Masters in Interior Architecture + Furniture Design
College of Architecture, Planning & Design
Kansas State University
Hello
I’m Kara
I’m currently a Graduate Student in Interior Architecture at Kansas State University, Class of 2025
Growing up in a small town in Kansas, I had limited exposure to diverse architectural styles and didn’t fully appreciate the built environment around me. However, studying design has been transformative, opening my eyes to how architecture connects to every aspect of our lives.
The conceptual side of design has reshaped my perspective, teaching me to approach spaces with intention and creativity. Choosing this field has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life, and it continues to inspire me to think critically and design thoughtfully.
My goal is to keep expanding my knowledge and capabilities through new challenges and opportunities. I’m excited to see where this journey in Interior Architecture will take me and the impact I can make in the field.
KARA DAVIS
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Current 5th year Graduate Interior Architecture student with extensive experience in drawing, rendering, model making, and design development. Skilled in creating sustainable, clientfocused designs that balance functionality and creativity. Proven ability to meet deadlines, manage deliverables, and exceed expectations. Seeking a full-time design position upon graduation in May 2025.
CONTACT
EMAIL | 01kara.davis@gmail.com
PHONE | 785-338-2549
LINKEDIN | www.linkedin.com/in/ karadavis01
EDUCATION
KANSAS
STATE UNIVERSITY | Manhattan, KS
August 2020 - May 2025
Master of Interior Architecture
Study Abroad Spring 2024 in Orvieto, Italy
Participated in interior architecture studios, fabrication furniture studios, structures, lighting, materials, and environmental courses. Studied in Orvieto, Italy for the spring 2024 semester and received an international architectural experience.
AWARDS + CERTIFICATES
- Finalist, Lang Lighting Competition
- Dean’s List All Semesters
- 5th Year Fellowship Scholarship Recipient
- Jack Durgan Interior Architecture Scholarship
- Joe and Bev Wood Academic Award
- Donald G. and Susie R. Wilson College of Architecture Award
Drafted drawings in Revit, prepared and selected materials for projects, visited construction sites, developed specification documents, prepared design presentations.
SONIC | Manhattan, KS
PROFESSIONAL
Ideation
Adaptability
Dependability
Communication
Flexibility
PERSONAL
Time Management
Organization
Problem-Solving
Drive
Ambition
May 2022 - August 2022
Crew Member
This fast paced job was able to teach me how to handle money in a quick matter, communication, problemsolving, quick thinking, and adapting to any task at hand.
ENGROFF CATERING | Topeka, KS
June 2021 - August 2021
Receptionist
This job taught me what an office job environment is like and how to adapt to many different situations. I learned how to communicate with clients and attend to their needs and wants.
INVOLVEMENT
- IIDA | 2 Years
- APDesign Ambassador | 2 Years
- Peer Educator | 4 years
- APDesign Pro | 5 years
- Women in Design+ | 4 years
LUXX LENSES
RETAIL; NAPLES, FL
6 WEEKS
The tinted lens is a distinctive feature of sunglasses that draws attention to your eye. The curved edges of sunglass lenses can be utilized to disperse or focus light within the spaces. The motivation behind this project is to used these colored, reflective materials within the design in order to reinforce the idea of having layered, colored light appear on surfaces. The overall design will imitate the curved, enveloping shapes of sunglasses.
LAYERING
layering the primary colors of sunglass lenses
CURVED EDGES
taking the curved edges of sunglass and applying that architectural
REFLECTIVE MATERIALS
using reflective materials to represent the materials that go into making sunglass
DISPERSE LIGHT
taking the way light reacts with a sunglass lens and applying that architecturally
FLOOR PLAN
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
AWAYS
WHAT I LEARNED
• improving my skills in photoshop with accurate lighting renders KEY TAKE
• finding and/ or designing an effective brand
CHALLENGES
• working with highly reflective materials
NEXT STUDIO
WORKPLACE; STEELCASE COMPETITION
10 WEEKS
In response to the global surge in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, this design seamlessly blends a futuristic office with the comforting familiarity of home. This workplace adaptation acknowledges the evolving nature of work, aiming to meet technological demands while prioritizing well-being . Through thoughtful material choices, a curated color palette, and ergonomic furniture create a harmonious fusion of cuttingedge technology and a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of home.
FUTURISTIC
design a environment that can easily adapt to fast and quick changes
COMFORTS OF HOME
bringing the benefits of working from home had on the employees during the pandemic
ADAPTING
having flexible and versatile furniture and elements to adapt to all needs
WELL-BEING
prioritizing the well-being of the employees and designing an environment everyone can work at
BRIDING THE FUTURE OF WORK & THE COMFORTS OF HOME
In response to the global surge in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, this design seamlessly blends a futuristic office with the comforting familiarity of home. This workplace adaptation acknowledges the evolving nature of work, aiming to meet technological demands while prioritizing well-being. Through thoughtful material choices, a curated color palette, and ergonomic furniture create a harmonious fusion of cutting-edge technology and a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of home.
