Kya Dickson: Interior Architecture and Design Portfolio
KYA DICKSON
SELECTED WORKS
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN PORTFOLIO
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WORKPLACE: REVITALIZING PEMBROKE
07
HOSPITALITY RESTAURANT
FRAIS MIXED USE: COMMUNITY
RESIDENTIAL: UNIVERSAL
HEALTHCARE: OASIS PEDIATRIC BEYOND
CENTER BEYOND
DESIGN DUPLEX
INTERIORS: GIS
INTERIORS: SUSTAINABLE
KYA DICKSON
LEED Green Associate
BS Interior Design
Minor Studio Art
Graduated May 2025
Summa Cum Laude
Georgia Southern University
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY:
I am an interdisciplinary designer and artist who uses a variety of skills in art, architecture, interiors, geospatial science, research, and psychology, to create art and spaces. As both a designer and artist, I balance creativity and aesthetics with research and technicality in my design thinking, and see every drawing, rendering, or presentation layout as art in of itself, with value beyond its visual communication purpose. I believe designers have a responsibility to not only mitigate the negative effects of the building industry on the environment, but to mindfully create built environments and structures that have a positive net effect, while adding beauty, comfort, value, and significance to society. Design should be used for the benefit of people and planet, serving others and creating a safer, more functional, healthier, and visually wonderful world. I consider this an honor and privilege
- Integral to my role as a designer.
KYA DICKSON
interior architecture and design
Kyajoydickson@gmail.com
770-362-3543
Atlanta, Ga
linkedin.com/in/kyadickson
EXPERIENCE
Interior Design Intern ~ May - June 2024 Summer Internship
Crosby Design Group Atlanta, GA
• Assisted designers in programming research
• Space planned options for projects in schematic design phase
• Communicated with reps to research and order materials and finish samples during design development
• Red-lined CDs and created families in Revit for designers
• Wrote report documenting construction site visit and assisted in an installation during construction administration phases.
• Assisted procurement team by updating FF&E lists in Studio Designer
• Gave design trend presentations to management team
Design Assistant ~ June 2020 - Present (Seasonal and Remote)
Southernite Interiors Canton, GA
• Increased efficiency by implementing material library organization, digital and physical client record keeping, and data entry
• Helped streamline the design process by assisting designers with administration tasks including filing, pick up and drop off of FF&E, assisting in installs, ordering samples, and utilizing task management software
• Maintained decor store and stockroom cleaning, styling, and aiding the designers in merchandising and store management
• Contributed to store operations, assisting customer orders and sales
LEADERSHIP
• President and Founder ~ Geospatial Student Chapter ~ 2023
• Member ~ Eco Representatives ~ 2021-2022 Advocated for sustainability on campus and led an initiative partnering with the campus food pantry to educate students
ACHIEVEMENTS
• 2025 Georgia Southern Undergraduate Juried Art Exhibition
• 2023 and 2022 Georgia Southern Form and Content Juried Art Exhibitions
• 2023 Georgia Southern Undergraduate Juried Art Exhibition
• Presented at the 2023 Esri Geodesign Summit with faculty
• Presented at the 2023 National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference
• NEWH. “Student Spotlight.” The Hospitality Industry Network Spring 2022
EDUCATION
Georgia
BS
CIDA/NASAD
Graduated
•
LOCATION
Pembroke, GA, U.S.A.
