ACADEMIC PORTFOLIO
JESSICA STEELE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
REVIT LUMION
ILLUSTRATOR PHOTOSHOP
01 03 02 04
SHARP CANCER CENTER
REVIT LUMION ILLUSTRATOR PHOTOSHOP
ADAPTIVE REUSE
REVIT LUMION
ILLUSTRATOR PHOTOSHOP
FREELANCE DESIGN PROJECT
REVIT LUMION
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROJECT NARRATIVE
For this academic project, I collaborated with a third-year architecture student who designed the building for a low-income development for Casa Familiar, a 501(c)(3), community-based organization dedicated to serving residents in South San Diego County. I developed a strong concept that aligned seamlessly with the building’s architectural language, ensuring a cohesive design approach. I focused on creating affordable, functional, and comfortable living spaces, optimizing common areas, and ensuring accessibility. The design included various unit types, each with efficient layouts and sustainable elements. Through detailed drawings and 3D renderings, we presented a cohesive and practical solution that met the community’s needs and enhanced residents’ quality of life.
BUILDING CONCEPT : GROWTH
The interior design concept for CO-RRALA aligns with the building’s theme of growth through the idea of Bloom. Reflecting a flower’s vibrant transformation, BLOOM is showcased in each unit with bursts of color inside cabinet doors and softer hues in the monochromatic bathrooms. The light, neutral palette is complemented by extensive wood use in flooring, cabinets, and dividing shelves, mirroring the exterior’s wooden scaffolding.
INTERIOR CONCEPT : BLOOM
1BD
ARCHITECT:
RENDERINGS
SHARP CANCER CENTER
PROJECT NARRATIVE
This project redesigned the infusion bay areas at Sharp Cancer Center in Chula Vista, California, focusing on space optimization and healthcare materiality within strict building codes. A specified program was provided, requiring adherence to given square footages. The new layout improved flow and accessibility, established distinct zones for patient treatment, staff workstations, and support spaces, and emphasized hygienic, durable materials. Each infusion bay was designed for comfort and privacy, incorporating natural light and ergonomic furniture. The redesign aimed to create a safe, comfortable environment for chemotherapy treatments, balancing functionality with thoughtful material choices.
The interior design for the cancer treatment center aimed to make patients feel welcomed and calmed. Warm, neutral colors and extensive wood finishes created a homely atmosphere, enhanced by green accents. Large windows provided natural light, while quartz counter tops, solid surfaces in the waiting room, vinyl seating in the treatment bays, antimicrobial fabrics, and sealed wood finishes ensured cleanliness. Overall, the design offered a peaceful, comfortable, and hygienic environment where patients felt well cared for during treatment.
FLOOR PLAN
FLOOR PLAN & FINISHES
ADAPTIVE REUSE
PROJECT NARRATIVE
This is my thesis project that involved the adaptive reuse of a vacant office building in downtown San Diego, transforming it into modern single-family homes to address the city’s housing shortage and setting a precedent for the future of adaptive reuse. The initiative aims to revitalize the financial district by attracting new residents, increasing economic activity, and supporting local businesses. The building includes communal spaces, access to a health-forward grocery store, and educational facilities, creating a comprehensive living environment that caters to the needs of modern family life. Overall, this project addresses critical housing needs, stimulates the local economy, and enhances the quality of life for residents.
BUILDING CONCEPT
This building concept embraces the philosophy of hygge, creating a warm, welcoming environment throughout its interior spaces. The design features cozy, comfortable furnishings, soft lighting, and natural materials to evoke a sense of tranquility and well-being. This concept is implemented on the ground floor in the public food hall, within the elementary school, and throughout the tower in the living spaces, making it ideal for families. Communal areas encourage social interaction and togetherness, with shared dining spaces fostering a homely atmosphere. Large windows allow natural light to fill the rooms, connecting the interior with nature and enhancing the overall sense of peace. This hyggeinspired concept aims to create a sanctuary where families feel relaxed, content, and connected.
HYGGE
BUILDING PROGRAM
530 B STREET, SAN DIEGO CA
THE KINSHIP
The name of the building was chosen because it conveys a sense of community, inclusivity, and warmth, emphasizing social bonds and support. It reflects values like care and connection, making it inviting and memorable for families.
PUBLIC MARKET
• CHEF PODS
• BRICK AND MORTAR
• BATHROOMS
• SEATING/TABLES
• GREENERY
• ICE CREAM/DESSERT
COFFEE SHOP
GROCERY STORE
APARTMENTS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LEVEL ONE
• TK-KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS
• ALL-PURPOSE ROOM
• CAFETERIA
• BATHROOMS
• FACULTY BREAK ROOM
LEVEL TWO
• SPLIT-GRADE CLASSROOMS
• COMPUTER LAB
• JANITOR ROOM
• BATHROOMS
• LIBRARY
• BREAKAWAY AREA
RESIDENTIAL AMENITIES
• INDOOR/OUTDOOR GYM
• YOGA STUDIO
• CLUBHOUSE
• POOL
• LOUNGE
ANALYSI S
SCHOOL ENTRANCE | 1,967 SF GROCERY STORE | 2,323 SF COFFEE SHOP | 783 SF
| 2,100 SF
GROUND LEVEL-PUBLIC FOOD HALL
In order to reduce waste and environmental impact, the majority of the flooring is the re-purposed polished concrete. It is also highly durable and suitable for long-lasting performance.
While Hygge is often associated with serene environments, it was also important for the food hall to be stimulating. Different ceramic tile is located around each bar area to represent the eatery’s different concept.
While wood flooring is only used in the coffee shop and brewery, it is also seen in different stains throughout the food hall and grocery store as a nod to Scandinavian influence.
FREELANCE DESIGN
PROJECT NARRATIVE
I was hired by a local interior designer to create multiple iterations of 3D renderings for the remodel of a 1925 home in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CA. The project focused on the kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom, guest bath and home office, blending modern functionality with the home’s historic charm. For the kitchen, I explored different cabinet colors, materials, and finishes that respected the home’s architectural features. In the master bedroom and bathroom, I balanced vintage-inspired elements with modern amenities, while the home office designs focused on functional layouts with a unique aesthetic. The detailed renderings greatly helped the client visualize each space and played a crucial role in their final design decisions.
ABOUT ME
My name is Jessica Steele and I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Newschool of Architecture and Design with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture and Design in June 2024.
During my four years at Newschool, I developed an understanding of computer interior design drafting using Revit and in some cases AutoCAD and SketchUp. Additionally, I became proficient in Lumion and generated realistic views of my interior designs which allowed me to visualize the final outcome of my projects effectively. I learned to optimize space planning for functionality and aesthetics, create detailed drawings and specifying materials and finishes. Additionally, I honed my skills in technical aspects such as dimensioning and annotation, ensuring accuracy in my designs.
I found that my most successful academic projects were the result of effective communication with my professors, peers and a collaboration with an architecture student which lead us to receive Student Project of the Year from the 2024 AIA San Diego Design Awards. By actively listening to the opinions and insights of professors and peers, I gained a wealth of knowledge that enriched my understanding and approach to design.
The previous pages showcase my best work as an interior architecture and design student, highlighting projects that demonstrate my range and versatility. Often inspired by Scandinavian design, my work reflects high-quality, innovative, and well-integrated concepts achieved through dedicated effort and thoughtful execution. I am also eager to explore more diverse design approaches.
