Austin Community College- General Course Work Austin, TX
AWARDS & HONORS
Metropolis Future 100 Nomination
Design Excellence Nomination, UT Austin
Independent Travel Research Scholarship Recipient, UT Austin
Design Excellence Winner, UT Austin
Design Excellence Nomination, UT Austin
Ivan Majdrakoff Award, San Francisco Art Institute
Trustee Scholarship, San Francisco Art Institute
Dean’s List, Austin Community College
Fresh 19’ Carbon Award for Illustration
VOLUNTEER & INTERNSHIPS
Sweeney Kaye Gallery
Volunteer Gallery Assistant Oakland, CA
Jay Nelson
Studio Assistant Intern San Francisco, CA
Manresa Gallery
Intern San Francisco, CA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INTERIOR DESIGNER, PROJECT MANAGER
Heritage Architecture
Work closely with client to determine interior programming, style, and specification selections while managing team of consultants and drafters to communicate design intent.
2021- Ongoing Waco, TX
EXHIBITIONS
ART TAPAS: A CONTEMPORARY COLLECTOR’S TAKE
Art Center Waco
Group Exhibition
DESIGNER
Heritage Architecture
Work closely with Architect and clients to develop concepts, renderings, and construction drawings for custom residences. Manage project workflow and work with contractors in ordering and problem solving throughout the build process.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Bill Moore & Associates
Preparing of architectural drafts and graphic design solutions for the production of both interior and exterior signs. Creating technical drawings for sign manufacturing as well as for professional installation.
Thome, Karina. Illustrations for Lostin Waco, Issue 1, March 2019. pp. 1-2, pp. 62-63.
35 Live Exhibition Catalogue, Center on Contemporary Art, Seattle, 2016.
Davos Pavilion
Davos, Switzerland
Spring 2024
Technical Studio
Temporary Structure
Collaboration with Winnie Lin 6,145 SF
UTSOA Design Excellence Award
Recipient 2024
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Program as Color
In Davos, Switzerland, at the World Economic Forum, The Davos Pavilion is a temporary structure for a data defense company, that blends modern design with local architectural vernacular. Constructed swiftly over 16 days, utilized for six, and dismantled in five, the pavilion spans 6,145 sqft within a prefabricated shell. The pavilion functions at two discrete levels. The first as a venue to host client meetings and events, and the second as a marketing tool.
The ground floor is separated into public and private domains. Each space is identified by a color– teal and amber mark the public spaces, blue indicates private spaces, and yellow highlights the executive areas. Color is implemented within these areas using floor and wall finishes as well as the furniture material palette and color implemented into a larger screen system.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Screen System
The pavilion’s design features a screen wall system inspired by Swiss chalet shingles that divides the space and manipulates daylight into a kaleidoscopic effect. Functionally, the screen wall reimagines the divisions of space, creating distinct areas without the traditional use of interior walls. Constructed from translucent and mirrored materials, the screen wall is used to diffuse and reflect natural light, enhancing the interior with a play of transparency and light pattern.
SCREEN ELEVATION
Karina Thome
Lighting & Acoustics
The Davos Pavilion utilizes both ambient and task lighting to create a well lit and visually dynamic environment. Throughout the public and private lounges brass light fixtures have been designed to cascade down from the ceiling while reflecting the multitude of colors from surrounding the nearby screens and materials.
At the ceiling, custom acoustic panels were designed in the shingle pattern similarly used for the screens but at a larger scale. These panels are spaced strategically far enough apart to house receseed linear ambient lighting between them. In the CEO Office, the acoustic panels and lights extend down the walls to the floor to enhance the ambiance of the room.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
AREA - COCKTAIL
OFFICE
Coffee Bar
Millwork
At the Davos Pavilion the coffee bar is highly visited by those seeking a quick break at the World Economic Forum. As the coffee bar needed to be accessed both by the public as well as the private lounge guests, two seperate coffee bars were created. These counters were designed in close proximity to eachother for ease of access by workers, while being seperated by the screen system to allow for privacy between the private and public lounges.
