Interior Design Portfolio
Juliet Wagner
experience
INTERIOR DESIGN INTERN
D MET Studio
• Traveled to construction site to dicuss contractor work and ensure tasks were being effectively executed.
• Responsible for taking site measurements, site context photos, and translating this information into detailed drawings.
• Responsible for creating and presenting style boards to clients.
• Maintained and organized resource library, contacted sales reps, and removed/replenished samples as necessary.
• Reviewed contractor submittals to ensure clear communication to job site.
• Created plans, elevations, sections, and reflected ceiling plans in AutoCAD 2016.
• Created preliminary color palettes for residential and commercial projects.
• Specified FF&E and created schedules for contract documents.
STUDENT INTERN AT UNIVERITY AND PLANNING (UEP)
Central Michigan University
• Provided spaceplanning for campus renovations, ensuring ADA guidelines were met
• Selected finishes while ordering and maintaining samples
• Constructed presentation boards used to pitch the design to senior staff
• Worked under Project Managers, providing office assistance as needed
• Updated and maintained relevant records of campus buildings
• Designed and selected materials for on-campus restroom rennovation
TEACHING ASSISTANT - INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO I: INTRODUCTION
Central Michigan University
• Led students by providing further explanation and instruction of assignments helping to further their knowledge on design principles
• Nurtured a respectful learning environment by engaging with students as peers and providing useful feedback from a student perspective
• Built relationships with students by relating their experiences to my own, enhancing the classroom environment
• Assisted students with projects involving concept ideation, schematic design, model construction, and hand-drafting
SERVER/HOST
Wood Shop Social
• Created personal connections when greeting guests to enhance their restaurant experience
• Maintained an organized seating rotation for servers on shift resulting in a smoother staff experience
• Connected with customers over the phone by providing information about the restaurant quickly and effectively
• Collaborated with servers to ensure their workload was even and manageable
EVENT DECORATOR Ruscus and Roses
•
• Exemplified timeliness through the efficient set up of florals and décor for weddings of up to 400 guests
• Reliably commuted to various venues effectively resulting in quick and effective set-up and take-down of decorations
• Presented organizational skills by loading and unloading materials in an orderly manner
Helen M. Lohr Scholarship (2023-2024)
Michigan Competitive Scholarship (2023-2024)
Maroon and Gold Scholarship 50 (2021-2025)
skills Hand Drafting
Hand Rendering
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Fusion 360 AutoCAD SketchUp CET
Studio Projects
Coworking Space
Mount Pleasant, MI
This mixed-use project addresses critical needs for the Mount Pleasant community through the adaptive renovation of an existing commercial building. In collaboration with community organizations, this facility includes co-working areas, healthcare services, and support spaces-emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. This project goes beyond surface-level aesthetics— embracing the reuse and repurposing of an existing structure as a meaningful way to question the designer’s role in advancing equity and social impact. Through the layering of new functions and values within the existing building, the design honors the past while envisioning a more inclusive and resilient future.
The layout of the facility guides occupants throught the space in a thoughtful manner. Entering through the lobby or east side door, patrons of the space are presented first with communal areas in the cafe and coworking lounge area. As one moves further though the space they find independent workstations along with private offices for individual focus.
Design Process
Concept Image and Statement
A bridge is more than a structure— it connects, supports, and guides to connect diverse communities by fostering stability, opportunity, and well-being. The concept of “The Bridge” was developed from our goal to create a facility that uplifts community members regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, cultural background, socioeconomic status, education level, or disabilities. Just like a physical bridge, our design connects
people from a place of struggle and isolation to a place of hope, opportunity, and belonging.
The image above shows my initial lighting intent. With the open concept, there is ample natural daylighting in the space. To enchance the natural light, artificial lighting was added where necessary. In the plan on the right, one can see the surface mounted linear fixtures that adorn the ACT celing in the coworking space, creating a continuous look. Additionally, the coference rooms are supported by perimetier cove lighting and large acoustical fixtures to provide ample light and sound control where gypsum board celings are used. Simple, yet elegant pendants are used in the cafe area to give it a cozier, comfortable feel. Throughout the space, acoustical sconces provide additional light and sound control while creating focal points down corridors and help visually break up long stretches of wall. The selected fixtures are intentionally simple and used to enhance the design without overpowering the space.
Fixtures
Cafe Plan
Furniture and Materials
The cafe’s corner location boasts two street-facing views to best attract patrons. The statement bar incorporates the fluted reveal which serves as a continuation of the motif applied throughout the building.
Cafe Bar Elevations
Rendered Space
Furniture and Materials
Rendered Space
Acoustical Motif Incorporation
Highlighted in this render is the benching system that bridges the gap between communal space and independent workstations. This area allows occupants to be a part of the open office space while providing an individual work area. Noting the open concept of the building, an acoustical wall feature from 3Form is incorporated moving up the wall and across the ceiling. This is another area that incorporates the fluted motif while providing ample acoustical control.
