I’m Kyle and I’m a fourth-year interior design student at UNL, originally from Bellevue, NE. In my free time I enjoy exercising and socializing.
CONTACT
3731 Faulkner Dr. #107 Lincoln, NE 68516
kwessling1740@gmail.com (402) 804-0863
EXPERIENCE
Old Navy (Gap Inc.)
_Brand Associate
_June 2021- Present
EDUCATION
University of Nebraska
_Lincoln, NE
_Aug 2021- Present
Bellevue West High School
_Bellevue, NE
_Aug 2017- May 2021
STRENGTHS
_Attention to Detail
_Eager to learn & improve
SKILLS
_Adobe InDesign
_Adobe Photoshop
_Adobe Illustrator
_Revit
_Follows instructions well _Efficient collaborator
_Rhino 7
_Enscape
_Twinmotion
04
20
NEXT DESIGN OFFICE
40 WHEATGROWERS HOTEL
HORIZON BUILDING
WHEATGROWERS HOTEL
This revitalization of an iconic hotel in Kimball, NE is proposed in light of an expected population boom in the city. Historic context and city values are key design drivers, while taking a realistic, modern approach. A series of four strategies help to guide the implementation of different levels of historic preservation.
LONDON FORSBERG, PAIGE LIESVELD, ALLEY RAMOS, KYLE WESSLING
1 FRONT VIEW
BRIEF
This project aims to revitalize the historic Wheatgrowers Hotel in Kimball, NE. The town’s population of 2,200 is set to more than double due to the workforce associated with the anticipated Sentinel Missile Project in the county.
The Wheatgrowers was built in 1918 and is a beloved icon in the city. Once known as one of the most glamorous hotels from Omaha to Denver, its proximity to the railroad made it an ideal stop even for former presidents Eisenhower and Taft. Today, the hotel has been abandoned for 25 years.
After visiting the site and gathering information from locals themselves, partners Paige Liesveld, London Forsberg, Alley
Ramos, and I used this knowledge to guide our design decisions. Inspired by wheatrelated processes, we took a layered approach to revitalizing the building. The original historic lobby was maintained while the existing ballroom and hotel were enhanced. The addition of a brewery/ restaurant and bakery was guided by the blend of old character with new function. The hotel was rumored to have an underground speakeasy that was utilized during the prohibition era, and this project brings that legend to life. The preservation of other architectural details, such as the original ventilation shafts, now as lightwells, helps to carefully adapt the building’s historic character into a viable new destination within the city today.
Diagram by A. Ramos
by
Render
L. Forsberg
Render by K. Wessling
SCALE: 1’=1/4”
Drawing by L. Forsberg
FLOOR ONE / SITE
Diagram by A.Ramos
Render by K. Wessling
Render by K. Wessling
Drawing by L. Forsberg
Diagram by A.Ramos
Drawing by L. Forsberg
Render by K. Wessling
Drawings by P. Liesveld
0’ 3’ 6’ 12’ 18’
0’ 3’ 6’ 12’ 18’
9. SUNKEN GARDEN VIEW
Redner by L. Forsberg
NEXT DESIGN OFFICE
This multi-disciplinary design office in Dallas, TX merges two contrasting notions: the progressive technological district as it relates to the untouched natural landscapes of Texas. This concept works with an adaptive and inclusive brand model to facilitate a refreshing workplace.
BRIEF
In line with the Steelcase NEXT student design competition, this is a proposal for a multi-faceted architecture and design firm located in a third-floor tenant space within Victory Commons One in Dallas, TX. The brand focuses on employee wellbeing while utilizing a unique, ever-evolving design approach. This concept can be seen within the morphing, twisting logo accopmanied by the brand slogan “then, now, next.” The materiality draws on this concept of evolution, calling to mind the more arid, natural
landscape that Texas is known for, while also highlighting the newer, modern technological district. This notion is carried into the architectural decisions within the space. The working and office side is more rigid and angular, mimicking the technological district, while the cafe and presentation side is more open and freeform, mimicking the natural arid landscapes. Both sides are connected by an arcitectural element that acts as a mezzanine railing.
SITE
nourishment. wellness. movement. mind.
