interior arc H itecture + furniture design
Interior Architecture
1.1 Common Ground: Design Thesis
1.2 Ahearn Fieldhouse Renovation
1.3 Tentree Headquarters
2.1 Seating in the Meadow
2.2 Painter’s Collection
relevAnt experience
3.1 KCDC Westbottoms Revitalization
3.2 Pursuit of Fine Arts
Completed:
Time Span:
Typology:
Concept:
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
Year Long Residential Symbiosis
This historic warehouse has been renovated and revitalized to create an accessible and energetic residence, through the process of research, precedent, site and user analysis, and programmatic development, this site becomes a beacon of community and support suitable for nourishing the well-being and emotional needs of emerging adults, while taking into account a range
of spatial needs and considerations through evidence based design decisions.
Goals of the project include: Health & Well-being, Community & Socialization, Access to Amenities, Reduced Financial Impact, and Privacy & Security.
“Love is a positive, symbiotic, reciproca L f L ow between two or more entities.”
- Inga Musico
https://vimeo. com/942099153?share=copy
https://issuu.com/haleycombsdesigns/docs/ combs-finalbook_with_cover_-collective_living?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ
Understanding how we can successfully live as a group, no matter how large or small, requires a more evolved understanding of interpersonal relationships and interactions. This shared living relays on underlying networks and connections which allow for collective action. Oftentimes these relationships and links between individuals go unnoticed, though all separate parts have the ability to influence one another, and in turn enact change within the larger whole.
After exploring a range of concepts which center around this idea of living collectively, I settled upon ‘Symbiosis’. In its broadest and most literal definition, symbiosis simply means “life together”. This idea encapsulates all aspects of what it means to have a community and mutual support from those around you, creating a powerful whole. This broad concept was then further broken down in order to help inform later design decisions both programmatically and visually.
The process of this year long project included extensive research into the needs of emerging adults and their living conditions, as well as precedent research, site, demographics and climate analysis, program development, and full interior and exterior design development. To see the full process and research, or view a walkthrough video, see the above links.
symbiosis - conceptuA l b re A k D own o F e lements
giving or being a sign of future success;
conducive to success; favorable; given, felt, or done in return;
expressing mutual action or relationship. the state of being close to someone or something;
nearness in place or time, nearness in relationship;
Balance
Harmony
Contrast Movement
Rhythm
Repetition
Cluster
Centrality
Overlap
Parti Overlay Built vs. Open Space
Combined and simplified elements in plan
OPEN + ACTIVE
ENCLOSED + CALM
Taking the surrounding context into consideration, the existing site and facade has been redeveloped to draw in young adults by providing a series of easily accessible amenities. As users enter the site they are drawn towards and through energetic and colorful elements, transitioning from exterior to interior. These elements connect with interior spaces, allowing the building and site to be one.
Reception & Social Lounge
Collaborative Working
Custom Lounge Seating
The communal floor integrates a variety of active and social spaces, hoping to provide residents with a “third place” type of atmosphere. The design strives to energize and engage residents, encouraging them to interact with one another frequently, and establish connections for mutual support.
Game Room
Active Seating Area
Quiet Spaces
Temporary Seating
Residential Corridors + Biophilic Integration
Range of Layout Options
Creating a “modular” system
Full 2-bedroom Unit
The upper three levels of the building transition to a slightly calmer color palette, as well as into a calmer series of spatial typologies. These resident corridors and lounge areas allow users to establish more meaningful connections, as well as connect to the building outside their indvidual units. The design of these units allows for users to have an elements of choice and personalization,
while still remaining visually and materially connected to surrounding spaces. These units take advantage of usable space, including column depths creating various built-in storage components. Overall the building as a whole strives to find a balance between independence and mutual support, allowing users to interact in ways which suit them best, and assist their transition into adulthood.
Completed: Time Span:
Typology:
Concept: Fall 2023 | Group Full Semester Higher Education Locus
The hope for this project was to utilize the renovation of Ahearn Fieldhouse in order to create a student services center which is focused on supporting students’ overall health and wellbeing. The goal is to provide a centralized location for all academic and financial services, while also creating a new space to nourish and support them physically, mentally and socially. By creating a location which is inclusive, innovative and
welcoming, this new center can become a hub of student activity and support systems, which encourages all students to ask for help, form new social connections and develop healthy habits. In addition to these things, we hope to revitalize this historic location and repurpose it into a site which honors its significance and reflects the values of Manhattan and Kansas State University.
Working to fulfill our goals and objectives, the renovation of Ahearn Fieldhouse creates a refreshing and welcoming atmosphere as well as a feeling of comfort and safety as the building nestles into the site. With the main entry facing East towards Bosco Plaza, and the modern addition to the facade resting on the West, visitors are drawn into the revitalized site to make use of the exterior and interior spaces. The East entrance welcomes students and visitors the Fieldhouse Gallery and towards the general help desk, which allows users to easily navigate the rest of the building. At either end of the building, academic clusters are located closely to the entrances, providing those on campus with one-stop access to each service, as well as opportunities to gather and connect with others.
