I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design, with an anticipated graduation in May 2025. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve developed a deep passion for how the built environment influences the human experience. My studies have allowed me to explore design concepts that prioritize functionality, aesthetics, and well-being, and I am particularly drawn to creating spaces that enhance the lives of those who interact with them. My hands-on experience as an interior design intern has given me valuable insights into the design process, helping me refine my skills in both conceptual design and technical execution.
In addition to my academic and professional experiences, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, where I was greatly inspired by the Nordic design style. The minimalist yet functional approach to design that I encountered there has influenced my own aesthetic and design philosophy. Throughout my time at the University of Arkansas, I have stayed involved on campus, participating in various events and activities that have enriched my education and professional development. I am excited to continue growing in the field of interior design and eager to apply my skills and passion to create spaces that positively impact individuals.
LAUREN ACREE
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
EDUCATION
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas | 2021 - 2025
Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Design
DIS Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark | Summer 2023
Interior Architecture Studio
EXPERIENCE
Interior Design Intern - Yaeger Architecture
Lenexa, Kansas | Summer 2024
-Contributed to creating mood boards, selecting materials, and developing design concepts.
-Sketched preliminary design ideas, researched trends, and sourced furniture and decor pieces.
-Worked with vendors to create custom designs, ensuring client and brand alignment.
Teaching Assistant - University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas | Spring 2024
-Tutored students, assisting with homework and reinforcing key concepts.
-Facilitated student engagement during daily lessons.
-Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback.
SKILLS
Modeling Tools | Revit, Enscape, Rhino
Fabrication Tools | Laser Cutting, Wood Shop
Adobe Suite | Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
Microsoft Suite | Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Other | Virtual Reality, Mattoboard, Canva
913.710.5365
acree.lauren@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-acree
INVOLVEMENT
The American Society of Interior Designers
Member | 2023 - Present
Kappa Kappa Gamma, Gamma Nu Chapter
Member | 2021 - 2024
Razorback Dance Team
University of Arkansas | 2021 - 2023
-Balanced the demands of being a full-time student and a collegiate athlete, with practices and games several times a week.
-Engaged with fans and represented the team positively within the community.
-Maintained strong discipline and time management to succeed academically and athletically.
Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer | Fall 2023
-Assisted in various construction tasks.
-Gained an understanding of workplace safety procedures.
-Contributed to a successful, time sensitive project.
SOAR Afterschool Program
Volunteer | Fall 2021
-Supervised elementary students to ensure a safe and positive environment.
-Lead games and activities to promote teamwork and social skills.
-Provided individual support, creating a welcoming space for students.
SPRING 2024
FALL 2023
FALL 2024
SPRING 2023
FALL 2023 / SPRING 2024
STEM LIBRARY
346 N West Ave
Fayetteville, AR
4,400 SF
Spring 2024
The project site, located at 346 N West Ave, Fayetteville, AR, is a three-story university building that is currently unoccupied. The main entrance of the building is situated on N West Ave, offering easy access to the public. The building, spanning approximately 4,400 square feet, will undergo a complete transformation as it is repurposed into a STEM-focused library. While the east side of the building was not included in the contract for this renovation, the remaining structure will be adapted to meet the needs of both the University of Arkansas community and the general public. The primary goal of this project is to create a modern and innovative library that serves as a hub for STEM education and research. The library will be equipped with state-of-the-art resources and technology designed to support students, faculty, and researchers in various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Special attention will be given to creating collaborative spaces for group work, quiet study areas, and interactive learning environments. While the library will be open to the general public, it will feature specialized resources tailored to the University of Arkansas students, fostering a strong connection between the university and the local community.
USER PROFILES
STUDENTS
A student uses a STEM-focused library to access resources, collaborate, and enhance their learning in science, technology, engineering, and math.
TEACHERS
SITE MODEL
A laser-cut topography model representing the natural contours of the building’s existing site.
A STEM library provides teachers with resources, hands-on tools, and collaborative spaces to enhance lesson planning, engage students in STEM activities, and support innovative teaching practices.
PUBLIC
The general public can use a STEM library to access educational resources, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities, fostering exploration and skill development in STEM fields.
FLOOR PLANS
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVES
Interior view of the computer lab on the library’s first floor, featuring modern workstations and a collaborative space.
Interior view of the third floor, showcasing the archive for storing STEM-related materials and the adjacent study spaces.
PAINT
Green promotes comfort, relaxation, and focus.
OAK
TERRACOTTA TILE
Sustainable, made from natural materials and built to last. Strong, versatile, and sustainable, perfect for any space.
UPHOLSTERY
Vinyl faux leather is durable, eco-friendly, and sleek.
UPHOLSTERY
Fabric upholstery offers comfort, versatility, and style.
LIGHTING DESIGN
GRANITE
MOSAIC TILE
COPPER
Copper offers durability, elegance, and warmth.
Granite is a sustainable, durable material, offering long-term value. Mosaic tiles add texture, color, and character to the design.
Preliminary lighting design sketches incorporate the three basic layers of light: task lighting to promote focus during study, accent lighting to highlight design features, and ambient lighting for overall, comfortable illumination. Together, these layers enhance the library’s functionality by supporting focused work, creating a visually stimulating environment, and ensuring general comfort for users.
CROSS SECTION PERSPECTIVE
Cross-sectional perspective of the library, showcasing spaces like the computer lab, study areas, and archive, while highlighting the design’s verticality and alternating floor voids.