WELLNESS
By focusing on the nutritional health of the employee, NEXT will benefit by seeing an increase in mood, productivity, and workplace satisfaction. By providing healthy options, the company will show that they are considerate of their employees, facilitating mutual trust.
_complimentary healthy options _education about balanced meals _adequate time for lunch
By promoting a non-sedentary work lifestyle, NEXT will benefit by seeing an increase in mood and productivity, as well as the facilitation of collaboration and openness within the company. The idea of a more fluid workplace breaks social barriers.
_spatial program that encourages frequent movement _complimentary gym memberships for employees _time for outdoor walks
By promoting a workplace environment that is conscious of mental health, employees feel valued, which builds trust and honesty within the company. Employees have a higher likelihood of productivity when given adequate downtime.
_accessible wellness, relaxation, sensory rooms _consideration of time off needs _open door policy and sight lines between admin and team
BRAND
NEXT strives to produce innovative design solutions that carefully intertwine past context, current knowledge, and longevity for the future. Utilizing an ever-evolving design model, each project is approached with a holistic mindset. Emphasis on team wellbeing and collaboration ensures a thoughtful and refreshing design outcome.
This cutting-edge apartment building aims to revitalize a post-COVID19 urban downwon by bringing all types of people together. By taking a unique approach to amenities and resident organization, this highrise encourages cross-cultural interaction and engagement with the surrounding city.
1
INTERACTIVE DISPLAY
This “Horizon Hub” consists of a non-luminous electronic touch-screen display. It is interactive and customizable while also appearing as a simple wall decal. Here, residents can view events that are happening within the building and stay up to date on notices. Each of the listed items can be expanded to see more information such as location, time, or details, as well as a building map with directions. There is also a comprehensive directory that allows visitors to call and notify whomever they’re there to see. This is equipped with audio and video that transmits up to the resident’s own personal Horizon Hub within their unit. The information on the board can also be changed to any language so that all residents can enjoy the Horizon Hub.
VIEW
BRIEF
This semester-long project begain with research into the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban cores. With this knowledge, we worked in groups of 3 to create a hypothetical 30-floor mixed-use building that aids in the economic and social revitalization of an urban downtown.
Through our research, Janelle Johnson, Monica Samaniego, and I found that in order to revitalize a downtown area, we needed to make it attractive to all types of people. The Horizon Building aims to bring people of all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds together so that all can benefit from one another. Between vertical integration of housing typologies, accessible cultural experiences, and cutting-edge technology, this dynamic high-rise is a catalyst for downtown revitalization.
The final phase of the project involved each group member individually developing an area of the building. This portfolio includes my design of the Horizon Building’s private residential lobby. This controlled access point welcomes residents with bright colors that expand from a central point toward all features of the lobby. These colors are continued into the elevator lobby and exist throughout the rest of the residential floors. Motifs of sunbursts are seen in both literal and abstract form throughout the lobby, acting as warm contrast to the harsh colors and furthering the horizon theme. Additionally, angular walls help create a sense of expansion upon entry and guide traffic throughout the lobby. The amenities offered cater toward residents of all backgrounds and support a wide variety of lifestyle choices, from bike storage to free printing/shipping centers.
FLOOR 1 - CONTEXT
INCLUSIVE
These community computers are accessible for free use by residents, which are a draw for those who may not be able to afford a computer. This aligns with the Horizon building’s goal of making it a safe and inclusive place for people of all social and economic backgrounds. This area also includes a free print station with various options, as well as a laser cutter and Cricut machine.
CONVENIENT
The mail room consists of a dualfaced mail wall for ease of access for both carriers and residents. There is also a secure exterior door for access by carriers. The package center keeps mail in lockers and residents recieve a text code to open their locker. The shipping center consists of boxes, tape, label printing, and shipping guidelines for residents to use free of charge.
GROUNDED
This elevator lobby consists of the same color blocks that are seen in the residential atrium. This represents the atrium’s tie to the rest of the residential tower, as these colors rise up through the height of the building. The minimal nature of this ground floor lobby differentiates it from the otherwise colorful residential floors. All eight elevators are also accessible to the public, but residential floors are only accessible by keycard.
