Growing up in a town rich with culture and diversity, I was exposed to many different stylistic approaches in term of design Knowing I wanted to be part of the creative world, I found my favorite and most sucessful outlet was interior design. My journey to this realization started in high school, through my CAD classes where I was first introduced to the world of competurized design. Around this time I was also involved in my childhood home renovation where I fell in love with the customization of spaces and the ability to manipulate the space to meet individual needs and solve problems. This in combination to my own experiences with design through my extensive travel opportunities helped me to realize my passion. Now during my years studying at West Virginia University, I am focusing my efforts to graduating with honors and furthuring my study into architecture with hopes of a future career in commercial design.
The Connors purchased a mixeduse property located at 68 N Main Street, Franklin, WV 26807 with the intentions of upgrading the apartment rentals, commercial spaces, and providing a communal courtyard. The Connors requested that we design a coworking space that will draw visitors and local citizens to the town of Franklin, Wv By designing a commercial space for a small cafe/bar, this will attract tourists who need a place to eat/drink while they visit A coworking space for local businesses/entrpreneurs to use and rent will compliment the cafe Since the courtyard will be communal, the business will have access during their business hours while the tenants can access it 24/7 Locating the café/bar closet to the street/parking is important to promote business The garage provides enough space and is adjacent to the courtyard for people to enjoy This modern industrial atmosphere is unlike any other establishment in Franklin The goal is to provide a place for people to gather while also feeling welcomed and this modern design accomplishes that
The coworking space is intended to be used by people who wish to work either privately or collaboratively in Franklin, West Virginia Monochromatic colors with dark accent colors provide a pleasant contrast for those working long hours Ambient led lighting is used throughout the space to provide task lighting for workers Porcelain tile is installed for the coworking space, receptionist area, and restroom so they can be easily cleaned and replaced as needed Commercial carpeting is installed in each private office, conference room, and hallway so that it wears evenly and matches our overall color palette Also, it provides acoustical properties that help reduce sound travel which minimizes disturbances Durable furniture with minimal maintenance was chosen since the client wishes to spend little time managing the coworking office The cubicle booths are also upholstered to prevent sound from traveling outside each booth
The courtyard is the centerpiece of it all Utilizing gabions which was also a chosen material by the clients, to match the elevation of the stage provides an aesthetically pleasing look The existing tenants are able to utilize the courtyard which is very important to the client as it promotes friendliness. With the help from our landscape architects, adding trees and grass compliments the beautiful surrounding scenery of Franklin and provides shade on sunny days The outdoor furniture and gaming tables are moveable and shared as well. Outdoor lighting is added so the tenants and visitors can stay past dark. The large folding glass doors open and close to cover the stage.
Our vision for the garage space included using the space to showcase and sell local artisan products as well as providing the town of Franklin a much needed coffee joint We wanted the entirety of the commercial business to be ADA accessible from the width of common egress paths to the bathroom and even the seating options. To solve the issue of elevation from the garage to the courtyard, we decided to include a LULA lift for wheel chair accessibility as well as excavating the courtyard ground level
As far as aesthetic goes for the space we wanted something that refelcted the nature loving population of franklin We also added modern touches like a living green wall as well as an ambient light living trellis to tranform the space into a place that would attract tourists We utilized the garage doors for light as well as being the main entry into the space and used the main entry area as the retail space to attract comsumer deeper into the space
A key component to the running of the restuarant will be the to go window ino the courtyard This window will allow business to continue into the courtyard if it is open for live music. Attached directly to the kitchen, workers can take and fullfill orders with out making the consumer leave the courtyard We also inclued a similar window from the kitchen to the coffee bar area, which will serve to increase ventilation in the kitchen as well as keep operations smooth
Following many years of various crises, from political instability, natural disasters, or poverty, many Haitians are fleeing their native country searching for asylum. Working with partners Julia Griffith and Kathleen McPherson, our design for the 2023 CIDA Student Design Competiton, focused on evidence based research of the Haitian culture to create a sustainable design for single family refuge pods located in Brazil The design competition called for the creation of a journey map or user story to connect to and explain the unique circumstances of the refugees being designed for As Haitian refugees are more able to leave as whole families, we decided to drive our design based on how a family would be able to create a home away from home Familiarity allows for the family to start regaining control of their lives again Our design features vibrant colors and expressive patterns to achieve this goal. Additionally, we made sure to develop the design with materials that are accessible in Rio de Janeiro This ensures that the design can be produced with ease The simple home still allows the family to have everything they need, with a master bedroom, kid’s bedroom, living room, and exterior kitchen Taking into account the culture of Haitians we included a private out door front deck that doubles as there kitchen housing a tradition wood burning stove, as well as a large field for their livestock
