Isabel Davern Interior Architecture Portfolio

isabel davern interior architecture portfolio student work • 2017 2021 endicott college • BFA interior design

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.04 .16 .24 commercial

residential

creative

mixed use

autism design

fabric design

healthcare

aging-in-place

revit redo

hospitality

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hand rendering digital illustrations

icons a tool to communicate the depth of a design.

At Endicott, Interior Architecture students are taught to design their spaces with a multitude of considerations in mind. Designers use these icons to keep track of these goals. The icons denote which design considerations are present in each image. While they cannot communicate the full depth of the specific design idea present in each instance, they do serve as a tool to visually communicate the depth of the designs and to spark conversation about specific details of my work.

general universal design Designing environments that can be used to the greatest possible extent by all people regardless of age, size, or ability.

biophilia + sustainability

color theory Colors have determined psychological effects and therefore can be used to facilitate certain moods and communicate the intention of the space.

wayfinding Design that helps the user orient themselves within the environment and navigate through the space with clarity and ease.

project-specific concept-based design Each project is guided by a concept chosen at the start of the project. My concepts are often metaphorical + inspired by nature and the local vernacular.

design for autism Design tactics to improve the experience of autistic users, including sensory limitation, control over the space, and increased safety + robustness.

design for alzheimer’s + dementia Design to accommodate for the specific needs of those who suffer from memory loss, namely to help with orientation, routine, quality of life, and ease of use.

Biophilic design imitates or emulates nature in its appearance or function to

healthcare design

connect users to nature. Sustainable design considers the materials, systems,

Design intended to facilitate the function of healthcare environments, including

waste, and energy that go into the design to reduce negative environmental impact.

improving the experience of both patients and staff.

prospect + refuge

aging-in-place

Supporting the basic human need of feeling secure by including spaces for users to

Design of residences for adults and the elderly that anticipate the

observe the entire space (prospect) and to withdraw from it (refuge).

needs of the user as they age.

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commercial r.a.i.n.b.o. center for autism semester: Spring 2021

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stacking diagram

illustrates the color designations of each space and how the

programs: Revit, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator

various zones of the space connect to each other.

A personal connection to a project from freshman year for

used to identify autism is poor social skills. While boys with

a young boy with autism led me to explore design for autism

autism often exhibit poor social skills, most girls with autism

further in my thesis project. After diving further into the research,

don’t. This means that girls with autism are getting misdiagnosed

it became clear there was a need for support specifically for

or not diagnosed at all. My research revealed other ways in

women with autism. It’s long been thought that men are four

which autistic young autistic women are vulnerable- higher

times as likely to have autism compared to women. Therefore,

rates of both mental and physical health problems, lack of

most research on autism has been done on men with autism

social activity and friendships, higher rates of unemployment,

almost exclusively. Emerging research on women with autism

and lack of options for daily activities after high school ends.

has revealed significant differences in the brain structures of

The solution is my thesis project, r.a.i.n.b.o., which stands

men and women with autism. Men with autism have a greater

for Readying Autistic Individuals for the Next Big Opportunity.

imbalance in the brain region responsible for social behavior

It is a program for young autistic women ages 18 to 23 and it

and cognition. This could either mean women are innately more

is intended to act as a college-adjacent program for after

neurotypical in their social abilities, or that they have an extreme

they graduate high school. In addition to offering traditional

ability to portray themselves as social. Many theorize that it’s

subjects in the for of specialized higher education classes,

the latter. In fact, this extreme ability to learn and mimic the

the program will also offer life skills courses and supportive

social behaviors of others is known colloquially as masking in

and independent living programs. R.a.i.n.b.o includes a health

the autistic community. Here’s the problem: one key symptom

center, a café, classrooms, a performance space, a community room, and apartments. Through these programmatic elements

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.02

view of lobby + reception

and evidence-based design strategies for autism, the design

features acoustically absorbing

of the r.a.i.n.b.o center supports young women with autism

materials and color coding to help

in their journey towards independent living and adult life.

with navigating through the space.

concept a long-standing symbol for hope and acceptance, a rainbow encourages people to love and accept every color on the spectrum. likewise, the center will support users of all abilities and neurological differences. the rainbow in other contexts symbolizes a bridge. a bridge is a mechanism that leads from one point to another. in this way, the rainbow can represent the transition autistics experience from adolescence to adulthood.