Fieldhouse History Gallery
“Locus”
The locus within the community commons acts as a source of activity and socialization which radiates throughout the surrounding spaces. The central space vertically penetrates the above floors, providing visual connections to the areas below. In correlation with our parti, the spaces which radiate around the locus become more private and less active. This energetic space is reflected on the exterior through the introduction of a more modern facade design, while still mainting elements of the historical structure.
The each floor of the building also integrates a range of additional amenities, such as yoga rooms, computers and printing, seating for alternative postures, as well as mental health, academic and financial services. Each level is also impacted by the “locus” below creating visual connections throughout the building and exposing the historic trusses which span throughout. The large event space on the thrid level highlights this structure as well as the grand cathedral-like glass block windows to the south.
Student Resources
Overall this project sought to create a centralized and inclusive environment for students to engage not only with the services they need academically and financially, but also connect with one another outside of the classroom. To see more of the project process and research please visit the full project book, and for a short walkthrough of major spaces feel free to watch the linked video.
Completed: Time Span:
Typology:
Concept: Summer 2022 8 weeks Workplace Ecosystem
TenTree is and online apparel company which was founded in Canada, with a focus and mission to create clothing which is comfortable, long-lasting and sustainably manufactured. They use eco-friendly materials, spread awareness about product care and environmental impacts, as well as partner with organizations across the globe to restore communities and natural habitats. This
corporation’s campaign began with a promise to plant 10 trees for every product manufactured, and to date have planted almost 80 million trees around the world. Tentree’s goals as a company revolve around making concious choices, finding balance and creating a harmonized ecosystem. In an ideal ecosystem, all parts are equally important in creating a healthy whole.
The concept of and ideal ecosystem takes inspiration from the tree itself, and its ability to care for and protect humans as long as we do the same for them. The goal for this design is to create a safe escape from the outside world, and a well balanced ecosystem which exists as it’s own world inside the existing building. In order to do this, a central atrium is created where vertical circulation resides, acting as the “trunk” or core of the space. The ground level represents the literal ground plane which is solid, massive, and constantly changing. And finally the mezzanine levels above represent the branches which create asymmetry and organically flow around the trunk.
On the first level, the ground plane grows around structure and spaces to provide niches of activity and function, while also creating a kind of comforting landscape. The furniture and planters reflect this same language, in order to contrast and emphasize the verticality of the structure.
Open Work + Collaboration
The second floor of TenTree’s headquarters is where a majority of workspaces reside. These workspaces vary in privacy as well as intended use whether that be open, collaborative spaces, or small conference spaces. In comparison to the massing and solidity of the ground level, the second floor is lighter, featuring stilted, suspended, and vertical elementsas well as furniture which is lifted and lighter in scale to reinforce the transition into the “branches” of the living building.
Entering the space where is is very solid and enclosed, then slowly releasing into an organic transitions through the space. The atrium becomes the central core which grounds, connects and supports all spaces adjacent. Moving vertically through the building it becomes quieter, more private as well as lightweight, creating a contrast to the liveliness below.
Atrium Lighting
Reception + Lounge
Throughout each level the vertical structure is emphasized by pulling ceiling plane away while also accenting it through light reveals. On the third level this comes to a culmination in a three story suspended lighting fixture as well as large illuminated pockets in the overhead space.
Technology Integration
Completed:
Time Span:
Typology:
Concept: Fall 2023 | Group Full Semester Outdoor Furniture Meadow
“The grass and roots within the Konza Prairie extend deep into the soil, forming an intricate network that helps stabilize the ecosystem and create detailed interdependent levels both above and below the soil.”
As a class we were asked to design and produce new seating elements to be installed on K-State’s campus meadow. The meadow is cared for and maintained by various Manhattan organizations, and in order to help promote it as an essential site on campus, we set out to design seating elements unique to the character of the meadow and its identity.
3 different sites were selected within the meadow, each being assigned a group who would be responsible for it’s analysis and the production of its seating elements. The design of the pieces for the central site conceptually draw from the thin and linear nature of natural grasses and their roots as they penetrate through soil and emerge above.
Site Plan
The central site of the meadow is relatively large and is meant to accomodate small group settings. This site rests in full shade for most of the day and needs to maintain clear circulation and accessibility through the middle.
In order to design for this site, our group has created a system of 3 different pieces, allowing for each to be moved independently. At the end of the project we were able to produce two of each variation to fill the site and allow for users’ flexibility and choice.
Each piece is weighted by a texturedconcrete mass, supported by steel vertical structure, and provides a softened wood touch point for each seat and back. Multiple small pieces within the site encourage and serve group settings as well as a comfortable atmosphere for individual use and peaceful reflection.
The process of this project included site and user analysis, as well as consistent interaction with the Meadow organization leaders to ensure the pieces met all necessary requirements and desires. In order to accurately create this system of pieces, detailed 3D modeling, plasma cutting, and custom CNC cut casting pieces were needed. A large focus of the project rested on the connection between materials, as well as learning how to work with concrete as a new medium.
The fabrication process focused on learning new techniques for bending metal, casting concrete, creating variation in textures, and refining metal-working and wood-working skills.