TYPE/SIZE
Urban Planning - 12 Acre Lot
Workplace Design, Mixed Use - Approx. 8,500 sqft
LBC - Project Boundary: 12 Acres - Approx 9 acres developed Transect Designation: L4 General urban, small village LBC - Reference Habitats: Southeastern plains and southern coastal plains with wetlands
SCOPE
This senior capstone project spaned 2 semesters. Part 1 required collaboration with GSU Psychology students to analyze, and consult with, the people of Pembroke to develop an empty lot near downtown. Part 2 entailed individual design and completion as a senior capstone project of the architecture of the buildings and interiors of selected spaces (Office) within them. This project was completed using LEED and LBC standards
Through ArcGIS Community Analysis and infographics, demographics, economic conditions, and healthcare statistics were analyzed within a 5, 10, and 15 min. driving radius from the site location within Pembroke. Healthcare stats revealed a central need for fitness and wellness
At a drive time of 5 minutes, only 41.8% exercise at home 2+ times a week, while only 8.6% exercise at a fitness center 2+ times per week. This means that only about ½ the population is recorded to be exercising at all, clearly showing a need for avenues for physical activity.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
• Space for new infrastructure
• Opportunities for using old structures
• Transportation improvements/better traffic
• Green space and exercise facilities expanded
• Reinforce local enterprise and control speed of expansion
• Mental health services
• Improve food access
SKILLS
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Revit and Lumion
• Sustainable Design
• Evidence Based Design
PROGRAMMING PROCESS
MEETING WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS SITE VISIT RESEARCHING SITE, ANALYZING DATA
FORMING QUESTIONS, REVIEWING EXISTING LITERATURE
CONCEPT
DESIGN
RECOMMENDATIONS BASED LITERATURE REVIEW
Through a comprehensive integration of psychological, cultural, and economic considerations, the design solution will holistically reach for connection to nature, healthy lifestyles, and community access to beautiful spaces that inspire pride and sense of place. Revitalizing Pembroke takes a town with rich history and pushes it towards a more sustainable future that accommodates all existing and future residents while preserving its character and cultural significance.
PRESENTATION TO COMMUNITY RECEIVE FEEDBACK
LEED AND LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE
Based on the goals for the community, site, and individual buildings, Living Building Challenge Certification, and LEED for Interior Design and Construction requirements were integrated wherever possible to create not just a sustainable, but regenerative built environment.
Building 1: 2 Levels - Indoor/Outdoor - Community Spaces
Building 2: 2 Levels - Gym and Recreation
Building 3: 3 Levels - 1: Cafe and Retail, 2/3: Office Space
Designing Urban Spaces to Enhance Mental Well-Being
Through incorporating community gardens, green spaces, parks that enhance mental health (Kaplan, 1989).
Small Town Revitalization
Main Street revitalization, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, community parks and way finding and signage (China. Han, Yong;Deng, Yating;Ni, Ruixing, 2023).
Multi-use Mixed Space Green Integration
The components of community wellbeing include engagement, mixed-use development, interaction, and walkable spaces (Abdullah et al., 2024).
Promoting Community Engagement
Provide engagement opportunities for the community that in turn bring in revenue (Community Center) (Stoeker & Witkovsky, 2022).
Gazebo and Flower Garden
Create an area for relaxation and social interaction. This outdoor area will help reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing (Moura et al., 2024).
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
We recommend that Pembroke promote healthy lifestyles by integrating walking/cycling paths, outdoor exercise stations, and multi-use recreational spaces (Recreation Center) (Smith & Jones, 2023).
Sustainability Through Historic Preservation
The expansion of the City of Pembroke offers opportunities to lower their carbon footprint by restoring/renovating existing buildings (LEED and LBC Building) (Johnson, 2022).
Credits: Blase Emerson, Haylee White, Laura Cagle, Caroline Vickers, Anasja Clark, Sarah Burton, Katie Dawson
Beginning with a matrix to discern priorities and adjacencies, the company structure of the architectural office was diagrammed to organize spaces and private offices. From there the relationship diagram moved to bubble and block to configure the most efficient layout for private and open workspaces, collaboration spaces, lounge areas, and supporting storage, restroom, and design library areas. Circulation between the 3 levels of office space and public areas was organized around a central stairway and elevator, egress stairs, and catwalk , roughly visualized in the stacking diagram.
Building Typology and Occupancy Classification: Commercial Level 1: Group A2 Assembly and Group M Mercantile Levels 2-3: Group B Business Building to be sprinklered - heads placed 15’ apart
Max travel distance: 75’
Building served by one egress set of stairs and a central staircase connecting levels 1 and 2.
ADA accessibility: elevator connecting 3 levels and roof level.