DThe structural design of the family pod was built with Brazils tropical climate in mind. The clerestory windows place stategicallicy across the building take advantage of east west winds for ventillation and sunlight through the home Louvered windows also allow control of sunlight and airflow while also being able to keep moisture out The concrete flooring used for the foundation of the pod works as a thermal mass which enables it to absorb and store heat during the day and release it during the colder nights The same thermal mass techinque can also be said of the brick used on the exterior facade of the pod The slant roof design takes into consideration the harshers environmental factors of the area like heavy rain while also being a tool to collect rainwater to be used for their live stock and farming In attempt to connect the the Haitian culture we designed our pods to be painted in the same bright colors as is common is many Haitian communities The range of colors help to personalize each pods and give each refugee family a sense of control over their new home The enclosed private patio supports Haitian culture, as it is common to be used as a kitchen and socializing area for the adults while the children play in the field in front The patio is also entirely shielded from sunlights using louvered blinds that also allow for ventillation and airflow As far as the interior design of the pod goes, the dressers in both bedroom and shared living room closet provide storage to accommodate the whole family and any belongings they have or will aquire The furinture and textiles are locally sourced or handmade and can be seen as a combination of both Haitian and Brazilian culture Details like utilizing shipping crates as the structure of some furniture is an example of the adaptive resuse theme were where hopinh to acomplish in the design
The clients Sara and Eric Henrickson are a middle aged married couple who can be described as very active and love the outdoors They are both avid kayakers and big readers who put together have quite an impressive collection of books The couple frequently entertains friends and family in their home with Eric having concerts for his band and Sara hosting girls weekends for her best friends Over the years living together, Sara and Eric have accumulated a lot of stuff, anything from outdoor hiking gear and large exercise equipment like an inversion table to instant pots and espresso machine accessories, which was making their exsisting home feel small and cluttered Another problem Sara had told us about was her elderly inlaws who frequently stay with them for long periods of time, that cannot travel up the stair to their guest bedroom and needed a fuctioning living space on the first floo along with that Eric had mentioned was that their exercise equipment was at the time sprawled about 4 different room across the houses so he had requested a centralize area for these machines and also an area for Saras yoga routine My design concept for the Henrickson’s house is loosely based off Darryl Carter’s style of New Traditional which I would describe as a blend of classical pieces with modern material and finishes to create a space that feels timeless and will age beautifully More importantly, my design of the house focuses on complimenting the couples everyday lives including their interests in frequently hosting their friends and family I accomplished this in my space planning of the house, where I was able provide the couple with all of their main wishes for the house In the design of the home, I wanted to be consistent across the rooms we have specified
Combining the new traditional with Sara and Eric’s personal preferences I was able to create a look which complements the existing feel of the home Using off white wall colors throughout the home brightens and makes the space feel bigger This also lets the classical furniture pieces stand out like color on a canvas Since most of the home is in neutral brown black and beige colors, I wanted to give variety in the pieces i chose to make each room feel interesting in its own way Mixing different classical styles together with the use of modern materials like a rough textured croc pillow or light linen drapes is the essence of the new traditional home I also wanted to bring in some of that outdoorsy natural feel, by including cow hide rugs, leather and paisley prints.
Entering the home, you would walk in their grand staircase and on one side the living room complete with a custom built in bookcase and nook under the window for reading. I also plan on building up the existing fireplace as a centerpiece for the living room with parisian style ornament using a modern limestone wash I also knew that a tv in the living room was important to the couple so on the opposite side of the wall a samsung frame tv, in a custom antique gold frame will sit on an easel surrounded by other gold framed artwork. I was also able to give Sara and Eric the perfect indoor entertainment area with space for eric and his band to play and the rest of the house can enjoy from the living room or from their backyard deck Complimenting stage lights hidden behind the supporting beams on the ceiling will bring it all together.