By combining futuristic technology hubs with a home-like atmosphere, this design envisions a workplace that meets modern professional demands while nurturing comfort and well-being. This environment promotes productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction as remote work and technology continues to shape the professional landscape.
comforts of home | well-being | serence ambiance
FLOOR PLAN
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
RECEPTION + LOUNGE
WORK CAFE
KEY TAKE AWAYS
WHAT I LEARNED
• the importance of designing an office space that can accommodate for all types of people, work styles, etc.
• how to utilize multipurpose spaces and be more efficient with space planning
CHALLENGES
• figuring out how to fit a large amount of spaces into a space
• finding which spaces an be combined and what can be multi-use spaces
COMMUNITY HUB
CYCLING FOCUS COMMUNITY HUB; KANSAS CITY, MO
10 WEEK INTERDISCIPLINARY GROUP PROJECT
Envisioning a vibrant community hub, the design enhances the site’s natural serenity while offering diverse spaces for education, creativity, and cycling culture. By focusing on a strong sensory atmosphere , both indoors and out, the design will amplify the calming and reflective qualities of the site through natural materials, expansive views, and local art. The hub includes dedicated spaces for cyclists to shop, repair, and learn about bikes This blend of sensory design and functional spaces will create a place where relaxation, education, and community interaction come together harmoniously.
SENSORY
engaging sight, sound, touch, and smell, creating an immersive and dynamic environment
CONNECTION
emphasizing the relationships between people, places, and the cycling community
WELLNESS
focusing on the physical, mental, and social benefits of cycling and community interaction
CYCLING FOCUS
fostering community, promoting wellness, and connecting people through shared experiences on and off the bike
3rd Floor
• rootop bar + deck • supporting offices
small lounge
2nd Floor
1st Floor
• cafe • kitchen • lounge • nature atrium / community space • bike shop retail • bike workshop
overlapping senses
TOPOGRAPHY DEVELOPMENT
NATURE ATRIUM
BIKE RETAIL
Pennisetum fountain grass
Hibiscus Syriacus rose of sharon
Owen Stone Tile crossvile
Soundcore Recycled Felt CSI creative White Oak Flooring elmwood reclaimed wood
Existing Brick painted
KEY TAKE AWAYS
WHAT I LEARNED
• the best ways to collaborate and have a successful project when working with other disciplines
CHALLENGES
• collaboration of disciplines I didn’t know a lot about
WHAT I WORKED ON
• all interiors
• furniture selection
• material palette
• color palette
• 3D modeling
• selecting views, taking renders, and photoshoping
FURNITURE DESIGN
MERGE; COFFEE TABLE
6 WEEKS
The challenge of crafting a piece of furniture that seamlessly harmonizes with the client’s collection of contemporary masterpieces. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic era of transitional modernism , this coffee table is a testament to the evolution of design during that period. Elevating the essence of modernism, the traditional lines undergo a subtle metamorphosis into a graceful dance of softer curves , creating a captivating fusion
The table embodies the essence of transitional modernism by encapsulating the varied forms and shapes that defined the movement. Every contour and curve is a deliberate detail to the diverse phases that marked the evolution of modernism, resulting in a piece that not only complements the existing collection but also stands as a timeless representation of artistic progression.
MODERN
taking inspiration from transitional modernism
SOFT LINES + CURVES
utilizing soft lines and curves to promote movement
TRANSITIONAL
taking inspiration from the time period where modernism started to change and evolve
FUSION
using rounded edges and corners to have a smooth transition between these transitional eras
FURNITURE DESIGN
DIVERGE; FURNITURE COLLECTION GROUP PROJECT; BENCH
4 WEEKS
These pieces of furniture needed to show the diverging of forms and stitching them back together. The group drew inspiration from the shuffling of cards, as well as bringing the indoors and outdoors together. Through these ideas we created a collection of furniture that resides in a sunroom. These pieces help enhance the more permanent furniture that already exists within the space. Weaving became present not just in a physical sense, but also in the function. All the pieces can be used both for their traditional use and as a place to hold plants . Each piece diverges and is stitched back together to create a dynamic , complete set of furniture.
DIVERGE
starting with two ideas and finding a design that will unify them both
STITCHING
utilizing the stitching as a representation of the two ideas harmonizing and working together
MULTI-USE
making the furniture pieces multiuse and being able to uitlize them places to display plants
ENHANCE
utilizing multi-use furniture to enhance the user experience