RECLAIMED WOOD PANELING
SW EARTHEN JUG
CONCRETE FLOORING
SALVAGED REMNANT STONE
SALVAGED REMNANT STONE
RECLAIMED WALNUT PANELING
RED LIST COMPLIANT UPHOLSTERED CHAIR
RENDERINGS AND FF&E
The building integrates retail, cafe, and offices with a central atrium that serves to bring light down into the interior. With vertical circulation that accentuates the grand scale, plants and wood tones contribute to a biophilic environment. Though the company office levels are accessible only to employees and clients, the public is invited into the local business through the atrium balconies and catwalk that allow for interaction and connectedness. The office levels feature an efficient layout of private offices and workstations, collaboration spaces, and storage.
ADJUSTABLE DESK
ERGONOMIC CHAIR
BIOPHILIC ACOUSTIC BAFFLES
CARBON NEGATIVE CARPET TILE
LOCAL SAVANNAH LATH
• LEED /LBC - Energy and Atmosphere
• Passive House Design - roof overhang: Summer sun blocked, Winter sun admitted
• Onsite renewable energy generation through solar power and geothermal power
• Concrete and Brick for insulation
• LEED/LBC - Water Efficiency
• Rainwater collection for community use, irrigation, living wall irrigation
• LEED - Indoor Environmental Comfort, Health and Happiness Petal
• Cross Ventilation from strategically placed doors and balconies flow through atrium
• Light well allows daylight into building interior
• LBC - Access to Nature
• Exposed rainwater collection to educate and excite occupants
OASIS PEDIATRIC
CLINIC
LOCATION
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.
TYPE/SIZE
Healthcare: Pediatric Clinic
Approx. 8,640 sqft
SCOPE
This project consisted of 2 parts:
Part 1 consisted of a 5 member student collaboration for the 2024 IIDA Student Competition. A 1 level floor plan was provided and students worked to fill the design brief for a pediatric facility. Our project was selected by healthcare professionals on campus to be entered in the competition.
Part 2 entailed individual design work creating a second level physical therapy center, and completing ID construction documents, schedules, and renderings.
SKILLS
• Revit
• Lumion
• Building Codes
• Adobe Suite
• Project management and group collaboration
• Way-finding
PROGRAMMING DIAGRAMS
RESEARCH
Geospatial Analysis through Esri’s ArcGIS examines the Baltimore area. Healthcare takes up the largest percentage of the workforce. Analysis and research shows that crime, educational issues, and the poverty rate, which consistently rank above the national average, are social issues in the area. Taking not of natural water flows, the new pediatric clinic will be flexible, fluid, relaxing, and playful, creating a an atmosphere that will serve the surrounding community and compete with other facilities.
Create a calm, functional, and comfortable safe space for patients during their visit
Uphold all privacy standards and cater to all with inclusive, and accessible design Add value and beauty to the surrounding area through excellent care and patient education
“This new clinic will provide comprehensive pediatric primary care from birth to age eighteen (18) with accommodations to treat behavioral health issues. The clinic’s design scope will include Exam Rooms, Public Areas, both Administrative and Physician Workrooms, Manager’s Office, Nurse’s Station, Staff Lounge,
Medical Room, Soil Room, both Family Restrooms and Staff Restrooms, a Patient Education Space, and an Outdoor Area.” IIDA Project Brief for the Student Design Competition
Floor Plan: Working within the constraints of building shell required clever solutions in order to accommodate 8 exam rooms and all other design brief requirements. Careful attention to work flow and circulation resulted in a natural progression from waiting area, to interior clinic space with vitals and exam rooms arranged around a central rotunda with branching corridors to the rest of the clinic. The nurse station features a breezeway for greater efficiency and transom windows in exam rooms allow daylight while maintaining privacy. Stone pavers outside create a more sustainable pervious surface.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
• Accessibility
• Privacy and HIPPA
• Color and Lighting
• Biophilia
• Antimicrobial, Cleanable, Durable Materials
• Rest for the Patient and Caregiver
OCEAN COIL LIGHTING
WAITING ROOM CLOUD LIGHT
HEAT SEALED FLOORING
RENDERINGS AND FF&E
The rendered floor plan gives a view of the featured materials and finishes used throughout with a focus on healthcare appropriate materials, calming blues, and OFS finishes for furniture. LVT flooring with a rubber base is featured throughout and way-finding paths invoking the ocean theme are created through seamlessly integrated heat sealed flooring. Wallpaper coupled with ocean art
keeps the rooms fun and lively while also catering to an older patient.
