Over time, I have developed a strong passion for design and caring for the environment, both of which have guided my studies and shaped my goals. Growing up in the Midwest, surrounded by the open landscapes of Kansas and Missouri, I grew to appreciate the close connection between natural spaces and human communities. This foundation, along with my education in Interior Architecture and environmental studies, has inspired me to create sustainable and meaningful spaces that support both the environment and the people who use them.
Within my undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas, I have completed coursework and projects that have expanded my knowledge of environmental justice and design. Some of these projects focus on helping local businesses and promoting sustainability, like preserving building exteriors and highlighting local art and vendors. This kind of hands-on work has shown me the importance of community-focused solutions to build resilience—an approach I hope to carry into my future career.
Outside of my studies, I’ve sought out experiences that connect design with making a positive impact on the community. From designing theater sets for non-profit projects to managing resources as a print lab monitor, I’ve built skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to using design to help others. Additionally, studying abroad in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal gave me a broader perspective, helping me understand different landscapes and cultural approaches to design.
My goal is to use design to make a positive difference, creating spaces that respect the environment and improve people’s lives. I am particularly interested in finding ways to connect urban areas with natural ecosystems, ensuring that communities—both in the Midwest and beyond—can thrive alongside nature.
In following this path, I hope to uphold the values of sustainability and fairness, working toward a future where thoughtful design supports resilience, equality, and beauty. I am eager to learn, collaborate, and grow as I pursue a career aligned with my values and aspirations.
HOPE CRANE
SUMMARY
Dedicated student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture at the University of Kansas, with a minor in environmental studies. Possesses a strive towards continued learning of software, design skills, and environmental knowledge, with a desire to develop a career through a Master of Architecture or Landscape Architecture.
EXPERIENCE
TEACHING ASSISTANT [Spring 2025]
Instruction and evaluation of student work for ARCH215: Professional Communications
hope.crane@ku.edu hopeacrane@gmail.com
636.591.4884 CONTACT
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS [Current]
Interior Architecture undergraduate 3.7 GPA
Seeking continued education
Seeking minor in environmental studies
EUREKA HIGH SCHOOL weighted 4.0 GPA
PROFICIENCIES
Photoshop
Illustrator
Indesign
Sketchup
Revit
Twinmotion
Enscape
Microsoft Office
AWARDS / ACTIVITIES
ASID Member
Donald Ewart Memorial Scholarship recipient
KU Honor Roll 2024
KU Honor Roll 2023
KU Panhellenic Scholar of the Month 2022
KU Honor Roll 2022
KU Honor Roll 2021
Scholar Athlete Award- NFHCA 2019
KU SCHOLARWORKS PUBLICATION [Forthcoming]
Performed group coursework providing community resilience research, threat and hazard assessments, and opportunity analysis for Overland Park, KS
KU IIDA EXECUTIVE BOARD [Current]
Student Chapter of International Interior Design Association [Public Relations, 4th Year Representative]
KU SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBER [Current]
Student representative on the Interior Architecture Professor of Practice Search Committee
INTERNSHIP | CANNON DESIGN [Summer-Fall 2024]
Gained experience assisting on projects, learning company-wide strategies, and collaborating in a firm environment
KU PRINT LAB MONITOR [Fall 2023- Spring 2024]
Maintain lab and printer equipment whilst assisting students and assessing inventory
ROCK CHALK REVUE SET DESIGN [Spring 2024]
Design and construction of a musical theatre set for a non-profit organization [Creative Director}
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM [Summer 2023] Spain, Morocco, Portugal
PRESIDENT BANNER COMMITTEE [2022-2023]
Created original banner designs for Kappa Alpha Theta while managing equipment and budgeting with the chapter
KAPPA ALPHA THETA [Ongoing]
Average of 10 service hours/ semester with the local community in Douglas County KS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HILLTOP: CHILD CENTER
Hilltop is an inclusive community where children learn from passionate professionals in a academically rich environment.