ENCLOSED SPACES CURVILINEAR LINES

PROTECTIVE

SMALLER ZONES

UNIFYING GRADUAL

CONNECTIVE

A JOURNEY

schematic design L3

living room

bed-

dining

L3

bed-

residential

miscellaneous

public use

bed-

bed-

public

kitchen

bed-

semi-private bed-

private

laundry

staff bedroom

ADA bedroom

stairs sensory room

cafe with kitchenette

bed-

lobby with reception desk

kitchen

stairs

living room

dining

utilities

living room

laundry

dining

dining

bed-

bedroom

bed-

sensory room

kitchen

living room

study lounge

L2

staff bed-

bed-

staff bed-

bed-

ADA bedroom

bed-

bed-

L2

bedroom

residential

miscellaneous

public use

public

kitchen

bedroom

semi-private bedroom

private

laundry

staff bedroom

ADA bedroom

stairs sensory room

cafe with kitchenette

bed-

lobby with reception desk

bed-

bed-

sensory room

utilities

stairs

living room

laundry

dining

dining

bed-

bed-

kitchen

kitchen living room

work cafe

L1

staff bed-

bed-

bed-

staff bed-

ADA bedroom

bed-

healthcare

fitness center

bed-

public use

educational

miscellaneous

L1

public private

storage

may create noise

doctors’ offices

needs quiet

stairs

public bathrooms

therapists’ offices sensory room

life skills classrooms storage

lobby with reception desk

cafe with kitchenette

storage

mail room

elev.

performance space

entry

stairs storage

staff

community room

sensory room

secondary education classrooms

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view of classroom + entry Colors, visual landmarks, and clear visual + written signage helps users with autism orient themselves in the educational suite. Inside the classroom, acoustic panels block noise and create privacy between workstations, while interstitial blinds protect from glare and allow for control.

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view of study lounge the third floor of the central space features a private study lounge with varied levels of seating and soundproof glass to allow for observation of a more social space, the work café, below.

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level 1

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view of café

floor plan N

not to scale

level 3

floor plan - hypersensitive apartments not to scale

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.06 level 2

floor plan - hyposensitive apartments not to scale

view of bedroom This hyper-sensitive bedroom features a custom bed design that offers concealed storage and offers an enclosed space for refuge. Similarly, the desk is enclosed and faces allows for views out the window, which increases focus and attention in autistic users. A light switch, thermostat, and intercom are located at the entry, not visible from the bed or desk. The bathroom has several safety measures including a non-slip, continuous floor, a toilet with a concealed cistern, and a shower with no threshold and adjustable and fixed shower heads. The balcony connects

N

users to nature and facilitates routine.

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commercial eden healthcare center

long-term alzheimer’s + dementia unit

semester: Spring 2020 programs: Revit, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator For this project, students were asked to design a two-story community healthcare center with an emergency department,

schematic design

urgent care clinic, and some sort of specialized long-term rehabilitation center. The project was intended to meet the needs of not only patients and staff, but also visitors and family. As with most projects, students were required to be

emergency department

guided by research and a concept.

The biggest challenge for this project was space planning

urgent care clinic

as it involved extensive research into the necessary equipment and dimensions for the various rooms, effective

concept

emergency department and urgent care layouts, while

a tight footprint.

eden

healthcare center beverly, ma

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harmony

An ecosystem is an interconnected

maintaining six-foot hallways all within

texture

natural system in which organisms and the

balance

environment provide for and receive from

color

each other. similarly, in healthcare, there are services the staff need to provide for the patients and that the built environment needs to provide to the users. By modeling a system of give and take after nature, the design creates a balanced community.

variety movement

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view of emergency department The emergency department was designed around a central nurses’ station to allow for maximum visibility into patient rooms.

Colored markers next to all the doors help nurses quickly identify and communicate the status of patients in critical conditions.

view of urgent care treatment room

level 1

emergency department + urgent care clinic not to scale

The computer is on an axis so that it can be shown to the patient. This makes them feel more included, comfortable, and trusting of their caretaker. Images of the local waterway maps

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distract patients while laying down for procedures.

Wall coverings and art with natural influences were chosen to alleviate patients’ stress and nerves.

.03 view of alzheimer’s patient room This room was designed with a 1960s and 1970s influence to anticipate what will be familiar for the next generation of Alzheimer’s patients. Deep shelves allow patients to display personal items and memorabilia. Patients with Alzheimer’s benefit from being able to control their spaces. A bedside panel allows them to adjust the lights, music, blinds, and temperature from their bed.

.04 building section features the acute care trauma beds in the emergency department on the first floor and the Alzheimer’s patient rooms on the

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second floor.

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view of nurse touchdown station Allows staff to have an opportunity to pause and take notes

after visiting patient rooms, easily access medical equipment, and observe patients enjoying the central living room space.

level 2 long-term alzheimer’s + dementia unit not to scale

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view of central living room The open seating area allows for prospect and refuge, so patients can observe the room as a whole and participate how they’d like. In front of patient rooms are color-coded flooring elements to guide them toward their rooms. Outside their rooms are wall coverings that emulate local trees and match the color on the floor. Each room is named after local street names to help trigger memories and create landmarks to navigate around.