FF&E: An estimated 80% consisted of OFS Carolina. All furniture selections demonstrate an accommodation for children from babies to 18, with careful consideration for inclusivity.
LAMINATE CABINET FINISH
FABRIC FINISH
OFS KITCHENETTE
EXAM ROOM WALLPAPER
RESTAURANT
LOCATION
18 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques
75005 Paris, France
TYPE/SIZE
Restaurant, Commercial Space, Full Commercial Kitchen
Approx. 1,850 sqft
SCOPE
This project covers the design of a restaurant in Paris. Located in a dense area, a small building shell was provided. The design solution required space planning to fit the required kitchen, dining, bar, lounge, private dining, and accessible restrooms.
FF&E selections needed to be as sustainable as possible, with a LEED assessment conducted to determine the LEED score based on existing design and later improvements.
SKILLS
• Revit
• Lumion
• FF&E Selection
• LEED, Sustainability
• Building Codes
• Adobe Suite
MARKET ANALYSIS
Using geospatial analysis through Esri’s ArcGIS , a market analysis of 5, 15, and 30 minute walking distance from the site shows that there are several cafes, with a prevalence of Japanese, Italian, and Chinese restaurants. Fast food is common. The restaurant design needed to appeal to the local and diverse communities of Pairs, and provide a sustainable alternative to fast food.
existing bike paths, infrastructure, and roadways. Main bus stations are featured, as well as the existing architectural vernacular - Haussman apartments with their iconic limestone and recognizable structures.
LEED ANALYSIS
LEED analysis features transportation and density information contributing to final scorecard
Wood slat paneling sourced from Henry Timber France to minimize supply chain length
Biophilic lighting made in Barcelona to minimize supply chain length
Sconces from Maytoni, a German manufacturer, minimizes supply chain length Ascale Tau marble waterproof, Recycled, UV Resistance, Hygienic, High Temp Resistance
Fireclay tile for origami walls and kitchen Climate Neutral Certified
Private dining table from Tom Dixon, made of cork, inherently sustainable Wood beams sourced from Henry Timber France to minimize supply chain length
CONCEPT
The Restaurant Frais, French for fresh , will encapsulate all the rustic glory of the French countryside and the client’s native Normandy , as well as the vibrancy of Pairs , to create a local gem that serves a menu inspired by the client’s family recipes. Like the food, the
interior will nourish as well, providing wellbeing, and reflecting sustainability in all its aspects. Through culinary and interior simplicity and elegance , Frais will be a favorite for tourists and non-natives, as well as the local Parisian
The rendered floor plan exemplifies the e arthy, yet elegant colors and textures of the restaurant , with browns, greens, low pile velvet, clean concrete flooring and pillars, leather, simple tiling, and brass finish metals throughout the lighting and hardware.
EXTERIOR FACADE
DRAWINGS
Space planning and design development hinged on comprehensive restaurant layout, moving from tasks through final restaurant areas.
Floor Plan: The design solution creates an efficient kitchen in the back of the restaurant, complete with hot food, cold food, ware-wash, and holding table. Due to the small space available, the private dining consists of a
round banquette enveloped by an organic concrete form. The East Elevation shows the bar with wood slat finish sourced locally in France.
The West Elevation gives a view of the booth seating with signage and tile wall illuminated by spotlighting tucked behind a ceiling beam.
DINING LIGHTS
AMBIENT LIGHTING
Renderings exemplify the careful use of lighting and spacing of seating to create a fresh atmosphere during the day, and an intimate experience at night.
FF&E Selections: Back of house is just as important as front of house in restaurant design. Therefore, sleek and efficient commercial appliances were selected. Sustainable materials and finishes with tactile appeal are used throughout , and ADA fixtures and equipment for the restrooms including a touch-less toilet and grab bars.
