INTERIOR DESIGN PORTFOLIO
What’s Inside
01. 02. 03. 04. Design Firm
Resturaunt
Design Firm
Fire Station
Type: Commercial Design Location: Dallas, TX Completed: November 2023
Type: Hospitality Design Location: Newburyport, MA Completed: March 2023
Type: Commercial Design Location: Nashville, TN Completed: December 2022
Type: Commercial Redesign Location: West Lafayette, IN Completed: October 2022
KATHRYN SEARS EDUCATION
WHY I’M A DESIGNER
Purdue University Bachelor of Fine Arts: Interior Design Minor in Construction Graphics August 2019 - May 2024
I have spent five years at Purdue University, with the last four dedicated to the interior design program. Initially, I enrolled to pursue kinesiology, but a pivotal moment in my freshman year led me to transition into interior design. From the moment I entered my first interior design course my passion for design has only continued to grow. Interior design has provided me with the perfect avenue to express creativty. The discipline has not only allowed me to communicate my problem-solving skills through my designs but has also become a profound source of inspiration. For me, interior design is more than just a field of study; it’s a means of self-expression and creative thinking. Fueled by an insatiable passion for interior design, my aspirations extend beyond personal fulfillment. I aim to leverage my skills to assist others in designing and enhancing their spaces, with the hope that my creations will inspire and make a lasting impact. My vision extends beyond the tangible elements of design; I aspire to influence society and the future of the profession by integrating the intangible aspects that resonate with the subconscious.
CONTACT Phone: 219. 299. 6739 Email: kathrynrsears@gmail.com Linked in: www.linkedin.com/inkathrynsears
01. Design Firm
Type: Commercial Design Location: Dallas, TX Completed: November 2023
The objective of the NEXT commercial office design project is to transform an 11,000 square foot third-floor office in Dallas, Texas into an innovative and inclusive workplace. The goal is to create a space that reflects the future of the workplace, incorporating inclusive design principles and hybrid work solutions. The design is focused on providing a comfortable, community-oriented, and innovative environment for forty-six employees, integrating elements from the natural world to promote diversity and wellbeing. NEXT was based on the concept of Fusion. Downtown Dallas which is the location of NEXT is a diverse cultural hub. The idea was to use a harmonious blend of diverse elements that converge to create a uniquely captivating and cohesive environment. NEXT is focused on creating a lively and social environment in the workplace while also allowing for serene moments of alone time. The design draws elements from the natural world to create a safe place for diversity
The NEXT project necessitated specific spaces and amenities for forty-six employees while allowing for full design creativity. Two of these essential features were a mezzanine and a monumental staircase, which were thoughtfully integrated to complement each other. The curved staircase, meeting the straight edge of the monumental stair, leads to the mezzanine, creating a space that accommodates both lively and serene moments. The resulting interior seamlessly transitions between lively social interactions and serene moments of alone time. Ultimately, this interior design concept aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where the coexistence of curves and straight lines not only promotes visual interest but also enhances the overall well-being of its inhabitants.
SITE ANALYSIS
2601 Victory Ave Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75201
Downtown Dallas is the central business district and cultural hub of the city of Dallas, Texas, USA. It’s a dynamic area known for its skyscrapers, cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Victory Commons the building location of NEXT is positioned to anchor and entire office campus along the most highly visible and easily accessible region of Dallas. Uniquiely situated with immediate proximity to Uptown dallas, Downtown Dallas and the Dallas Design District.
CONCEPT STATEMENT
FUSION The design concept for this interior space is rooted in the idea of fusion, a harmonious blend of diverse elements that converge to create a uniquely captivating and cohesive environment. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, where curves soften the edges of the rigid and bring balance to the asymmetrical. This design is an exploration of harmony through the fusion of curves and straight lines, creating a welcoming environment that seamlessly accommodates both social interaction and moments of solitude. The color palette is chosen to complement this duality, with warm inviting neutral tones that allow for the play of light and shadows for the interplay between curves and lines. The layout is designed for both communal gatherings and solitary moments. Common areas feature furnishings with gentle curves, encouraging a sense of togetherness and comfort, while secluded nooks incorporate straight lines and minimalist elements, providing intimate spaces for quiet contemplation. The fusion of curves and lines extends to the functionality of the space. Flexible furniture arrangements and multifunctional design elements allow for adaptability, accommodating various activities and moods. The result is an interior that seamlessly transitions from lively social interactions to serene moments of alone time. Ultimately, this interior design concept aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where the coexistence of curves and straight lines not only promotes visual interest but also enhances the overall well-being of its inhabitants.