Each bar is designed in a combination of preassembled modules for quick assembly on site. The curvature of the coffee bars is designed systematically to hold typical coffee bar appliances, while also utilizing La Marzocco Modbar espresso machines that are primarily built in under the counter to ensure for visual communication for Baristas. On the front of the coffee bars, Filzfelt Aro Plank acoustic panels are assembled on the face of the cabinets to allow for a soft contact point for guests, while also helping to reduce noise within the busy coffee areas.
MILLWORK DETAIL AXON
MODULE DETAILS FOR DEMO COFFEE BAR
COFFEE BAR ISOMETRIC & MATEIRIALS
Karina Thome
Transparency & Privacy
SCREEN EXPLODED AXON
The use of transparency is fundamental to the client brand and is accentuated throughout the pavilion with the combined use of glass walls and the screen system in lieu of typical partition walls. The semi transparency of the 3form blocks used in the screen system allow for privacy needed while alluding to transparency that is essential to the brand. With the exception of bathrooms and storage rooms, all rooms utilize the glass and screen combination that create a kaleidoscoping effect when daylight shines through the windows.
Karina Thome
DOORWAY TO PRIVATE LOUNGE
CEO OFFICE
Davos Pavilion
The Davos Pavilion is an effectively designed temporary structure that meets the client’s demands for functional modular public programming as well as a variety of private programming through the use of color coding, a semi transparent screen system, dynamic lighting design, modular build ins, and the placement of modular and distinct selected furniture and accessories.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Karina Thome University of Texas
Masters of Interior Design
Adaptive Reuse Approach
The adaptive reuse project for the Borden Milk Plant building takes the industrial Borden Milk bottling facility in East Austin and transforms it into an explorative studio, gallery, and public event space. The Borden Milk plant was built in the 1980s and as the company has moved on past this space, the adaptive reuse project looks at a cultural transformation of the 70,000+ square feet by interventions of subtraction and addition to integrate the East Austin Site, the outdoor environment, and the local art culture.
EXISTING STRUCTURE DIAGRAM
BUILDING POROSITY DIAGRAM
Karina Thome
of Texas
Site & Thesis
Thesis
Prototype Art Studios is a regenerative urban art studio integrating furniture design with elements of the former Borden Milk Plant to drive systems of economic and creative change. It fosters local production, skill-building, public engagement, and economic growth. Through exhibitions, live events, workshops, and a public bar, it connects visitors with artist-designed furniture. By merging artistic exploration with economic renewal, Prototype enriches culture and sustainability, shaping a future where creativity and regeneration coexist.
Site
For decades, the East Austin Studio Tours has showcased emerging artists. Initially, local artists opened their home studios, allowing visitors to explore. As East Austin's real estate market changed, the arts scene shifted toward galleries. Despite urban changes, East Austin retains its charm. Prototype offers an art-filled micro-neighborhood experience with paths to the river and views of Montopolis Bridge and Downtown.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
SITE PLAN
SCULPTURE GARDEN & ENTRY
Systems of Discovery
Prototype utilizes a variety of systems and materials to create discovery throughout the space while emphasizing the history of the building and the site. Materials original to the Borden Milk Plant are still utilized, but now emphasized through new patterning and application methods.
Systems being used throughout the building directly correlate to key aspects of the site and the importance of exploration throughout the Prototype program. Systems such as the light well and ventilation systems utilize existing tanks while providing much needed daylight and venting to the studios.
On a smaller scale, the wall easel system is designed and implemented into private studios to allow for flexibility and ease for artists.