RECLAIMED CEILING BEAMS
COMMERCIAL ADA FEATURES
LEATHER SEATING
BAR LIGHTING
CORK TABLE CONCRETE FLOORING
LOUNGE SEATING
VIEW OF PRIVATE DINING
NIGHT VIEW OF BAR
CENTER
LOCATION
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.
TYPE/SIZE
Commercial, Public, Community Center
Approx. 16,750 sqft
SCOPE
This project covers the design of a community center for the phoenix area . The project focused on Revit skills and rendering.
Requirements included multipurpose rooms, an art gallery or display space, a lounge, and a coffee bar.
Sustainable design principles were integrated throughout to maximize functionality in an arid environment.
SKILLS
• Revit
• Lumion
• Minimal FF&E Selection
• Adobe Suite
• Building Codes
CONCEPT
The Sonoran Community Center, named for the surrounding Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, Arizona, will display glass, natural materials, biophilic elements that evoke the surrounding landscape, and incorporate sustainable materials and building design that meshes with the extreme elements of the desert and utilizes natural light . These elements coupled with a design that encourages education, gatherings, community engagement, cultural understanding, and creativity, will form a space that tourists and natives alike will thrive in.
FLOOR PLANS
The floor plans show a functional layout that incorporates multipurpose community spaces with staff areas, views to outside, natural daylight , and furniture groupings that provide areas of respite and conversation
SUSTAINABILITY
• Passive solar heating and cooling principles by using concrete , which functions as a thermal mass, throughout the flooring, architectural columns, and exterior structure.
• Fewer windows on the East and West sides minimize sunlight entering in the mornings and evenings.
• Larger windows on the North side allow for more sunlight in the Winter , while the South side features less glazing to minimize sunlight coming from this direction in the Summer months.
• Solar panels help power the center.
RENDERINGS AND FF&E SELECTIONS
Sourced from a variety of vendors, FF&E includes quartz from The Yard, a local stone yard in Phoenix , and Net Zero Carbon Carpet Tile from Shaw Contract . Interior Renderings pull all the design details together for a cohesive view of the vibrant
community center. Large skylights on the right and left sides of the building integrate the 2 levels and allow natural light into the center of the building. Planting dividers in the lounge and biophilic elements throughout add to the oasis feel.
EUREKA PENDANT LIGHTS
RESIDENTIAL
DUPLEX
LOCATION
Worcester, MA, U.S.A.
TYPE/SIZE
Residential
Multi -generational duplex
A pprox. 3,100 SF
SCOPE
Provided with a duplex building shell , this project required a multi-generational home with children and grandchildren on one side and grandparents on the other.
The design solution required ADA and universal design for the veteran grandfather and wheelchair bound grandmother.
SKILLS
• Universal & ADA Design AutoCAD
• Adobe Suite
• Hand Sketching
• FF&E Selection and Specification
Operation Restoration designs a home that provides s afety, beauty, and a rehabilitating, environment for the holistic healing and Wellbeing of the occupants. This multi-generational home fosters a connection to nature and incorporates sustainable design, bringing restoration of the mind,body, soul, and relationships.
7 PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Universal Design goes beyond required accessibility, and instead incorporates visitability, usability, adaptability, and inclusivity, to provide an excellent environment and experience to as many people as possible.
Designing for veterans involves an awareness of universal design, the specific triggers and details of the individual’s injury and daily experience, and empathy from the designer in order to provide the optimum space for healing and quality of life.
DRAWINGS
Floor Plan: The Grandparent’s side is fully accessible with universal design features including v arious counter heights, roll-in shower, grab bars, pull down shelving, lowered cabinets, and dish drawer. Wellbeing features are found the study with acoustical paneling off primary bedroom.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
DUAL FLUSH TOILET - 1.0 GPF & 0.8 GPFSKU: MS989CUMFG#01 by TOTO provides remote controlled use and is ADA compliant in height. Oslo Pedestal Round Dining Table. Item #10117139 LTOK by Restoration Hardware allows for roll up wheelchair seating Pull-out drawer shelving for easy access decreases the need for crouching or bending down
The DishDrawer by Fisher and Paykel allows for easy dish cleaning and access from a wheelchair or standing height.