Across the room to the dinning hall I wanted to provide them a formal eating area to host dinner parties With space for 6, I designed the dining room with the new traditional style in mind. To furnish I added a gold chandelier, a Darryl Carter staple and classical embellishes dining chairs The dining table has gold ornament with fluted column legs
I design the morning room specifically with Sara morning routine in mind I wanted to give her a place to enjoy her morning coffee and a space for her dogs to enjoy while also be separated from the rest of the house while entertaining if needed
This sunroom has large windows spanning the 2 level wall on the south east side of the home. Complete with a coffee bar and a small liquor cabinet for the occasional glass of wine, the morning room is set with a game table a sette and two chairs to entertain in during her girls nights
Across the first floor is their guest bedroom which I doubled as the couple movie watching room Which they specifically asked for in the design of their home. This room has its own accessible full bath and stacked laundry which is necessary for the couples disable in laws who find it difficult to travel up the stairs. This laundry will also double as their outdoor gear laundry which they wanted to separate from their private laundry upstairs The room will be lit as if it were a movie theater with spotlighting and complimentary leds around the tv with a fantastic sound system to complete the look
Finally the last room on the main floor is the full gym in their existing garage which includes space for all their gym equipment like their inversion table and treadmill, as well as a free weight area and space for yoga This room has large windows which I wanted the equipment to face, so that they would not waste the beautiful view of their backyard Also on the first floor with rooms I did not specify, is the kitchen adjacent to the half bath and a dining room with access to the morning room. The existing kitchen is not suitable for Sara now because of how dark the deep set windows make it To allow more light to reach the entire space, I wanted to leave the walls bare with some open shelving rather then cabinets which further block the light. To replace the cabinet space I added additional storage under the staircase for occasionally used appliances which was another item Sara wanted in her new home. I also opened up the kitchen to the dining room which will have another window providing light across the room Upstairs the couple asked for two guest rooms as well as a study for Eric and a master bedroom and bath. In my design I created one guest room which will double as erics study and another guest room with access to the full laundry. The rooms are joined by a jack and jill bathroom only accessible to the two guest rooms. Lastly a small linen closet in the hallway of the upstair floor will give them more then enough storage upstairs.
In the main bedroom, that I did specify, I included two large closets for sara and eric as well as a master bath with a tub that has beautiful views of the front of the house and a full large standing shower and double vanity.
In the bedroom there is a large window looking into the sunroom from above as well as a view of the front of the house. This will provide them will more then enough natural light during the day.
I also wanted this window to be made of one way glass so that the room remains private to the couple since the window is very exposed
Part of the National Kitchen and Bath Associations 2022 Student Design Competition, the parameters of this design included meeting the clients needs and wants as well as following the existing structures restrictions The client, the Johnson family wanted their kitchen space to be mutifunctional and highly efficient, working to compliment the families busy schedules. As planned the space would be used as a kitchen, eating area, command center, bar and homework station, which meant there needed to be various seating arrangements and plenty of counterspace. The family also wanted the view from the existing windows in the space to better utilized for natural light as well as an important visual element in the kitchen My design concept for this kitchen required using the modern transitional style, which the rest of the house is designed in that I was able to portray in my material choices and overall feel of the space Elements like an exposed beam ceiling and unfinished stone walls create a rustic tone to an otherwise modern kitchen The use of arches throughout the structure of the home builds characters and brings a sense of hierarchy to important features of the kitchen The tone on tone color scheme of the space builds onto the modern contemporary look along with the modern plywood cabinetry and concrete countertops
Overall I was able to meet all the the clients wishes for their new kitchen while also creating a space that I feel like compliment the rest of the home
My space planning design for the kitchen started with the designation of a main working area and a separate seating area Moving across the kitchen starting at the entrance coming from the living room, you would walk into the main kitchen work triangle The kitchen includes a four burner stove top and hood range, as well as a double sink, dishwasher and large one door refridgerator As cooking is not important to this family I opted for smaller appliances to allow for more counter space Also in the kitchen area, a large rustic stone arch wall frames the rooms largest window doubling as an additional hidden storage space as well as an important design element Across from the arch is a small snack station with a microwave as well as a warming drawer and some counter space for preparation To the side sits a large double tall pantry for the familys various snacks a additional storage The family emphasised their love for take out food and quick snacks rather then having larger sit down dinners, so I decided to create a unique area for this kind of eating. Next to the pantry is an entry to the living room, then an entry to the mudroom. The unique space planning of this room takes advantage of the placement of these entries, utilizing the constant flow of people through this path by placing the homes commend center in the middle of it This ensures that all members of the family will have multiple opportunities throughout their day to pass and see important messages or check out the family calendar The command center also doubles as storage space for their kids homework supplies, and other items needed in the space
One important aspect of this kitchen is the drink station, which includes a bar for the father and a custom soda fountain for the kids Next to the main seating arrangement the drink station has its own work sink, dishwasher drawer, ice maker, two temperature wine fridge as well as the soda fountain I had decided to combine these two area since both would be able to benefit from being adjacent to another Depending on the families preferences this set up can be changed and arrange to better fit their needs Another large arch frames the bar as well as the shallow open shelving used for storage and decor Here we can better see the off white schmeared plaster texture of the walls in combination with the glossy rectangular black tile and concrete countertops
All of the appliances specified in this kitchen are by the Fisher & Paykle brand, which was another restriction for the competitions.