Intention of Layout
Looking though the open office space, one can see the fluidity of this design. From benching workstations to various collaborative spaces, there is an opportunity for anyone to find a comfortable, motivating place to work. The office area opens into a small lounge-- perfect for catching a breather between meetings or enjoying a coffee from the cafe. The direct adjacency to the cafe encourages occupants to move around the space as they work and split up their time between private and public spaces. This train-car style layout allows for improved mental health and control in the working environment.
Furniture and Materials
This conference room is the largest of three with space for up to 14 occupants. A large flatscreen television is included for ease of sharing presentations and other visual aids. Two doors encourage a safe and effective flow of traffic to avoid bottlenecking in an emergency. A long wood tone conference table and live plant wall incorporate biophilia in the room. Additionally, the fluted credenzas further the fluted reveal motif in this area
The unique L-shape of this restroom allows all waterclosets to be located on the same wall for plumbimg ease. As this restroom is gender-neutral, each individual stall is enclosed by full walls to support the privacy of the users. Included are two ADAcompliant stalls with grab bars to ensure that this restroom is fully inclusive. To ensure a residential feel, the ceiling height of the restroom is lowered to an 8’ height. Each sink is accompanied by an individual mirror and the sinks are isolated for further privacy in the water closets.
Fixtures and Materials
Santa Monica, CA Sunset Palace
The brief for this team project was to design the first floor for a boutique hotel that would serve its community and reflect the area in which it exists. With a focus on sustainability and WELL Building Standards, this boutique hotel, deemed Sunset Palace, is a reflection of the culture and energy that exists in Santa Monica, CA. For this project, we designed the building lobby, retail space, restaurant, and courtyard with a focus on enjoying the California sun.
Design Process
The concept for this design was “elemental.” The intent was to make the hotel several independent entities that come together to create an ultimate stay for guests of Sunset Palace. Using AI to create our concept image, we were heavily influenced by natural elements like citrus-- a perfect example of segments that come together to create a complete experience. Drawn heavily from this citrusy image, our color palette was bright and bold to reflect the bright energy of Santa Monica.
As one enters the first floor of Sunset Palace from the North end, they area guided to the reception desk by a slanted wall intended to provide directional cueing. Along that guiding wall is a large display area for the retailer to display products to both passers-by on the street as well as hotel patrons entering the building. The large rounded reception desk is one of many organic pieces of custom millwork. It is reflective again of segmentation and our elemental concept. The restaurant boasts a large U-shaped bar that extends out into the courtyard, allowing for restauraunt patrons to enjoy the weather-- or poolgoers to grab a drink without going inside. Finally, the restaurant interior is designed to provide many different seating options ensuring comfort for all.
Floor Plan
The courtyard of Sunset Palace features an inground pool, plenty of lounge chairs for enjoying the sun, and direct access to the restaurant bar.
Lighting Plan
The lighting for this hotel exists in layers. The general ambient lighting is provided by downlights where windows do not provide daylighting. Accent lighting can be found around the reception desk, organic feature wall, and surrounding the bar. The retail space is adorned by track lighting that allows different areas of the store to become focal points.
The lobby seating offers several areas for patrons to sit, wait, relax, etc. The airy feel of the lobby is a reflection of the beachy town of Santa Monica. The addition of a false ceiling flush with cascading plants incorporates nature into the space as well.
Full Project
FF&E Specs
Restaurant Bar
Bar Elevation
The U-shaped bar allows plenty of seating for hotel guests. Faced with terra-cotta tile that is highlighted by the under-bar lighting, the bar has a dominant presence in the space. Factoring in the chartreuse leather barstools, this upscale experience is certain to attract hotel guests as well as patrons from the area.
Merchandise Display Shelving Elevation
The elevation above details the custom millwork for the display shelving surrounding the merchandising floor. Arranged around a mirror and that same citrus motif, the customer is engrossed in the environment of the Sunset Palace.
Stone Lodge Elder Care and CAAT Center
Mount
Pleasant, MI
The task given was to design a dual-purpose building from the inside out to provide housing for the Stone Lodge Assisted Living Facility (ALF) alongside the Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Center (CAAT). This team project was completed for my Studio III: Special User Groups class with the intent of exercising user-oriented design and putting myself as a designer into the shoes of individuals who require unique care. Research for this project was extensive as it was imperative in understanding the special user groups and how to design in a way that serves the elderly community as well as children and adults with autism.
This design was heavily influenced by the iconic Bauhaus movement which is known for its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and harmonious use of geometric shapes.
Block Plan
The concept ROUNDESS is drawn from these ideas of unity, simplicity, and geometric form. By appropriately applying this concept, the space promotes longevity, well-being, and a sense of unity among the two facilities.
The Bauhaus influence can be seen throughout the space, but is especially prevalent in the color palette which muted the bold, primary colors typically found in Bauhaus design so they were more comforting and appealing for the users. The color palette specifically includes warm colors that are most visible across the lifespan for aging eyes alongside colors that are calming for children with autism who may be hypersensitve. Natural materials like chrome steel and natural wood were integrated to further reflect the Bauhaus inspiration.
