Kayla Bonczkowski - Portfolio 2025

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Interior Design

2025 KAYLA BONCZKOWSKI

Kansas State University

HELLO!

I’m Kayla, a senior pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at Kansas State University. Originally from the greater Chicagoland area, my passion for interior design began at a young age, sparked by my fascination with how spaces can influence mood, functionality, and overall well-being. This curiosity grew as I explored various design styles, sought inspiration from my surroundings, and honed my skills through hands-on experiences. Now, as I approach the completion of my degree, I am excited to continue translating my creativity and knowledge into thoughtful, personalized designs.

I am passionate about creating spaces that not only inspire but also serve the diverse needs of those who use them. I am committed to shaping the future of the interior design profession through leadership, innovation, and service. I want to use the power of design thinking to create a more efficient and equitable interior environment for all.

Throughout my academic career, I have strived to be more than just a student—I aim to meaningfully contribute to my department and community. While managing significant leadership responsibilities, I have maintained a strong academic record. I am excited to share my undergraduate work with you through this portfolio and hope you enjoy exploring it!

KAYLA BONCZKOWSKI

kaylab3@ksu.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-bonczkowski/

https://www.instagram.com/kbonzo_id/?next=%2F

EDUCATION

KANSAS

STATE UNIVERSITY

Manhattan, KS

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Anticipated Graduation - May 2025

GPA 3.6

WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Sugar Grove, IL

Part-Time Student

July 2021 - August 2022

GPA 4.0

ENGAGEMENT

IDESIGN CO-PRESIDENT

Kansas State University

Aug 2021 - Present

DEAN’S STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Kansas State University

March 2024 - Present

ASID STUDENT MEMBER

Kansas State University

Aug 2023 - Present

ITALY

Kansas State University

May 2023 - June 2023

EXPERIENCE

PRIME DESIGN

Intern - Multi-family Design

Jan 2025 - Present

Assisted senior designers in creating visual assets for client projects, including layouts, branding materials, and mockups.

BURNS AND MCDONNELL

Intern - Aviation and Federal

Kansas City, MO May 2024 - Aug 2024

Contributed to design projects by refining design documents.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Kansas State University

Aug 2023 - Present Assist professors with classroom instruction and assignments.

IDFS RESOURCE ROOM

Kansas State University

Sep 2022 - Present

Organize and help students select materials and finishes for projects.

IDFS AMBASSADOR

Kansas State University

Sep 2022 - Present Take prospective students on department tours.

RADINAS COFFEE HOUSE

Manhattan, KS

Jan 2022 - Dec 2024

Greeted, assisted, and served customers with drink and pastry orders.

BOARD AND BRUSH

Oswego, IL

August 2019 - Dec 2024

Management responsibilities for operations and customer service.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Top 2% Finalist in Steelcase NEXT Design Competition, Kansas State University

2022 - 2025 Jeanne A. Baldwin, FIDA and James G. Baldwin Scholarship in Interior Design, Kansas State University

Spring 2024 Scholastic Honors, Kansas State University

2023 CIDA Re-accreditation Visit 3rd Year

Representative, Kansas State University

2023 Janice M. Hamilton International Immersion

Experience Award in Human Ecology, Kansas State University

2022 Kravet Design Distinction Award, Kansas State University

Work retained for CIDA assessment, Kansas State University

COURSEWORK

Interior Design Studios 1-7

Design & Behavior in Interior Environments

Construction Methods and Materials

History of Interior Design 1&2

Textiles for Interior Design

Computer Aided Visual Communication

Lighting for Interiors

Interior Design Practices and Procedures

Designing Supportive Environments

SKILLS

Revit

Enscape

AutoCAD

Lumion

Bluebeam

Adobe Suite

Microsoft Suite

DESIGN OFFICE 01

I was selected as one of two student projects to represent the Interior Design Program at Kansas State University in the 2023 Steelcase NEXT competition. My project was recognized as one of the 28 finalists (out of 1,400 submissions) finishing in the top 2% in this national interior design competition.

CONCEPT

The design is inspired by the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge connecting West Dallas with the downtown district where the NEXT Design Firm will be located. It is a landmark for the City of Dallas urban revitalization plan and played a role in the Trinity River Project.

MARG

A RETHUNTHILL

The Steelcase NEXT design project was a comprehensive and multifaceted design challenge that spanned over 10,000 square feet, with an additional 4,000 square feet for a mezzanine. This large-scale project required meticulous planning. The design needed to balance the functional needs of the space, fostering collaboration and individual productivity, while also reflecting Steelcase’s brand values of innovation, modernity, and sustainability. The integration of the mezzanine added structural complexity, requiring careful attention to traffic flow, spatial utilization, and the aesthetics of both the main floor and the upper level. Ultimately, the NEXT project had to create a flexible, efficient, and visually cohesive environment that aligned with Steelcase’s commitment to modern workplace solutions

Flying Red Horse
Dallas Sky Blue Prairie Green
The Arrow
The Trinity River “E”

SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Open office that allows people to focus and collaborate with adjacent teammates.

Private

Meeting Tubes
Wildcard Space
Open Huddle
Design Library
Balcony
Reception
Training Room
Private Offices
Wellness Room
offices have open transparency to teams.
Mezzanine corridor to connect floors above.
Bleacher stairs provide alternative ways to work.

