design page 03

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just a moment retail design page 17 next corporate design page 25 encompass furniture design page 39

THE COMMONS HOTEL

The Commons Hotel is a renowned hotel in the heart of Charleston’s historic neighborhoods, nestled in between two beautiful bodies of water: Colonial Lake and Ashley River. The Commons is a respite from the bustling world, serving guests with a relaxing, approachable, comfortable, and biophilic environment with a nod to architectural details. With a focus on wellness, the hotel looks at four of the WELL V2 standards and implements unique solutions to each. The 9 stories and 132 keys of The Commons are ready to welcome any and all guests.

WELL V2 STANDARDS nourishment

• responsible sourcing of all vegetation and animal products

• raising guest awareness with detailed ingredient and calorie lists

• inclusive menus catering to dietary preferences and religious restrictions

• circadian lighting in guest rooms and employee workstations

• considering direct vs. indirect lighting to minimize glare for visual comfort

• efficient sourcing in the use of LED lamps for cost and maintenance

AMENITIES

• open staircase that encourages guest use through design elements

• pedestrian friendly streets surrounding hotel site to promote movement outdoor

• complimentary physical activity opportunities for all guests

• low VOC materials and finishes

• strict smoking policies for both indoor and outdoor spaces on hotel ground

• installation of air purification systems in main public spaces and guest rooms

BRAND

AZURE BAR AZURE

forty oaks’ grocery the athenaeum the market aimee ’s assembly blossom’s abode

A lobby bar dressed in shades of blue, all inspired by the surrounding bodies of water.

Fine dining experience with a focus on nourishment and foliage, inspired by the forty oak trees planted in Colonial Park in 1911.

Grab & go coffee bar using the oldest techniques to make the richest tasting drinks and pastries.

A moody library and reading room, stocked with archives of Charleston and botanical books.

Boutique retail shops selling floral accessories and The Commons’ signature coffee blends.

Assembly for complimentary floral arrangement experience, all inspired by Zach’s wife, Aimee, who was a florist in her time.

iterations for poster

While archiving the 1880s construction plans of Colonial Park, archivist Zachary Michael came across a sketch of the words “The Commons Hotel” in an old envelope. After deliberation with his wife, Aimee, they pursued the three words as a passion project and built the renowned Commons Hotel. The Commons House of Assembly was colonial South Carolina’s dominant political institution, and the hotel’s name is an adaptive version of the word Commons, as it is a place for all people, not just the elite.

Locally sourced flowers upkept in the brightest corner of The Commons, emphasizing the need to bring the outside in.

To emphasize The Commons’ mission to be an inclusive place for all people, the glorious guest pool can be easily found upon entry into the jump lobby. Pool visitors that are not hotel guests can see the receptionist desk beneath the staircase for a day pass and enjoy the beauty of the pool’s pink shades and gorgeous arches. To maintain consistency, the space planning of the first floor has determined all physical activity to be adjacent, so any visitor— guest or not—can also visit The Commons’ up to date gym.

MAIN FLOORING SELECTIONS

MSI CALACATTA ADELLA TILEBAR LAPAZ POPPY ARMSTRONG TERRA SHAW LOCAL CARPET TURF PAVERS

LEVEL 2 LEGEND

RECEPTION

ZONES & CIRCULATION

EMPLOYEE SUPPORT

GUEST RESTROOMS

AZURE BAR

MAIN KITCHEN

FORTY OAKS’ GROCERY RESTAURANT

ZACH’S PRIVATE DINING

PATIO

5 AZURE BAR

The main F&B areas of the commons can all be found on the second floor, including a gorgeous lobby bar, an airy main restaurant, and a moody priavte dining room. As the hotel resides in a residential area, The Commons encourages all people to come experience all the tasty delicacies it has to offer. All F&B on floor two is open to the public to indulge in.

7 FORTY OAKS’ GROCERY

TEXTILE SELECTIONS

SHERWIN WILLIAMS INTIMATE WHITE

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SPINACH WHITE

SHERWIN WILLIAMS MOONMIST

SHERWIN WILLIAMS LOYAL BLUE

PHILLIP JEFFRIES JACK’S JUNGLE

LEVEL 3 LEGEND

THE COMMONS’ BLOSSOMS

ARCHIVIST COFFEE

Zach’s wife, Aimee, was a dedicated florist in her time. After deciding to pursue The Commons as a passion project, Zach wanted to create something in honor of his beautiful wife. He decided that he would create an in-house flower nursery, where Aimee could tend to the flowers and involve the hotel guests. Until today, any guest staying at The Commons is granted a complimentary floral arrangement course with the florist’s top secrets for success, housed in Aimee’s Assembly. Additionally, each guest is given a seed to plant in the central flower bed found in Blossom’s Abode, which also serves as a bench to ensure a picture worthy stay.