Beginning with our concept in mind, I began making schematic sketches of the space and rendering them. From there, close attention is paid in selecting FF&E that reflect the concept, style, and purpose of the space. In the lobby, a calming green color was used to subdue any nervous feelings individuals may have when entering the space. Additionally, the use of the LC2 chair and LC3 sofa calls back to the Bauhaus movement, shining light on Le Corbusier and his infamous designs. Lastly, a paper-topped table was selected for this space alongside the Steelcase Buoy seating to encourage children to move their bodies and exercise creativity.
ALF Living Room
CAAT
Observation Room
The color-coordinated sketches to the left correspond with highlighted areas on furniture plan to show schematically what the space could look like.
See Evidencebased Research:
ALF Single Bedroom
Kitchen
With its Mount Pleasant location, the building contains three greenhouse courtyards that incorporate biophilia into the space in a way that is accessible year-round, even in harsh Michigan winters. These centralized courtyards contribute to the overarching concept of roundness that is the focus of the entirety of the design by driving the separate facilities together to encourage a sense of community which mutually benefits both Stone Lodge residents and CAAT center guests.
ALF
NOTFORCONSTRUCTION PRELIMINARY
This spread shows contract documentation for sprinkler layout, electrical, plumbing, and flooring installation.
Griswold Loft
Detroit, MI
DESIRABLE
The Griswold Apartments, located in downtown Detroit, is a 140,000 sq ft luxury apartment. This $24 million complex holds 62 onebedroom units and 15 twobedroom units, all containing 9 ft high, floor-to-ceiling windows. The objective of this team project was to redesign the southeastern corner apartment on the 14th – 15th floors of the Griswold Apartment complex to accommodate the client, Jay (35 years old) and his mother and father (early 60s). Jay’s mother is a wheelchair user, so barrier-free access is a necessity in their home.
Design Process
Taking inspiration from Detroit’s history, automotive industry, as well as Detroit’s community, we derived the concept of advancement as the driving force for the apartment design.
The Spirit of Detroit sculpture embodies the concept of advancement, as it represents Detroit’s constant striving for advancement. Detroit’s diverse community aids in the continuous advancement in the arts and technological aspects of Detroit. The green and bronze statue influenced the color palette for this overall design.
14th Floor Plan
ACCESSIBILITY NOTE:
In the design process, we took meticulous care to space plan in a way that would keep the space accessible for Jay’s mother. For example, we specified ADA compliant appliances and fixtures, and maintained turning circles on the first floor to create spacious circulation paths.
The highlighted renderings to the right coordinate with the highlighted areas shown in plan view.
15th Floor Plan
Master Bath
Jay’s Office
Wet Bar/ Lounge
*Cabinet specifications refer to KraftMaid 2022-2023 spec guide.
The kitchen provided the unique challenge of incorporating a structural column into the design. To work with the existing space, we chose to create an aesthetic focal point by masking the column with a beam over the island. The design of the kitchen is very particular as the client enjoys entertaining. Keeping this in mind, I oriented the island to open up towards the living area to support an open entertaining space, as well as offering the kitchen southern exposure to daylight. Additionally, keen attention was paid to include accessibility features where possible. For example, a drawer microwave was specified to provide easy reachability from a seated position.
NKBA Kitchen Plan
NKBA Kitchen Elevations
Electrical Plan
Shown here is the electrical plan for the upper level of the loft as well as for the kitchen. Receptacles are located on every wall over 2’ and every 12’ along a wall. Data/phone jack receptacle is offered in the office. GCFI receptacles were specified in all wet areas.
Above is a rendered image that reflects the finishes and matrials for Jay’s master bedroom. This coordinates with the section drawing below.
Longitudinal Section
Master Bedroom
Specialized Skills
Countryside Cottage
Portland, ME
The purpose of the following project was to practice and display proper hand drafting techniques. Throughout the semester, I learned various drafting skills including creating floorplans, elevations, section drawings, and perspectives. I worked independently throughout the duration of the semester to compile a package of drawings to accurately represent the design and architecture of this Countryside Cottage. This was my introduction to drafting a full house and specifying furniture for a project.
Isometric Drawing
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
One Point Perspective
Kitchen Elevation
Bathroom Elevation
Exterior Elevation
Interior Section
Hand Rendering
These hand renderings display my knowledge of working in multimedium to achieve effective visual communication. Each of these renderings shows my ability to manipulate alcohol markers and colored pencils to imitate various textures. Shown here are exercises completed for a visual communication course.
Large Format Drawing
The following pieces were the work of my introduction to drawing class where I explored visual relationships in interior and exterior environments.
This 18x24 ink wash landscape shows my ability to convey relationship using different mediums. This piece was developed with India ink.
This 18x24 graphite still life is included as a display of my knowledge and understanding on proportional relationships. This drawing is entirely graphite.
This 18x24 graphite drawing is of a stairwell in a building on CMU’s campus. This shows my understanding of perspective. This drawing is exclusively made with graphite pencils.
Wedding Graphics Package