INSPIRATION IMAGES
SCHEMATICS Sketches
Block Diagram
Block Diagram
INNOVATIVE
COLLABORATIVE WORKSTATIONS PRIVATE WORKSTATIONS
PUBLIC
MIXED PRIVATE PUBLIC
DESIGN DRIVERS
ME + WE
FIXED TO FLUID
OPEN + ENCLOSED
BRAIDING DIGITAL + PHYSICAL
Supports the balance of both individual and collaborative work.
Mobile spaces allow for increased adaptability and better user experience.
The balance between enclosed spaces in an open area creates a space for collaboration.
Inclusive collaborative space to promote innovative and immersive experiences.
RECEPTION PERSPECTIVE
RECEPTION ELEVATION
Steelcase Coalesse AM Seating Ripple Bench
Steelcase Mooi Sofa Aldora
Steelcase AM Seating Sofa Circa
STAIRCASE PERSPECTIVE
FLOOR PLAN
Level 3 FLoor Plan
NIC 3
2
1
4
12
10 9
7 8
5
NIC
6
16
15
11 NIC
17 14 13
Mezzanine Level FLoor Plan
FLOOR MATERIAL
18
Armstrong LVT Glendale Oak Scotch Mist
20
19
NIC
1. Reception 2. Coffee Bar and Seating 3. Outdoor Patio 4. Client Presentation Room 5. Small Meeting Room 6. Wellbeing Room 7. Visitor Workstation 8. Touchdown Space 9. Resource Room 10. Small Meeting Room 11. Mothers Room 12. Workstations 13. Resource Room 14. Private Offices 15. Design Center 16. Touchdown Spaces 17. Innovative Model Room 18. Work Cafe 19. Game Room 20. Training Classroom
WORK CAFE PERSPECTIVE
WORK CAFE ISOMETRIC
Steelcase turnstone Scoop Seating
Steelcase Turnstone Campfire Table
Steelcase Health Bench
Steelcase Coalesse Seatomg
Steelcase Graphite Walnut Wood
Steelcase Ice Matte Paint
Steelcase Era Truffle Fabric
Cambria Inverness Swansea Quartz
Steelcase Turnstone Campfire Table
GAME ROOM
GAME ROOM ISOMETRIC
Steelcase AP Media Scape lounge
Steelcase Graphite Walnut Wood
Steelcase Heather Carmine Fabric
Steelcase Era Truffle Fabric
Steelcase Elmotique Leather
CLIENT PRESENTATION & SMALL MEETING ROOM ELEVATION
Steelcase Loop to Loop Designtex
Steelcase Cognect Connect
Steelcase Graphite Walnut
Perigold Schumacher Wallpaper
Steelcase Elmotique Leather
CLIENT PRESENTATION & SMALL MEETING ROOM ISOMETRIC
Steelcase Elmotique Leather
Steelcase AM Storage Credenza
West Elm Confrence Chair
Steelcase Coalesse E Table
Steelcase Coalesse Circa Seating
WORKSTATIONS PERSPECTIVE
WORKSTATIONS ISOMETRIC
Steelcase Ology Desk Electric System Steelcase AP Migration SE Pro Desk
Steelcase Coalesse AM Sofa Await Modular
Steelcase AM Roam Stand
Steelcsae AP Think Task Chair
Steelcase Graphite Walnut Wood
Steelcase Cognet Connect Fabric
Steelcase Era Truffle Fabric
Steelcase Elmotique Leather
01. Restaurant
Type: Hospitality Resturaunt Design Location: Newburyport, Massachusettes Completed: March 2023
The objective of this hospitality project is a full-service restaurant with a local ethnicity focus. The location of the building is in any growing city in the United States with a population of 1 million or less. We were given a two-story building with 5,000 SF on the first floor and 3,000 SF with an area that is open to the first floor. The restaurant had to include specific areas such as primary dining, bar with seating, entry waiting area, kitchen, expediting area, office, bathrooms, event space, and a staircase and elevator. Sastas, which is a Gaelic word for satisfied and happy, is an Irish restaurant located in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Sastas is centered around bringing the warm and friendly feeling of a traditional Irish restaurant to the East Coast. Walk in and instantly sense the smells of home-cooked meals, luxurious finishes, and the sound of Irish music. The menu offers traditional Irish food from locally sourced produce and seafood to enjoy while sitting by the fire, snug, or bar.