Monocco Sectional SKU: D188-SECT by Rowe has firm foam core cushions and straight cushions for aging backs
Vinyl flooring throughout both sides of the duplex decreases damage from a fall
VINYL
The rendered floor plan and FF&E reveal a calming and warm color scheme with biophilic elements through the leaf design bathroom tile and acoustic panels conducive to restoration and healing on the grandparents side, fit with an accessible pedestal table,
universal design equipment in the kitchen, and vinyl flooring to decrease impact in the event of a fall. The parent’s side has an earthy color scheme with colorful kids room and bunk beds accessed by stairs for greater access.
Using Geospatial Technology to Design a Participatory Local Food Movement for more Resilient Communities and a Sustainable Planet
Geospatial Science involves the use of Geographical mapping and analysis of data. Also referred to as gis, or geographic information systems, geospatial science can be used for architecture, design, data analytics, mapping and cartography, urban and city planning, interior design, public policy, and so much more.
The possibilities are endless. This project details how geospatial science was used to create data driven design solutions and reinforce the evidence based design process. The geospatial software used was ArcGIS provided by Esri.
The final project brief for a “Human Centered Design” required initial brainstorming to identify a community issue that could be solved through research, geospatial data collection, and design. The problem identified was the local farmers market and how it impacts local communities in its different forms in the Southeast of the U.S. Results of the project were placed in global context and related to similar local market structures around the world,
and focused on the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations featured at left. The project began with interviewing 10 people in the region about their experience with farmers markets. From their experience an app was developed through Esri’s Quick Capture application and used by the 10 participants to capture data at various markets.
https://arcg.is/0rv0Ka0
SUBJECTIVE DATA
The app at left (Scan below to access) allows participants to capture images and notes about various market infrastructure and appear as dots on the corresponding maps above. The Line Capture tracks the emotions clicked as participants move throughout the market space and appear as lines on the maps. The allows for a subjective data component.
The Esri Dashboard featured below combines all the subjective data collected from the app. This was then synthesized with he objective data to form the design solution.
OBJECTIVE DATA
Using Esri’s Community Analyst, each location was analyzed for demographic, community, and market information to look at trends and potential impacts on markets in the area. Each area was defined by rings of walking distances like those featured on the maps at right.
Drawings were created to show the solution for the farmers market of the future, serving the surrounding area and providing a facility for market and community use , both encouraging cultural exchange and providing access to healthy foods and an economy for small business and local farmers and suppliers. Design features include bus stops, bike racks, and walking trails to allow for ease of access, a versatile facility that can offer weather protection while maintaining an open air feel and connection to nature, refrigeration, water access, restrooms, green spaces, and seating.
BAMBOO PROJECT
LOCATION
Georgia Southern University Campus, Statesboro, GA, U.S.A.
PROJECT SCOPE
This project combined studio I and III students for a month long collaboration learning about sustainable design in its most basic form using bamboo structures.
Project teams consisted of 6 students (3 students from each studio level) who went through extensive conceptual programming, model building and revision, bamboo harvesting, mock ups, and final presentation with bamboo structures built by the teams and displayed on campus.
SKILLS
• Manual construction/ harvesting
• Collaboration and leadership
• Reiterative process
• Sketching
• Model building
• Sustainable design
INITIAL BRAINSTORMING
Sketches focused on sustainability, visual, auditory, tactile, and haptic qualities
ROUND 1 SKETCHES & MODELS
ROUND 2 SKETCHES AND MODELS
Coastal Georgia
Botanical Gardens
Savannah, GA, U.S.A.
Project teams traveled to a bamboo farm located in the Coastal GA Botanical Gardens and learned to cut, chop, and saw bamboo for transport back to campus
BAMBOO HARVESTING
Students presented this wellness inspired structure that allows users to tap the suspended bamboo shoots for sensory and acoustical appeal