PATTERNS & SYSTEMS
TRACK PATTERN
TRUSS PATTERN
SKYLINE PATTERN
LIGHT WELL SYSTEM
WALL EASEL SYSTEM
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Track Pattern
The foundation of the Milk Plant is a key element of the adaptive reuse as the varied levels inhibit the production process of the bottling plant. In the dock level, or Level 1, a track system has been recessed into the foundation itself for the distribution of milk bottles through the cycle of bottling to distributing onto trucks. The pattern is a key feature of the adaptive reuse project and is highlighted and maintained on site to bring awareness to not only the history of the site, but also to navigate through the studio areas. The lines the track draws through the space offer a path of exploration through the courtyard of studios.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
TRACKS AT COURTYARD
TRACK PHOTOS ON SITE
TRACK PATTERN
Patterns & Systems
Truss Pattern
The site in East Austin connects to the historic Montopolis Bridge, which links north and south Austin over the Colorado River. Built in 1938 to replace an 1880s bridge destroyed by a flood, it now serves as a pedestrian landmark symbolizing resilience. Its steel truss pattern is echoed in the exposed truss system visible from multiple roof levels.
The Skyline
To the northwest of the milk plant, the evergrowing city of Austin also runs along the same track of the river that the bridge crosses. The views from the roof of the Borden Milk plant toward the city off inspiration and aspiration for economic goals, a thriving community, and the opportunities of creative mental and physical exploration. The urban skyline and landscape serves as a pattern that symbolizes success, regeneration, and aspiration.
Lightwell System
The over sized milk tanks are a vital component to the adaptive reuse site. On site are four 13’ diameter tanks of various heights and four 9’ diameter tanks of various heights. These eight tanks were systematically split into a total of 20 light wells and ventilation exhausts that are implemented throughout the roof levels.
The light wells and ventilation tanks allow for proper daylight into the art studios while also contributing to the overall skyline effect of the space.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
TRUSS PATTERN THE MONTOPOLIS BRIDGE
Prototype
Prototype Art Studios is an innovative urban art studio that merges furniture design with elements of the historic Borden Milk Plant, fostering localized production, skill building, and economic growth. The space engages the public through exhibitions, live events, and workshops, all while incorporating original materials and systems from the plant—like repurposed tanks for daylighting and ventilation—emphasizing exploration and discovery. By blending artistic exploration with economic renewal, Prototype builds a future where creativity and regeneration work hand in hand, enriching the community with new ways of thinking and interacting.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Austin, Texas
Fall 2023
Studio III
Multi-Use
Collaboration with Annie Tutrone 14,726 SF
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Existing Site
The site for Sense House ATX is the Rebekah Baines Johnson building, an original 1970s structure located in Austin Texas. This site has an ideal location in Austin as it overlooks Lady Bird Lake as well as downtown. The 16-story tower was originally conceived as an independent senior living community for low-income residents in a primarily black and Latino neighborhood. Austin’s rapid demographic growth (it is the fastest-growing city in the US, having expanded by a third in the last decade) has particularly affected the RBJ building. The traditionally industrial and residential neighborhood is now a very lively part of town, filled with restaurants, cafes, bars and music venues that contribute to the city’s reputation as "The Live Music Capital of the World".
EXISTING BUILDING
PROPOSED BUILDING
DOWNTOWN
EAST AUSTIN
LADY BIRD LAKE
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Addition
Addition
Addition of herbal garden on both sides of building
The Sensory Trail
To tie in our public and private spaces together, we create an experiential sensory trail that moves both from indoor to outdoors and spans across five floors to connect the public programs to the private communal program. Assistive way-finding guides users through sensorial wellness experiences to endorse a long and healthy life. Walking, sensory experiences and socializing all lead to happier and longer lives.
Karina Thome
Isometric of Sensory Trail
Sensory Experiences
The public spaces utilize different sensorial features to target and heighten senses. The loss of different senses is inevitable as we age, and the concept of these programs is to heighten and aid sensorial experiences.
TACTILITY LOUNGE
In the Tactility Lounge, we prioritize cognitive vitality and emotional well-being by providing seniors with a space to explore textures and engage with the world through touch. This immersive experience encourages seniors to reconnect with their surroundings, fostering a sense of discovery and enrichment. The Tactility lounge utilizes comfortable furnishings and soft materials to provide a sense of warmth and comfort.