The principles and design elements in Sastas are inspired by aspects of the Sphere within a Sphere located outside the Trinity Library located in Dublin, Ireland. The design of Sastas uses rich and luxurious colors to warm the space and incorporate the brass from the Sphere. The colors assist in creating a warm and welcoming space open to relax and enjoy similar to a library. The Focal point is the main bar which is rounded and located in the middle of the restaurant inspired by the Sphere and the idea of creating a space within a space. The Sphere can also be found throughout the circular and rounded furniture. As well as the sphere shape and brass accents in the lighting throughout the space. Aspects of the Trinity Library’s design can be found in the book shelves for the bar and tall stacks of books throughout the space. The archway openings throughout the space are inspired by the tall barrel vault ceilings in the Trinity Library incorporating into the rounded aspects of the design.
UPSTAIRS BAR SEATING PERSPECTIVE
PROJECT LOCATION
GOALS
Use sustainable materials that will be long lasting and take advantage of natural light
Create an inclusive space that is welcoming and open to any age, gender, or ability.
Resturaunt Location with 5 mile radius
Utilize the given space and create a flow for x both patrons and staff.
New England Map
Newburyport, Massachusetts
1 18,289 people
Create a moody aesthetic with dark materials and lighting. Newburyport Ethnicty Pie Chart
ABOUT NEWBURYPORT Irish Heritage and culture run deep in the New England area. During the Great Irish Famine, the port of Boston was a major immigration hub for Irish immigrants. By 1850 this resulted in Irish being the largest ethnic group in Boston still till this day. Newburyport, Massachusetts is a growing city located fortyfive minutes outside of Boston and five miles from the south border of New Hampshire which has the highest Irish-populated state. Similar to Dublin, Newburyport is a coastal city known for its old-time charm and a constant stream of new shops and restaurants making it the perfect location for Sastas.
Waterfront Newburyport
Downtown Newburyport
INSPIRATION IMAGES
PRELIMNARY CODES & PLANS KEY Kitchen
Bar
Delivery
Entry
Event
Primary
Elevator
LEVEL ONE
LEVEL TWO
KEY Turning Circle
Accessible Seating Egress Path Guest Circulation Staff Circulation
MAIN BAR PERSPECTIVE
FURNITURE & FIXTURE PLANS
Employee Storage
Office
ADA Men’s Restroom
ADA Womens Restroom
Service Station Upstairs Bar
Expediting Area
Community / Event Space
Kitchen
Elevator
Elevator
Primary Dining
Staircase
Main Bar Host Station
Waiting Area
LEVEL ONE FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL TWO FLOOR PLAN
SNUG PERSPECTIVE
Rob Leaves Wallpaper
Krug Mellow Oak Wood
Daltile Sunset Cove
Carnegie Canter Leather Upholstrey
Carnegie Cambridge Upholstrey
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
Akova 7” Flush Mount
Viaggio 56” Chandlier
Ceiling Hight 12’6”
Mara Wall Sconce
Ceiling Hight 25’ 0” Custom wood overhang height 12’ 0”
Roark 50” Chandlier
KEY Viaggio 56” Chandlier
Roark 50”
LED Strips
Akova 7” Flush Mount
4” Can Lights
Recessed LED
Chandlier
Mara Wall Sconce
All lighting Specified from Visual Comfort & CO
UPSTAIRS BAR PERSPECTIVE
Loftwall Acoustic Wall Panels
Daltile Keystones Biscut Tile
Armstrong Acoustical Ceiling Tile
Daltile Miramo Reef Tile
Krug Espresso Oak Wood
02.