2 THE ATHENAEUM 3 AIMEE’S ASSEMBLY 5 BLOSSOM’S ABODE

It is a priority for guests to be offered options at The Commons. The third floor, which is also the mezzanine, serves as the experiential floor. In it, guests can find moments for socializing and moments for solitude— moments for prospect and moments for refuge. With the botanical theme at the center, the history of the hotel merges into an interactive concourse for its guests.

LEVELS 4-9 LEGEND

GUESTROOM ZONES

1 KING RESTROOM

Each guestroom is separated into zones determined by activity. Upon entry, each guest is greeted by a pink door that replicates the logo. A spacious bathroom is found adjacent to the door to maintain a division of acoustics. The bathrooms were inspired by the bodies of water surrounding the site, with a gorgeous blue backsplash to show the dimension of water and warm tiles mimicking the sand. The sleeping zone welcomes the guest to a plush bed, abstract nightstands and a large flat screen TV with built-in storage opportunities. Finally, the dressing zone is found in the back sliver of the room. With a bench that opens as storage, wood slats that go all the way up to hold jackets and purses, and a full-length mirror, guests won’t have to choose between a messy room and space to get dressed.

TILEBAR KOMOREBI PICKET

ASTER PORCELAIN TILE

FORMICA OILED WALNUT MOHAWK UT102095

PHILLIP JEFFRIES FLUENT FORMICA WHITE ONYX

1 KING GUEST ROOM

SLEEPING ZONE

DRESSING ZONE

BATHING ZONE ENTRY ZONE

Just a Moment is a communal intervention brand that focuses on creating equitable and resilient design experiences by utilizing recycled plastic. It investigates the needs of unhoused populations that factor in the effects of climate change and provides customized solutions. The brand name stems from the idea that it only takes a moment to be negatively affected by heat, to recycle, to lend a helping hand, and to make a difference. Just a Moment interventions are housed in public transportation infrastructure throughout the United States, such as New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C., which are hubs for all walks of life. Aditionally, many unhoused individuals seek the temporary respite of public transit, and Just a Moment interventions are designed with this in mind. The brand is intentionally playful, with saturated colors relaying an optimistic and uplifting message. It brings a stroke of liveliness to what can often be a bleak and monotone transit environment.

UNPRECEDENTED HEAT

Many environmental issues over the past few decades stem from climate change, and the unprecedented heat of 2023 has indicated serious trouble for the future. A lack of shelter comes with many risks, and extensisive exposure to heat worsens the matter. Unhoused individuals resort to circling malls, grocery stores, libraries, airports, and of course, subway stations for respite1

NEEDS OF THE UNHOUSED

When considering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Just a Moment falls in between levels one and two: Physiological and Safety. Physiological needs include food, water, shelter, sleep, clothing, and air. Safety needs include personal security, employment, resources, health, and property. Because Just a Moment does not fulfill either of those completely, but can be classified as a midpoint that provides temporary shelter, and safety2

A chronically unhoused individual has not had a stable home in over a year3. “Many have complex, long-term health issues and live on street, in parks, in cars, or in other places that are not suitable or safe for living.3”

Jack mainly needs shelter

A transitionally unhoused individual has been through a traumatic life event that has caused a temporary state of homelessness. They “...still have jobs, but cannot afford housing and other expenses.3” Bailey mainly needs third spaces.

A comfortably housed individual does not lack shelter or stability, but can help satisfy the needs of those who do. Just a Moment accounts for this and builds its retail model around the idea that luxury must fund necessity. Maxwell’s role is to help those in need.

MOMENTS OF INTERVENTION

DISCUSSION

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2

Collaboration with local designers and community stakeholders to discuss needs dependent upon region and demographics.

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4 5

Designs are produced based on discussions and necessary approvals are obtained for distribution and installation.

DESIGN COLLECTION

Plastic recycling is collected in transit installations and centralized collection locations using smart bins.

FABRICATION DISTRIBUTION

Designs and collected plastics are sent to eCollab08 for construction and fabrication.

Completed products are sent to their respective locations.

1. www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-a-warming-planet/what-a-heat-wave-does-to-yourbody.

2. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

3. rednoseday.org/news/what-are-four-types-homelessness.

AN EXPERIENTIAL INTERVENTION

Resilient design is an approach to strength and quality, specifically in terms of longevity 1. Resiliency is also the strength in the community that is rooted in the built environment 2, and Just a Moment encourages this through its branding, goals, and equity. Equitable design is the design for all; no biases and no discriminations. Just a Moment looks to achieve equity by eliminating costs for both the experience and recycling. Products and services are no longer considered luxurious when the hierarchy of resources that determines who gets to experience them is omitted.

EQUITABLE & RESILIENT EXPERIENCES

Third spaces can be defined as “in-between” spaces that are not an occupation or a home 3. More often than not, unhoused individuals utilize subway stations as their third spaces. Just a Moment decided to expand on preexisting infrastructure and offer welcoming, comfortable experiences for those in need. In effort to create an equitable experience for all, Just a Moment will wrap both the interior and exterior of subway cars for promotion and experience. Unhoused communities do not have the means to afford design experiences, and making them accessible without any additional costs.