All pieces of each set were fully finished before metal elements were sent away to be powder-coated.
Once all pieces were finished, the class and volunteers helped to install each group’s work into their locations. Each group’s designs are connected through materiality choices, concept, and final color application to tie the whole site together. I am very priviledged to have worked on this project and have a personally legacy which will endure on campus after graduation. To see more of the project please see the link below.
https://issuu.com/haleycombsdesigns/docs/seating_in_the_meadow?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ
Full Meadow Project Book
Completed: Time Span:
Typology:
Concept: Fall 2022 9 weeks Workstation Form & Function store disPlay
Project goals:
1
work
2
3
At the start of this project we were asked to identify a personal hobby or passion from which we could draw inspiration. I chose to develop this collection of pieces based on my love of painting, using the supplies and habits used to inform design decisions. The three goals needed to be fulfilled by the final design included: a workspace/surface, storage for supplies, and display for supplies and/or products of the activity. Conceptually, form and dimension meet the needs of tools and supplies, while also visually taking inspiration from their form as well.
The process of this project included significant 3D modeling as well as CNC cutting in order to create more complex details. As the collection is completely made of wood, advanced joinery and connection systems were used to create seamless lines and unique angles. Custom drawer and easel elements were also designed to meet the function and storage needs of the project.
*This collection of pieces was selected for display within the student gallery in Seaton Hall after the completion of the semester.*
Completed:
Time Span:
Typology:
Spring 2023 | Group
Full Semester
Master Planning
During this project I was able to branch further outside my typically design content and scale, and explore the world of community planning. This unique experience offered me many insights into this realm of design and challenged me in many new ways. After the completion of the semester I also had the priviledge to help complete the yearly publication of this project which is linked below.
Full Book: The Westbottoms in Three Parts
https://issuu.com/kcdc/ docs/issue_upload_
In the 2022-23 Academic year, Kansas City Design Center Urban Design Studio produced a catalytic vision study for the West Bottoms in partnership with SomeraRoad development firm and Unified Government of Wyandotte County/ KCK Department of Planning and Urban Design. The primary objective of this project was to create a catalytic vision that would build upon the ongoing re-
development and infrastructure planning initiatives already undertaken by these two partner agencies. The goal was to integrate these efforts into a comprehensive urban design concept that could capitalize on their momentum and unlock their potential for broader impact and positive transformation. The project focused its attention on three specific project areas within the West Bottoms
the West Bottoms Warehouse District, the I-70 viaduct connecting the two downtown areas, and the West Bank of the Kansas River, stretching from Kaw Point to the I-670 viaduct. Simultaneously, while addressing the urban design of these specific areas, the project aimed to explore their potential as a framework for generating an interconnected transformative plan for the entire region.
The re-development aimed to rejuvenate the area by re-establishing its connections to its natural, cultural, and economic assets, all while preserving and enhancing its unique urban identity. The further hope of the design investigation is to promote the possibilities of innovative change within the community. 1-70 to KCK Junction Outdoor Development
Throughout my life I have had a passion for creating in all forms, from a young age investing in fine arts including sketching, painting, sculpting, and a range other art and design mediums. In recent years I have continued to pursue this passion alongside my design education, creating pieces for myself, friends and family. I have been given opportunities to design tattoos for close friends, create posters and signs for formal events, and even paint murals for my mom’s hospital Chirstmas party. This lifelong skill and hobby has been an asset and inspiration when learning to design on all scales.
AB o U t M e
I’m Haley, and I recently graduated from Kansas State University, after completing my Master’s Degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design. My lifelong passion for art and design led me to an education and career in Interior Architecture which has allowed me to pursue my interests and talents. As a student I have had experience doing projects involving interior architecture in a variety of typologies, structural design, landscape design, graphic design, as well as projects which focus furniture and lighting design. I am now looking for a full time position, to continue my design career, more about me, my project work, design process, and personal artistic journey can be found on my website.
I nterns HI p e X per I en C e
Summer 2023
POPULOUS
ed UCAt I on
2015-2019
LIBERTY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
High school Diploma 4.0 GPA
May 2024
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Interior Architecture
Spring Semester 2023
KANSAS CITY DESIGN CENTER
t
2019-2024
Dean’s List + Honor Roll
Fall 2022
Student Gallery Honorable Mention
2019-2022
Co-Ed Volleyball
Women’s Doubles 2021 Champions
p. 816.499.1525
e. hscmc264@ksu.edu
w. https://www.haleycombsdesign.myportfolio.com
e M ploYM ent
June 2022 - June 2024
Bourbon and Baker
Customer Service and Host
2020-2022
Research Typist Organization and Transcription
Summer 2019
Plant Essentials Associate Customer Service and Plant Care
2017-2019
Kohl’s Associate Customer Service and Inventory
Adobe Illustrator
Abode InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Bluescape
Grasshopper
SketchUp
Twinmotion person A l s KI lls
Sketching (analog and digital)
Rendering (analog/digital)
Prototyping
Furniture Fabrication
Graphic Communication
Illustration/Fine Arts
Collaboration
Organzation