SPACE - DESIGN GALLERY

DESIGN LIBRARY

FIRST FLOOR WORKSTATIONS

TRAINING ROOM

VISITORS’ CENTER 02

The visitors’ center was a conceptual project done by hand on a single roll of trace paper in the Fall 2022 semester. During the Fall 2024 semester, I took this project and redesigned it with modifications. I developed 3D renders utilizing Revit and Enscape. This project also has a package of construction documents done in Revit.

CONCEPT

The design is inspired by the Smokey mountains, the pigeon river, and surrounding wildlife. The concept is delight and sharing that with others by highlighting the natural beauty and landmarks seen in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

GATLI N BURG , TN

This visitor center serves as a welcoming hub for guests, providing essential information, resources, and services to enhance their experience. Its goal is to educate visitors about the area’s history, culture, and attractions while offering guidance on activities, safety, and local amenities. The center aims to foster a positive and informative first impression, helping visitors make the most of their time and ensuring a memorable stay.

Sharing the delight of Gatlinburg, TN by highlighting

ORGANIZATIONAL DIAGRAMS AND ANALYSIS

Resembles sun behind mountains.

Wooden slats forming a sillhouette of the mountains.

Resembles organic curves of the Pigeon River.

DESIGNING AN INCLUSIVE GYM ENVIRONMENT

Drawing on evidence-based design principles, I developed a prototype gym environment that helps address the challenge faced by sexual assault survivors in feeling comfortable exercising in public spaces. By incorporating design strategies such as perceived safety and visual barriers—grounded in scholarly research—this project shows how fitness environments can both meet clients' performance and aesthetic needs while offering visual privacy to support the well-being of survivors of sexual violence.

reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.

Addressing these concerns requires a thoughtful and empathetic approach to gym design that goes beyond standard considerations of functionality and aesthetics. It involves creating environments that not only facilitate physical health, but also prioritize mental well-being and safety for all users.

DEFINING SEXUAL ASSAULT

“Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. A person may use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion to commit sexual violence.”

It is estimated that 734,630 people were raped (including threatened, attempted, or completed rape) in the U.S. in 2018 which is 2.5% of the population. This does not account for instances that were unreported.

- National Sexual Violence Resource Center

FRAMEWORK AND THEORIES

Biophilia

Kellert et al. (2015)

Trauma Informed Design

Peavy, K. Erin (2024)

THIRD PLACE THEORY

“Third places is a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg and refers to places where people spend time between home ('first' place) and work ('second' place). They are locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships.”

734,630 734,630

Self-Determination Theory

Ryan et al. (2017)

Stress Reduction Theory

Ulrich (2023)

Prospect-Refuge Theory

Appleton (1984)

RESEARCH

Visual Limitations

Refers to constraints or challenges individuals face in perceiving their environment due to factors like poor lighting, obstructed views, or visual impairments. These limitations can affect how people navigate spaces, recognize hazards, or interact with equipment, ultimately impacting their overall safety and performance.

Perceived Safety

Subjective assessment of how safe an individual feels in a given environment. It is influenced by various factors, including visibility, familiarity with the space, the presence of others, and perceived risks. High perceived safety can enhance confidence and performance, while low perceived safety may lead to anxiety and hesitation during physical activities.

Custom planters to define zones

Glass used to define zones
Glass used to create privacy
3FORM WEB ETCHED GLASS

CARDIO ZONE PROTOTYPE

VISUAL LIMITATION

- glazed windows - glazed blinds - glazed partition

BIOPHILIA
Plants - Outside views
Natural materials
3Form Web
Etched Glass
CARDIO ZONE

VISUAL LIMITATION

- glazed windows - planter boxes - partitions

BIOPHILIA

- Plants

- Outside views - Natural materials

WOOD SLAT WALL
CARDIO ZONE

MATERIALITY

STRENGTH TRAINING ZONE

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN EXCHANGE PROJECT

Kansas State University’s Office of International Programs (OIP) aims to increase recruitments of international students from various countries. To support this initiative, OIP has proposed the design of a movable pop-up stand to be displayed at foreign institutions, offering information about K-State programs and guiding prospective students through the study abroad application process.

CONCEPT

Our concept symbiotic represents the differences in all things coming together to create balance which is found in the Taijitu symbol, Frank Gherys deconstructivist architecture style, and the differences between Kansas State and INJE University.

As part of Kansas State University’s mission to enhance diversity and strengthen global connections, this mobile kiosk will focus on recruiting students from institutions like INJE University. The goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for prospective International students, fostering cultural exchange and enriching the university’s community.

Collaboration: Ana Esqueda, Maddie Rose, and Jianna Palm Inje University Students Woo Min Park and Su Jin Ji

CONCEPT

Symbiotic - “A mutual beneficial relationship between different people or groups”

All things in the universe are interconnected and that balance between opposing forces is crucial for harmony. Yin & Yang are “opposing forces.”

“I’m interested in how you can take things that are not supposed to be together and make something that is interesting, beautiful, and functional out of it.”

DIAGRAMS

RED + BLUE K-STATE PURPLE

Korean flag, 2 primary colors (red and blue) make K-State purple.

FROM SIDEWALK

FROM ILGANG HALL

MAJOR CIRCULATION PATH

DESK - CONSTRUCTED

DESK - DECONSTRUCTED

DUSK SOUTH VIEW

STRUCTURAL MATERIALS

COUNTER EDGE COUNTER TOP

OBLIQUE FORMS

FLOOR PLANS

NIGHT TOP VIEW

CONSTRUCTION

SHEET METAL PANELS - CONSTRUCTED NTS

SHEET METAL PANELS - DECONSTRUCTED NTS

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