Included in my design are their Integrated Stainless Steel Dishwasher and Drawer, 36"
Classic Duel Fuel Range, 30" Stainless Steel
Integrated Column Bottom Mount
Refridgerator Freezer, 25" Beverage Chiller
Sink, 24" Convection Microwave Oven and 30"
Warming Drawer
Taking advantage of the view from the second arched window is the main seating arrangement as well as the two bar seats under the raised attached kitchen island The main seating area is positioned to have the benefit of the morning sunlight while also adding additional seating space if the kids bring home more friends
Directly in front of the drink station, the seating area is also secluded to one side of the kitchen away from the main work area and traffic route so that there would be no cross over if their is also people cooking in the kitchen
The design of the seating area also includes materials like rattan and soft linens to bring softness in juxtaposition to the hardness of material in the kitchen stape like concrete and stainless steel
This private residence was one of the first residential spaces I had the opportunity to design in my undergraduate career The space given was a blank canvas for students to practice developing their own style of design within the parameters of a real condo
My design concept began with creating a space plan for the loft which was functional and efficient for client. After space planning accordingly I wanted to have fun with my design since there wasn't any information on the clients tastes, only that she was young and loved lots of color I took this opportunity to express my own unique maximalistic style
My main goal in creating this loft was to be able to designate private and public areas to allow for the client to have her own space. By separating her bedroom, office and full bathroom onto the lofts second floor, I was able to utilize the entire first level as a functional communal space independent from the top
Derived from my first mock up of this loft, I worked to maintain features that I had received good feedback on like the layering of floor levels and their abstract shapes to differentiate spaces I had also changed the overall color and theme of the loft giving a more 60's inspired palette paired with modern shapes and textures
Starting on the first level, the entry opens into the kitchen and dining room on the left and living room and half bathroom on the right with the main entry storage straight ahead I planned to have the kitchen and dining room in the most open area of the loft because I felt it is where most of the socializing will be I placed the living room in the most enclosed area because it gave the space a feeling of intimacy and privacy
Up the spiral staircase it opens up into the bedroom, with an enclosed office space and a full bathroom Since the second space is separated from the public, I had decided to make her clothing storage openly displayed behind and to the side of her bed The bathroom has a circular floor plan and seafoam green opaque glass walls that allow some natural light to shine through to the bedroom without exposing the bathroom itself Her office is presented in the corner of the second floor in an abstract shape with colored glass acting as a wall to separate it from the bedroom.
The idea behind this project began with creating a museum in which the form of the structure resembled the art to be displayed. My partner Rachel Allen and I based our museum on ergonomics or the style of design which is built with the ideas of efficiency and comfort of the human body in mind To portray this idea within the structure of the building we wanted to make the shape of the interior walls resemble the flow of human traffic, with organic curves and nooks that groups people naturally occupy We also took into consideration the orientation of the building, placing large floor to ceiling window walls on the south west side of the building on all floors This allowed for the best utilization of natural light within the space and also contributes to the inclusion of ergonomics to the building structure Lastly to really push the idea of an ergonomically design building we created a centralized elevator system through all floors with a skylight at the top This glass elevator resembles the spine of a human body being the main support system of the building allowing information to travel up and down its core
Going deeper into the design of the building, it was important to us to use natural materials and a neutral color palette so that it would not clash with the actual art being displayed. We decided to bring this concept into the museums office spaces includings bolted metals and leathers which pair well with the modern contemporary build of the rest of the structure To top it off we also researched ergonomically designed office furniture and included that in the space as well.
The parameters of this project included a 2700 sq ft interior floor space between a 3 floor building not including the basement space The space planning of the musuem required a 300 sq ft entry area with a information kiosk and receptionist desk, a 450 sq ft minimum office suite with a directors office, reception, conference area and kichenette, a 300 sq ft multiuser public restroom, 400 sq ft retail shop and snack bar with mixed seating to acoomodate at least 15 patrons, 850 sq ft for the interactive exhibit and lastly 150 sq ft for storage. When planning our own design, my partner Rachel and I decided to place each space in a way that will follow the way guests will flow into the building and out Since the travel pattern begins and ends at the same entry we wanted the return to the first floor to feel purposeful and not coincidental. This is why we placed the retail shop and snack bar on the first floor as well, to hopefully catch guests on their way out. We also knew that we wanted to put the office at the furthest part of the museum from the entrance since it would be mainly used by employees This left the large multiuse bathroom to be place on the second floor between the exhibit space. This project also required that all public areas would be universally designed and to provide two means of egress per floor including a fire safety staircas These parameters helped me to practice the IBC 2018 and ADA codes especially in the space planning and stair cases