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commercial l’olivo youth hostel + restaurant semester: Fall 2019

concept The Italian culture and themes of tranquility and peace led me to choose an olive tree as my design concept. The

programs: Revit, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator

olive tree has been a staple plant of the Mediterranean region since antiquity. In ancient Greece and Rome, the olive tree

For this project, students were asked to redesign PLUS

symbolized peace and prosperity. An olive branch would often

youth hostel located in Florence, Italy. This hostel is a

be offered as a gesture of peace, especially at the end of war.

destination for the high volume of students and tourists that visit Florence each year. The design was intended to be a safe and relaxing space to combat the stress of traveling as a young adult. Research was completed on Florence, Italy so that the project reflected the local vernacular. Research on hospitality and restaurant design was also incorporated.

line of the branches proportion of the leaves

view of reception desk

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color of the olives

view of waiting area Existing columns were wrapped in a reclaimed

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wood material to emulate the concept and allow for better flexibility when designing around the columns.

texture of the bark

shape of the silhouette

elements + principles of design

movement of the trunk

space in the form

form of the fruit

schematic design needs close proximity path of travel

kitchen

reclaimed wood floors cyber cafe

entry private

spa

public

bedrooms

hostess

laundry reception bathrooms

garden

cyber cafe

restaurant

six person suite light wood floor bedrooms

cafeteria

light gray l.v.t entry, stairs, hallway

luggage

double suite

single suite

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jute rug bedrooms

view of cyber cafe

spa reclaimed wood columns

A place where young students can come to use the internet, grab a quick bite to eat or a coffee, and complete

laundry

reception

schoolwork or just relax and eat in a quiet area. The desks feature built-in power to reduce any risk of

public bathroom

tripping over cords.

level 1 floor plan

scale: 1/16” = 1’0”

cyber café entry

luggage storage

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.03

view of double bedroom The double bedroom features a curtain in between to increase privacy for guests who do not know each other.

Each bed is clearly labeled to avoid confusion.

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view of restaurant The design of the rooftop restaurant was meant to make users feel connected to the outdoors and feel as though they were underneath an olive tree. The unique flooring helps with way-finding and creates zones within the open, airy layout.

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view of single bedroom The rooms were inspired by the concept of the olive tree. The olive tree’s balance, line, texture, movement, space, and shape are all emulated through this relaxing and cozy bedroom design for one.

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view of rooftop garden

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The rooftop garden connects users to the food they are served and adds to the project’s sustainability in that it utilizes the rain water and sunlight the roof recieves naturally.

hexagon tile cafeteria area

kitchen patterned tile paths of travel

light wood bartop + hostess stand garden

concrete restaurant area

olive velvet booths hostess stand

hostess stand cafeteria restaurant

level 2 floor plan

scale: 1/16” = 1’0”

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residential single-family home for a child with autism semester: Spring 2018 programs: SketchUp, InDesign, Photoshop

concept

The challenge of this residential project was unique. Our

Just as a beehive provides shelter and safety to a colony of

task was to design a home for a couple who has a child with

bees, this home provides protection and comfort for its family.

autism. Research was conducted to produce an evidence-

A beehive is composed of groupings of hexagons, a shape

based design strategy to support the needs of the autistic

with strong geometry that provides privacy and safety while

child and their parents.

still remaining connected to the rest of the hive. the concept

The client was the Mullen family, a husband and wife and their five-year-old son Brooksie. Brooksie has been diagnosed with hypersensitve autism, meaning get gets overstimulated and overwhelmed easily. Therefore, the design had to limit sensory stimulation in relaxing spaces, while designating seperate spaces for stimulation and activity.

Since we were given a real client, we were able to design around the Brooksie’s specific interests. It is common for people with autism to have a number of specific itnerests that they hyper-fixate on. He loves music, singing, lollipops, popcorn, bubbles, school buses, trucks, and electronic devices. He gets triggered by bright colors, loud noises, bright

lights, and loud music. His favorite colors are red,

orange, and blue. All of this was

considered in the design of the home.

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was incorporated in the design to reflect the familial sense of togetherness of beehives.

schematic design

level 1

level 2

scale: 1/8” = 1’0”

scale: 1/8” = 1’0”

floor plan

floor plan

design for autism

concept-based design

universal design

design for autism

concept-based design

• 3-foot staircase

• Hexagon floor tiles

• Low-height microwave

• Bathroom-bedroom adjacency

• Hexagon shaped hide out

• Private reading nook

• Hexagon shaped rooms

• Soft-close drawers

• Personalized sensory room

• Hexagon shaped rooms

•. Non-slip flooring

• Angled corners

• 28” counter height

• Small hide out

• Hexagon furniture

• Rounded, upholstered furniture

• Spaces separate but connected

• Push-to-open cabinets

• Wide, short hallways

• Hexagon windows

• Hexagon backsplash

• 6’ turning radius

• Light blocking shades

• Connected hexagon rooms

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view of bedroom

Features dimming lights, remote-control shades, fixed furniture pieces, and a small. enclosed space to escape to.