HERBAL BAR
The Herbal Bar is designed as a vibrant, aromatic space where seniors can engage their senses by savoring herbs and teas. It promotes physical wellness while providing a gathering point for residents and visitors to bond over shared sensory experiences, bridging the generation gap.
RAIN ROOM
The Rain Listening Room is a sanctuary for peace, designed to immerse residents in the calming sounds of rainfall. It encourages moments of reflection and serves as a space for meditation, promoting serenity and unity among residents and the broader community. Allowing individuals to customize their light hue, saturation, and intensity in a sensory rain room empowers them to create a personalized and therapeutic atmosphere, catering to their unique preferences and needs, regardless of age.
Tactility lounge with Herbal Bar.
Soft Lounge with Sensory Trail occuring above.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Sense House Plans
Within the 14,726 SF of Sense House ATX , communal areas on each floor are expanded as well as offering a greater variety of accessible units. Sense House ATX not only offers 37 studio units, 67 spacious 1br units, but also takes into consideration visitors and alternative domestic living with 22 2br units.
The Pieria Chair
The Pieria chair is designed as more than just a piece of furniture but an assistive technology that is also beautiful to look at. The handrail assists people as they move around the chair. The hook design allows users to hang bags, canes and other items. The sensory beads allow for a calming tactile experience.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Hanging Hook
Sense House ATX
Senese House ATX transcends architectural design and creates a community hub that unites people. Seniors deserve spaces that facilitate intergenerational connections and an environment that enriches their senses, fosters well-being, and encourages a fulfilling life journey.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Collaboration Concept
Residency Assemble is an artist residency concept located in the historic Lever House in New York City. The Residency program mixes three different art practices and allows them to co-create and host public events on the first floor.
When exploring the concept of mixing different residency types together, residential units were mixed together to create groups of private and shared spaces. To utilize the mix of art types the idea of cross collaboration between the disciplines began to drive the project in programming and concept.
Dwelling Units: 10
of Dwelling Units:
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Public Program
Massing
To create the programming for the residency, 9-10 residential units and 2-3 groupings were positioned on each floor with consideration for natural light and proxemics. The negative space between the groupings became public space for studios and gatherings.
To create the interior massing of the space, the floors were divided into public, private, and shared space sections. The overlapping of public areas became opportunities to open up the floors exposing public interaction between the levels.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Flooring Patterns
Areas of high interaction created higher possiblity for cross interaction between different artist types allowing for greater chances of collaborations and influence between the three types of arts. These areas became the driving force in a floor pattern where the collaboration spaces created a shift in the lay pattern of the flooring material. The shift in floor pattern would be subtle, yet create dynamic movement throughout the floors and echoing lights above.
CELING AND LIGHT RELATION TO FLOOR PATTERN
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters
Quarry Tile
Quarry Tile
Quarry Tile
Material Application
Floor design themes and materiality inspired by the different art practices drove the aesthetic for each floor as well as the material and furniture selections.
PAINTINGDANCECULINARY
Acrylic Canvas Copper Butcher block
Dance Barre Mirrors
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Residency Section
The final forms of the Residency Assemble were derived from a combination of the programming, the public form, and the floor pattern that was created, all while continuing to create layers of interaction between the arts within the residency.
The performance spaces were also taken into consideration as a way to open the residential spaces up to visitors and patrons by creating a gallery and public dining space on the first floor that looks up to a dance sttage located on the second level mezzanine.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Models
To help visualize the relationship of the public space to the private space, a couple of different models were made using wood as well as 3D printing techniques. The models helped to understand how the public space worked as a vertical form to connect levels and private spaces together.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
Residency Assemble
Residency Assemble combines the visual, culinary, and performing arts together in a space that inhibits collaboration across disciplines through thoughtful programming and spatial considerations. Materiality is used as a way to speak both to the natural movement of the artists, as well as to the nature of the space. Ultimately, the space becomes alive through the life, the art, and those who come to experience it.
Karina Thome University of Texas Masters of Interior Design