A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION

To combat unprecedented heat, Just a Moment works hand in hand with Ecollab08, a plastic recycling company based in Bali, Indonesia, to create shade structures for the unhoused. They are a third party collaborator, and play a critical role in JAM’s retail cycle. Ecollab08 is responsible for the fabrication of various elements including recycling bins and shade structures, which are composed of recycled consumer plastic.

1. www.leoadaly.com/perspectives/resilient-design-what-is-resilience/

2. www.resilientdesign.org/resilient-design-strategies/

3. https://www.gdg-architects.com/insights/thought-leadership/third-space-design/

Using the collected plastics, ëCollabo8 will fabricate three products: shade structures, charging benches, and luxury home items. The shades will be placed in centralized locations based on community discussions, the benches will be placed both inside the subway station and in centralized locations, and the luxury home items will be distributed and sold through the Museum of Modern Art’s online store website. This will ensure that luxury funds necessity. Those in financial positions can help raise awareness and sipport those in need of shelter.

WRAPPING OF SUBWAY CARS

Experiential element to create a visually appealing and unconventional way of branding, as well as an equitable design experience for all.

SMART RECYCLING BINS MADE BY ECOLLAB08

Placed in subway stations and centralized urban locations for plastic collection, and will eventually be sent to Ecollab08 HQ.

SHADE STRUCTURES MADE BY ECOLLAB08

Placed in locations determined by community stakeholders based on statistics of unhoused populations in that city.

VINYL

NEXT is a renowned Robotics company with a new Research and Development Hub being added to the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. The company is focused on obtaining and maintaining collaborative and stimulating spaces that encourage creativity and productivity. A component of their field of work is creating assistive technology for the public, including smart speakers, hearing aids, automated devices, and more. With a little more than 12,000SF in the project scope, the design team is tasked with designing a small portion of the 5th floor and majority of the 6th. Ranging from team meeting spaces to offices to mother’s rooms, NEXT’s new offices will be the ultimate corporate office experience for all employees.

the brand boston, ma

historic intelligent colonial intergenerational innovative architectural renowned hub logo progression

As bricks are foundational to the colonial ambiance of Boston, NEXT is foundational to the world of robotics. Melting the two together through observing the cobblestone paths, bricks, and keystones of the city resulted in a beautiful arch with an arrow serving as the focal point of the logo. The arrow signifies forward thinking in using history in the present for an innovative future. Drawing from the rich colors of the colonial city, the new NEXT Research and Design Hub is dressed in deep, yet simple, blues, greens, and terracottas.

Makes

Phillip Jeffries Nod to Mod Wallcovering

Sherwin Williams 2863 Powder Blue

Sherwin Williams 6519 Hinting Blue

team spaces

89% 89%

Of employees feel better in successful coworking environments.

A recent study showed that employees in corporate settings are more likely to feel better in collaborative modes of work than isolated ones. NEXT prioritizes successful commmunication in professional relationships, and Steelcase furniture provides a means to do so.

Shaw Contract Belief Ecoworx Carpet Tile

Sherwin Williams 2811 Rookwood Blue Green

Sherwin Williams

Blue

Shaw Contract Spark Carpet Tile

Nantucket Hexagon Porcelain Tile

Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams

Encompass is a multifunctional chair that provides a means of escape and security while offering a plethora of options for comfort and stress alleviation. Intended for children, the chair is scaled to fit a 5 - 10 year old with ample amounts of space for individual preference. Encompass offers a respite within large public spaces, investigating both prospect and refuge. Ideal locations include libraries, daycare centers, and private education classrooms.

The piece was created in response to the 2023 Formica Form Student Competition, which challenged students to create a furniture piece that embodied maximalism in their own interpretation. Encompass views maximalism through options—the more functions the piece has, the more usage it will receive, therefore making it maximal in comparison to a typical chair. Encompass also looks at maximalism through depth of thought as it considers a multitude of intangibles such as stress relief, psychology, attention spans, productivity, neurodiversity, and much more. With a minimum requirement of three Formica or FENIX products, one being a SurfaceSet 2022 product, Encompass surpassed the following and utilized five products total.

STEP ONE

Release table leg by pushing.

STEP TWO

Pull table down using notch behind leg.

STEP THREE

Secure the table by clicking it into the notch.

The first mode of Encompass is to sit, which encourages attention and productivity. The table leg will release upon pushing, and will be secured in the seat base. The far end of the table includes a cup holder for convenience and mess prevention. Once the child’s working time has concluded, they will simply fold the table back inwards, and push the radial leg into its starting position. The second mode is to recline, which encourages relaxation and calmness. The rocking base allows children to utilize movement as an alleviator or an entertainer. The small drawer at the base can store a weighted blanket-a researched method of relief for kids with autism, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia among others. Whether the child decides to lounge with a book or take a nap with the blanket, they will have the ability to adjust the illuminance of the chair’s interior.

360° ROCKING BASE SEAMLESS DRAWER CIRCADIAN LIGHTING