Kowalski’s Markets, Minneapolis, MN - Bakery team member
September 2019 - August 2021
NEXT
Third Year Final Project Fall,2024
Individual
For Steel Case's NEXT project, we were tasked with designing an office space. The overall goal was to create a hybrid work environment with an integration of advanced technology that improves employee well-being, experience, engagement, and collaboration.
Site - 811 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Concept: Human Essence
Human essence emotional depth, creativity, relationship self-awareness shapes how we connect and grow. The NEXT office embraces these qualities, fostering creativity and connection through organic forms, natural materials, and warm lighting. Open layouts encourage spontaneity, while intimate zones support reflection. Subtle artistic nods to life’s cycles reinforce authenticity, spaces for expression, and human-centered technology that enhance interactio design embodies “Being More Human,” grounding peop space where creativity and relationships thrive naturally.
Organizational Goals
Hybrid work environment where “NEXTers” are in the office about 4 days a week
Integration of advanced technology Improve employee wellbeing, experience, engagement and collaboration
Encourage collaboration and crossgenerational mentoring
Design spotlight
The monumental staircase serves as the heart of the design, combining functionality and community. With integrated amphitheater seating, it creates a central gathering space where the entire office can come together. When not used for meetings, the staircase transforms into a versatile zone for work or informal interactions, fostering connection and collaboration in a dynamic, open environment.
Materiality
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 1. 10. 12. 11. 13. WORK CAFE LOUNGE MEDIA DEPT. PRODUCTION AND OPPERATIONS DEPT.
DIR. PRODUCTIONS AND OPPERATIONS PHONE BOOTHS HUDDLE ROOMS RECEPTION LACTATION ROOM WELLNESS ROOM
TEAM MEETING ROOMS PRODUCTION AND RESOURCE CENTER
DIGITAL MARKETING
DEPT.
DIR. DIGITAL
CREATIVE
Workstations
Private Offices
The custom acoustic ceiling panel with LED strips enhances the workstations with a fluid, unifying design that symbolizes human essence.
Emphasizing comfort and collaboration, two cozy lounge areas provide inviting spaces for employees to relax, recharge, and engage with one another.
Offering different distinct layouts for private offices reflects NEXT’s commitment to being more human, creating a workplace where employees can choose how and where they work.
Reception
The custom reception desk serves as the focal point of the entry, designed to reflect NEXT’s creative identity while offering a seamless blend of form and function. The curved desk with soft green textures and integrated lighting creates an inviting space, while vertical wood paneling extends into the ceiling, reinforcing the brand identity. Soft tones and rich textures complete a cozy, creative, and human-centered atmosphere.
Work Cafe
The work cafe is a large part of the NEXT office and its hybrid work style. Providing many different seating options where NEXT employees can socialize or get some work done was an important factor in designing this space.
Lounge
An inviting seating area designed to evoke the warmth of a living room while celebrating Chicago's rich history, featuring a record player and curated books on Chicago's past. This space fosters meaningful connections, encouraging people to bond over their shared history.
The Weave
Third year Two week project Fall, 2024
Created for the IDEC competition
Collaborators - Taylor Chiapelli, Amelia Troyer, and Jennifer Bhar
For the IDEC project we were given two weeks to create a multigenerational community space specifically for children and adults over 55. With a focus on providing a multi use space that can accommodate many different activities and encourage intimate interactions and deep connections.
Site - The High line in New York, Above 23rd street
Concept: Interwoven generations
Woven textiles combine colors, threads, and textures to form cohesive and striking art pieces. Similarly, this intergenerational space embodies the strength and unity found in the interaction between generations through creative expression. Just as textiles merge diverse threads into a unified design, this space integrates various elements of shape and color to symbolize the unique contributions of each age group, such as wisdom, playfulness, and creativity. This inclusive space balances artistic beauty with the tranquility needed amidst the bustling life of modern New York City achieved through thoughtful design and cultural vibrancy.
Narrative :
WEAThe
THEHIGHLINE
The Weave is a thoughtfully designed space in New York City that creates a calming escape while encouraging intergenerationa connections between individuals aged 6-20 and 55+. Through featu like an art walk showcasing local art, varied floor colors that guide intersecting paths, and flexible, movable furniture, the space promotes interaction, creativity, and community. It includes cozy areas for small group interactions and larger, open spaces for collective engagement. In response to the growing older population and the lack of intergenerational support, The Weave provides a vital refuge that fosters inclusivity, encourages meaningful exchanges, and strengthens connections between generations in the heart of a bustling city
Outside View
Floor colors guide circulation paths
ADA Restroom
Flexible Space
FLOOR PLAN (750 SF)
Biophilic elements guide people around building
Entrance
Art Walk
Small Gathering Space
Stainedglass windows
ADA Restroom
Overlooking cityscape
Concrete Material continued from Highline path to space - no ramp needed for accessibility
Isometric View
Front Elevation
Live/Work
Second Year project Spring 2024
Individual
For the Live/Work project, we were tasked with creating a residential space for a small family connected to a retail space for a Potter to make and sell their work, with an emphasis on client and concept.
Site - 221 E Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Concept: Turbulent tranquillity
Exploring the intersection of bustling city streets with the serenity of nature. The Wilsons loved the feel of big city life that New York provided and want to incorporate the vibrancy and excitement seamlessly into their space while also preserving elements of calm and tranquility. The juxtaposition of these two ideas will create a lively living space.
Client:
Noah Wilson, a sustainability leader at New Belgium Brewing, values sustainability in his family’s new home. Originally from New York, they moved to Fort Collins for better access to the mountains and his job. He enjoys biking, hiking, and hosting parties, seeking space to entertain. His wife, Meadow, a ceramic artist, wants a functional, nature-inspired pottery studio. Their son, Branch, an 11-year-old passionate about the cello and school musicals, hopes for large spaces to practice and enjoy outdoor activities with his family
Pottery studio:
This ceramic studio combines function and aesthetics, featuring designated work zones, warm tones, and a vibrant tiled feature wall. With pottery wheels, a kiln, and open shelving for display, it fosters both creativity and community.
Living Room:
This living room embodies "Turbulent Tranquility, " blending urban vibrancy with natural calm through exposed brick, dark blue accents, soft lighting, and greenery. Designed for the Wilson family, it balances artistry, music, and sustainability in a warm, inviting space perfect for relaxation and hosting.
Pottery Studio
Living Room
The Mill City Commons
Second Year Final project Spring, 2024
For this community center project we were tasked with creating a multi generational space, with a focus on the arts. I chose to focus on sewing. I felt this was something that young and old generations could connect on.
Site - Minneapolis, MN
Concept: Interwoven Horizons
Interwoven Horizons is a concept inspired by the blend of nature's landscapes and different generations. Using earth tones and organic materials to weave different elements, the space tells a story that invites visitors to explore their connection with each other. A sense of community and togetherness is a very large part of the culture in Minneapolis, especially between the older and younger generations.
Floor Plan:
Floor pattern - The floor decal is designed like a sun with rays extending outward. It acts as a focal point, guiding movement and adding warmth to the space.
Materiality - The design blends polished concrete and soft carpeting. Wood and metal desks contrast with plush lounge seating, while a neutral palette of grays, beiges, and soft blues adds warmth.
Level 1 Floor plan
The building itself blends tradition and modern creativity through Flowing rooflines that mimic fabric and a circular window that symbolizes connection. With open studios, communal spaces, and natural light, it fosters learning, collaboration, and sustainability in a vibrant, interwoven community.