Design Firm Type: Commercial Office Design Location: Nashville, Tennessee Completed: December 2022
The objective of this project was to create and design our own design firm located in Nashville, Tennessee. We were given a site plan with an old barn 35’ x 35’ which could be extended by 10 feet in all directions. The design firm had to include some specific areas such as a reception desk and waiting area, private office, conference room, workstations, resource room, and an ADA restroom. The building also had to include an apartment with a separate entrance that is available to lease. The project’s concept and design were given no were up to us as designers. KS Interiors is a residential design firm located in Nashville, Tennessee. The inspiration behind KS Interiors comes from the Tulip Poplar Tree. The Tulip Poplar is the state tree of Tennessee and can be found abundantly throughout the state. The Tulip Poplar was chosen as the state tree since it was so commonly used in the building of houses and barns in this area.
Since the original building given was a barn I decided to incorporate the Tulip Poplar into my design. Tulip Poplar wood can be found throughout the space in the flooring and furniture. The natural greens, yellows, and browns of the interior are inspired by the color of the leaves throughout the seasons. I incorporated circles throughout my design to incorporate the shape of the Tulip Poplar tree trunk. Trees represent life, growth, wisdom, and prosperity which are all qualities that KS interiors embody.
OUTSIDE FRONT PERSPECTIVE
FURNITURE & FIXTURE PLANS
FLOOR PLAN KEY 1. Main Entry / Exit 2.Reception Desk 3. Coat Closet 4. Storage 5. ADA Unisex Bathroom 6. Waiting Area 7. Mechanical Room 8. Conference Room 9. Casual Seating 10. Kitchenette Break Area 11. Stairs 12. Resource Room 13. Private Office 14. Elevator 15. JR Workstations
LEVEL ONE FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL TWO FLOOR PLAN
BUILING SECTION
BUBLLE DIAGRAMS
22’
RESTROOM 2
ELEVATOR JR WORKSTATIONS
PRIVATE OFFICE
JR WORKSTATIONS
BALCONY
11’
PATIO
FIREPLACE
WAITING AREA
1/8” = 1’ Scale
RECEPTION DESK
RESOURCE AREA PERSPECTIVE
MATERIALS AND FINISHES
RECEPTION AND WAITING AREA PERSPECTIVE
FIREPLACE PRE-DESIGN DRAWING
FIREPLACE AREA PERSPECTIVE
OUTSIDE ELEVATION
1/8” = 1’ Scale
OUTSIDE BACK ELEVATION
OUTSIDE NIGHT PERSPECTIVE
03. Fire Station
Type: Commercial Redesign Location: West Lafayette, Indiana Completed: October 2022
The objective for the Wabash Township Fire Station Remodel in West Lafayette, Indiana was to create a remodeled comfortable, and functional facility to support the increased number of firefighters. For this project, we went and visited a newly built fire station to observe the design and talk to the firefighters to find out what did and didn’t work for them. The second fire station was the Wabash Township Fire Station which was very outdated and not equipped for the increased number of firefighters stationed there. We were tasked with redesigning the upstairs living quarters which consisted of the living room, kitchen area, and sleeping areas. We were also assigned to remodel the downstairs community classroom and kitchen area. The principles and design elements used in the renovation of the Wabash Fire Station are inspired by nature, specifically water. Nature is important in helping mental health,
which is very important for firefighters and their high-stress jobs. Nature is brought into this design through natural colors and textures. Water is one of the most important elements not only for survival but also a very important element used by a firefighter. The open flow of the floor plan is inspired by open bodies of water and their movement. The materials in this project were inspired by the color and patterns of water. The overall remodel of the Fire Station uses natural materials and colors to help create a calm and comfortable space to help create a home away from home.
MAIN LIVING AREA PERSPECTIVE
LEVEL ONE FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL TWO FLOOR PLAN
LIVING ROOM PERSPECTIVE
MATERIALS AND FINISHES
PURDUE STUDENT ROOM PERSPECTIVE
COMMUNITY CLASSROOM PERSPECTIVE
DOWNSTAIRS KITCHEN PERSPECTIVE
THANK YOU!