Design a new physical space or redesign an existing physical space as an architecture/design learning environment prototype to address and improve one or several mental and behavioral health issue(s) experienced by user(s). The space can be indoor, outdoor, or an integration of indoor and outdoor components with a maximum size of 500 SF. It can be any one type of formal or informal architecture/ design learning spaces occupied by human user(s) in Marvin Hall, Chalmers Hall, Malott Hall, Snow Hall, or Marvin Studios.
CONCEPT
Overall, The Lighthouse project is intended to be a beacon of hope for fostering connection among the KU ARC/D community, by battling student burnout, mental health crises, and late-night hours the majors carry through the introduction of tertiary space prototypes for campus buildings.
Marvin Hall is commonly refered to as “The Lighthouse” due to occupancy in late hours of the night from students working, as pictured above. As students, “we need to value ourselves more. Only then will the hours of work [we] put in become a sound investment in the future, rather than some kind of romanticized sacrifice for “the love of architecture.””
Source: https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/dear-architect-students-you-have-a-problem/ With increasing student population, expansion of ARC/D territory has reached across campus, causing a disconnect between 3 major buildings. This causes immense connectivity and resource divides and issues, especially amongst different program types (i.e. interior, exterior, and urban designers). This notion is shown in the diagram.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
““Learning spaces extend beyond classroom walls to every corner of the campus”-- This includes non-academic spaces like eateries, lounges, and study spaces, and so on. It could be argued that some students spend more time in these community spaces more than they do in the classroom. As a result, thoughtful consideration needs be dedicated to the planning of community spaces to provide the best resources for students.”
The idea of a third space, positioned between academic and professional domains, has proven useful in examining the evolving nature of higher education work.
Layout: Promote face to face communication, allow individuals to move about easily, unobstructed sightlines (e.g. two rows of students, small groups)
Furniture: Flexible seating, intentional use of furniture of different heights and shapes (e.g. fixed chairs that move, moveable tables, tablet chairs, wheels)
Acoustics: Sound zones support multiple simultaneous conversations
Lighting/color: Different lighting patterns to support different activities, using color to define different groups’ use of space
The pandemic has exacerbated a trend that was already in evidence: Searches for “burnout” began to rise around 2017, but since 2020 they’ve skyrocketed.
3 in 10 students experience severe psychological distress, and 2/3 of college students report feeling lonely.
This past year, the U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy declared an epidemic of loneliness among Americans and particularly among young people, who are experiencing heightened levels of social isolation and a lack of connection to their peers.
Three years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological distress among college students remains increased.
Increased stress is considered an important cause for lowered mental wellbeing, as persistent stress is associated with an increased risk of mental disorders, a deteriorated quality of life and a decrease in study success.
As a profession, we have become so normalized to the idea of architecture students working late into the night that we approach the subject with self-pitying, drywitted, unchanging resignation.
US students on architecture college courses put in more extra hours than those taking any other subject, a recent survey has found. Architecture majors put in an average of 22.2 hours a week of study outside their classes, according to Indiana University's National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) as reported by The Tab.
Address High- Impact Practices in a Campus Environment.
Layout: Learning spaces should be consistent with the university culture and be designed with future flexibility in mind, there should be an ease of transition between spaces- existing within a larger campus context
Paying homage to the Kansas Prairie Landscape, the design is aimed to be universal and androgenous amongst different cultures. By integrating themes of nature into the built environment, this theme provides a connection to stress-reducing stimuli, promoting a more relaxed and productive atmosphere.
LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
PROTOTYPE(S)
Goodee Eperara
Siapidara Set Of Six Pet Lamps
Made from 50% Recycled PET bottles, 50% Palm Tree Fibres
Designheure 5x5
Mozaik Panel
LED
With private rooms and comfortable
The way these areas were designed was intended to allow a wide range of support for all learning styles and personality types. While loneliness should be combatted by introducing spaces for collaboration and communication, burnout and anxiety provide reasons to introduce private and quiet areas on hand as well. These spaces are able to be plugged into the three existing ARC/D buildings on campus, with their modular unit design and flexible furniture/equipment solutions, to encourage the wellness of the program across the board.