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views of sensory room This is a space where Brooksie can engage in sensory stimulation. It is based on all his preferences along with the concept of a beehive.

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view of kitchen

Includes design features to make it easier for Brooksie to use as he gets older, including a low-height microwave, soft-close drawers, a 28” counter height, push-to-open cabinets, and 6’ turning radius all around.

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residential aging-in-place apartment for a retiring couple semester: Spring 2018 programs: SketchUp, InDesign, Photoshop The goal of this project was to design a comfortable space

easy to understand and use. It was also essential that these

for an older couple that included a master bedroom and

required little physical effort to employ. The space aimed to

bathroom, guest amenities, and a kitchen, dining, and living

use dimensions of doorways, rooms, and furniture that would

arrangement suitable for entertaining.

accommodate all bodies.

Students were required to following a historical style. For

Students were required to use aging-in-place design

concept

this project, Neoclassical style was assigned. Marble columns

strategies. The entryway is the most accessible route to

were implemented throughout the space to emulate the

enter the complex. There are no stairs included in the project.

exterior of a typical Neoclassical building. Crown molding and

Pocket doors replaced regular doors in order to minimize

chair rails were installed in rooms. Whites, creams, and grays

accidents caused by door swings and make it easier for them

revival of Classical Greek and Roman inspired design. The style features

were prominent in the color palette with touches of pale green,

to open and close doors in their old age. An adjustable bed

graceful forms with decorative ornamentation features, but it remains

blue, and yellow which is characteristic of neoclassical style.

was included to accommodate for the client’s possible need

grand and stately with the use of solid structures. A swan also embodies

Dark wood floors were used to mimic the use of dark wood

to access the bed from a wheelchair in the future.

these qualities, with their long

furniture during the period. Furniture used was of Neoclassical

Finally, the project needed to be sustainable. An underfloor

The Neoclassical Style embodies elegance and refinement through a

curving necks and wings

style. Textiles such as window treatments and tiles included

air distribution system was used to maximize efficiency.

decorated with beautiful

detailed motifs reminiscent of Neoclassical patterns.

Antique and vintage furniture was found, which both followed

white feathers all sitting on a

Neoclassical style and reduced new material consumption.

balanced, strong base. This

The non-slip flooring mentioned previously is also eco-friendly

design aims to reflect

in its materiality and production. The paint used was free of

Neoclassical style by taking

harmful chemicals and harsh VOCs. LED light sources with

inspiration from the classic

warm hues were used, which use energy more efficiently.

and majestic qualities of a swan.

Universal design was another consideration. Appliances such as sinks, refrigerators, and toilets had features that were

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schematic design

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views of living room

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view of kitchen

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view of office

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level 1 floor plan

scale: 1/4” = 1’0”

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view of bedroom

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creative custom fabric design semester: Fall 2018 programs: SketchUp, InDesign, Photoshop This project prompted students to create a custom fabric design for use in interiors using Adobe Illustrator. a pomegranate was chosen for inspiration as it is common to

colorways C M Y K

17 97 82 6

2 55 46 0

underripe 1 33 28 0

3 7 8 0

62 49 69 33

39 27 40 1

4 46 47 0

3 7 8 0

62 49 69 33

39 27 40 1

underripe

see pomegranates in the decoration of houses in Greece. gifts relating to pomegranates are often given to new homeowners as a housewarming gift. it is intended for a residential setting.

C M Y K

17 97 82 6

7 77 77 0

getting ripe C M Y K

17 97 82 6

16 98 94 4

10 73 56 0

3 7 8 0

62 49 69 33

39 27 40 1

13 77 52 1

3 7 8 0

62 49 69 33

39 27 40 1

getting ripe

almost ripe

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C M Y K

17 97 82 6

22 96 73 27

ripe almost ripe

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application: apron

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application: table runner

ripe

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creative revit redo semester: Fall 2018 programs: Revit, Photoshop Revit redo is a project that every Endicott College Interior Design student completes to learn Revit. the goal is to pick a photo from an existing project and recreate it using Revit. the project I chose was a multi-functional office building, B30, designed by KAAN architecten. illustrated view

floor plan not to scale

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original image

.02

original image

digital illustrations

hand-rendering

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cider hill advertisement Illustrator + PhotoShop

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velvet chair Colored pencil + pastel

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blackberry smoothie

Illustrator

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the birth of venus PhotoShop

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misselwood sitting room Graphite

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thank you! isabel davern endicott college • BFA interior design

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isabeldavern@gmail.com