Proposed Spaces in Marvin Hall (plan)
MARVIN HALL
THE LIGHTHOUSE
ADRESSING MENTAL WELLNESS IN KU ARC/D SPACES
The Lighthouse is a positive spin on the existing nickname for Marvin Hall. Existing previously a symbol of ARC/D students late night workloads and unchanging attitudes on the subject, it is clear that there is an idealized view of excessive hours for ARC/D majors. The Lighthouse should now reflect a beacon of inspiration, energy, creativity, and wellness to combat these negative connotations and give students the support they need as they endure the stressors of the profession.
Combatting the loneliness epidemic, which may be exacerbated by the division of ARC/D educational facilities across campus, the design aims to be a connecting hotspot to reduce social isolation. Fostering a connection amongst peers can be a tangible solution of reducing stress and increasing quality of life for students. It can also be a touchpoint for resources, such as food/drink, from some place other than the Chalmers Shop- especially for students that are in Mallott and may not want to take the hike up to Marvin.
Creative burnonut is more prevalent now than ever, and with current political, environmental, social, and economic issues in our modern world, there is a need for inspiration and hope that designers should embrace. The concept of the lighthouse includes various plays on lighting, with 3Form Shapes Alta, Designheure 5x5 Mozaik Panel, and Goodee’s PET lamps, highlighting concepts of form, light, and shadow. The lighting not only sparks creativity during the day, but illuminates the space at night for those late night hours- earning the name of the design.
Studies have shown that community/ “non-academic” spaces are utilized more often than their counterpart (Courtney A. Ellis, ScholarWorks). By enhancing these environments, The Lighthouse’s design has the potential for a broader impact amongst students.Engagement in these spaces is promoted by offering face to face communication layouts, allowing space for students to move about easily, and proper acoustic protection. Holding future flexibility in mind, most of the furniture is easily moveable/manipulatable. Accessibility guidelines are ensured with universal design practices in mind, and multiple behavior types are considered with private to public space options.
By sourcing color/ texture inspiration from Kansas Prairiescapes, as well as art displays from local KC artists and KU students, we can promote a sense of pride for our school, our people, and our environment. These choices can embrace a direct sense of comfort and calmness, especially during the hectic late-night work hours. Design choices highlight sustainability considerations through their materiality and multi-use functions, and have been chosen specifically to be used for years to come.
THE MOMO: ARTS CENTER
Advanced Interior Architecture Studio | Herminia Machry
GROUP PROJECT WITH JENIFFER GUTIERREZ AND GRACE BURTON PROGRAMS USED: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Revit, Twinmotion
DESCRIPTION
Exploring themes of historic rehabilitation, students took an existing building in the downtown area of the University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas), a historically art- rich area. Choosing what art type was to be on display, the studio made students question what local art really means to the community.
CONCEPT
The MOMO (Museum of Merging Originality) is a local art center that inhabits various art forms, fostering collaboration within the community. Aiming to preserve parts of the original building, the design is inspired by the historic downtown Lawrence scene by focusing on location and history. All creative minds are encouraged to converge and inspire in our curated lively environment.
Allow the existing sites story to be told through materiality and form
Bringing together regions from East Lawrence, KU Campus, Cultural Districts, and Old West Lawrence together
Offering a new set of exhibits/ classes, catering to all HISTORY
Although initially constructed in 1882, the property today physically reflects its long association with the Reuter Organ Company (originally the Wilder Brothers T-Shirt Company); thus, the period of significance, 1919-1971, spans from the year that company established their business at this location to the year the company moved a portion of their operations out of the buildings. Source: United States Department of the Interior. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. (2020). NPS Form 10-900. OMB No. 10240018.
ADAPTABLE
Support a variety of activities; galleries, classes, retail by creating movable and varied spaces.
BALANCE
Create public and intimate areas alike.
Allow spaces to be a hub for the community through circulation and zoning.
FISHBOWL
Create an innate intrigue into our space by allowing sight-lines to connect art-goers with the building.
LOCAL
Ensure key focuses on local artists in exhibits and classrooms, catering to the immediate Lawrence art group.
STORYTELLING
1
BUBBLE DIAGRAM
3
SITE PROGRAM
Utilize historic daylight factory in downtown Lawrence
2
Retrofit the spaces to support the interactive museum of art
FUNCTION
Add circulation tower to comply with building needs and codes
4
ACTIVATE
Maniplate landscape for a more inviting public view
BASEMENT LEVEL | MUSEUM
Mark Work Table by Neudoerfler Paint Table
BUZZISPACE Buzzistrip Acoustical Lighting Lounge Chair by Tom Dixon
Programmed by Grace Burton
HILLTOP: CHILD CENTER
SOLO PROJECT | PROGRAMS USED: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Revit, Twinmotion
DESCRIPTION
Hilltop is an inclusive community where children learn from passionate professionals in a academically rich environment.
Hilltop Child Care Center in Lawrence Kansas, we will re-design the interior in order to promote the health, safety, and wellness of the community.
CONCEPT
Foster a safe community that supports both children and adults alike. children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by including various play and learning areas. and imagination using stimulating colors and nature.
Interior Architecture Studio III | Mohammad Dastmalchi
ADJACENCY MATRIX
PROGRAMMING
Wings are grouped for ease of transition amongst children. Main area secured by viewpoints from the lobby at all times. Lockable entrances and corridors ensure safety. Zoning allows for acoustical distribution for ASD considerations.
SUNLIGHT STUDY
tmc kids tree canopy
lumenwerx pivot- globe, meets well for light and well for mind wac recessed lighting- led, energy star certified west elm tala pendant, led dimmable butterfly chantal thomas lightled
kanopi school zone fine fissured (acoustic) 0.7 nrc, class a fire rating gotessons sound off cloud ecosund® led lighting, dimmable, acoustical
Not to scale
Biomimicry elements assist mental wellness concepts. A whimsical entrance to school ensures childrens excitement for learning and growth, fostering a comfortable environment as they leave their parents for the day. Recognizable symbols enhance ideas of Montessori learning.
FIRST FLOOR
Goals for the space include: the concept of learn + play: achieved by including indoor and outdoor play spaces. The center should be academically rich: by including solo and group work areas for children. It should also ensure a comfortable environment: with the use of ergonomic/ childrens sized furniture and acoustical protection against overstimulation. Finally, the space should support both children and teachers by emphasizing natural elements for wellness, and creating sensory spaces.
OFF HOURS
DESCRIPTION
Using artistic expression to further develop and express architectural ideas and knowledge. Continuously practicing and noticing forms, texture, light, shadow, color, and contrast and replicating them by hand in order to understand what makes a space, a space.
CONCEPT
To continue developing hand rendering, being able to communicate effectively with non- design/ architecturally oriented people, and to add a personal creative touch to every project.
Pictured to the right: Landscape Hand Render of Family House
ROCK CHALK REVUE SET DESIGN BUILD
Rock Chalk Revue | Spring 2024 | Designed and built with Molly Bruns
CONCEPT SNIPITS
Set intent was to be modular, moveable, and interchangeable between two sceneries: a sound stage in a “mansion” style venue, and an awards ceremony in Hollywood. Character ideation revolved around movie star, director, and ensemble genres that were intended to show a “Gatsby” style vision in each. Overall, within the budgeting and time frames, Molly Bruns (set engineer) and were able to rent scaffolding to eliminate excess waste, promoting sustainable values for the show.
PHOTOS
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS FACULTY STORAGE DESIGN BUILD
IA 522 | Spring 2024 | Furniture Studio | Ann Hossler
Architectural storage needed a re-vamp within the University Architecture and Design building. Upon survey, we concluded that needs for the unit included storage for material boards on display, Storage for models on display, Storage for posters, and room for kitchenette utensils, as this is located within an office space.The design was driven to be modular, because of the unknown dimensions of future projects. Open shelving and desk space supported both kitchenette and model storage desires. Materiality was changed, developed, and built using repurposed materials.
CONCEPT SKETCHES
DIMENSIONS
Repurposed
YOUR TIME IS APPRECIATED
I am so grateful for you to have looked through my work, and I hope that the future holds endless growth in development of my environmental and design skills. I hope this culmination of work has reflected my values of ecological and human wellness.