AXON
Axonometric view of all three floors, showcasing the materiality, spatial relationships, and overall layout of the library design.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
Interior view of the STEM library entrance, highlighting the reception desk, collection, and expansive multistory voids.
FURNITURE & FIXTURES
DESIGN GOALS
Design goals were established early on in the semester to provide direction and inspiration for the design of the STEM library. Verticality, cohesion, interaction, and rhythm — these goals established the basis for the design process. Verticality guided the integration of multi-level floor voids, cohesion enabled the materiality to have a uniform look, interaction enabled collaboration and engagement, and rhythm helped to establish the sense of movement and continuity in the design. Throughout the development, I returned repeatedly to these underlying concepts to ensure I stayed true to developing a meaningful and cohesive space that met functional as well as aesthetic goals.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
CONCEPT MODEL
Early conceptual model that played a key role in shaping the design of the floor voids and the bridges that span across each level, defining the library’s unique spatial flow.
CAMPFIRE TABLE ENEA LOTTUS STOOL SAVINA SOFA
Progression from concept model to floor void design, highlighting the thoughtful evolution of the spatial layout.
Interior view of the Science Lab, designed practical STEM applications
Interior view of the library’s reading area, featuring custom millwork with integrated seating.
designed to support hands-on learning and applications within the library.
Interior view of custom millwork featuring individual seating designed to promote comfort and focus for studying.
NEXT DESIGN
2601 Victory Ave Suite
300 Dallas, TX
11,000 SF
Fall 2023
The project site, located at 2601 Victory Ave, Suite 300, Dallas, TX, involves the design and renovation of the third floor of an existing building, which spans approximately 11,000 square feet with 30-foot ceilings. NEXT Architecture and Design will occupy this space, creating a flexible and modern workspace that supports contemporary workplace practices. The design is developed in collaboration with Steelcase, with all furnishings provided by the company. The space will adhere to ADA requirements and incorporate Universal Design principles, ensuring that it is accessible and functional for all individuals. The project aims to reflect NEXT’s brand and culture, which was open to interpretation, allowing for creative flexibility in the design process. The primary goal of this design is to create a dynamic workspace that accommodates the evolving needs of modern organizations. The floor plan will feature touchdown seating to support various work styles, enabling employees to collaborate, focus, or take breaks with ease. The design will emphasize flexibility, with spaces that can be easily reconfigured to adapt to different team needs and activities. Incorporating Steelcase’s innovative furniture solutions, the layout will encourage collaboration while providing areas for privacy and quiet work. This workspace will serve as an adaptable environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and comfort, aligning with NEXT’s forwardthinking approach to design and work culture.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
ME
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
DIGITAL + PHYSICAL
Interior view of workstations and private offices on the west side, featuring color blocking for wayfinding.
LONGITUDINAL SECTION PERSPECTIVE
The design principles of NEXT Architecture and Design were guided by four key principles. “Me + We” achieves individual focus and common spaces, enabling personal productivity and collaboration. “Fixed to Fluid” is flexible in configuration, enabling adaptive needs and fostering flexibility in the long term. “Open + Enclosed” creates a vibrant space with both open spaces for interaction and closed spaces for isolation. Lastly, “Digital + Physical” blends technology in harmony with the built environment to enhance both virtual and physical experiences. All these principles collectively enable a flexible and future-proof design.
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
Interior view of workstations on the building’s east side, featuring Steelcase furniture and collaborative huddle spaces.
FLOOR PLANS
First-level floor plan featuring a well-organized layout with workstations for collaboration, private offices for focused work,
Mezzanine level floor plan featuring a flexible classroom for dynamic learning, a fully-equipped
work, meeting rooms for team discussions, huddle spaces for informal collaboration, and a welcoming reception area.
fully-equipped kitchen for convenience, and touchdown seating areas designed for quick, comfortable work.
MATERIALS
The project materials incorporate a vibrant palette of contrasting shades of purple, orange, and pink tones that have been precisely chosen to yield a vibrant and inviting space. These rich, warm hues not only light the space but also evoke an essence of energy and creativity, complementing the atmosphere further and offering depth and visual interest to the design.
MEZZANINE PERSPECTIVE
MEZZANINE PERSPECTIVE
Axonometric view of a touchdown space situated on the mezzanine level, designed for flexible, collaborative work and quick, comfortable seating.
CROSS SECTION PERSPECTIVE
MEZZANINE AXON
SPACE PLANNING
Bubble diagrams illustrating the spatial relationships and organizational flow of the office, highlighting the connections and interactions between spaces across both the main and mezzanine levels.
REFLECTED CEILING PLANS
Reflected ceiling plan detailing the office’s lighting design and ceiling elements, emphasizing functionality and style.
Reflected ceiling plan for the double-height spaces and mezzanine level, highlighting the layered lighting design.
PRIVATE OFFICES
LOGO DESIGN
STUDIO BLEND
413 E Emma Ave
Springdale, AR
2,346 SF
Fall 2024
The project site, located at 413 E Emma Ave, Springdale, AR, involves the design and renovation of an existing building spanning approximately 2,346 square feet. The space is being transformed into a unique coffee shop and wine bar, with the additional capability to host live performances, creating a versatile venue for both daytime and evening entertainment. The main entrance is positioned off Emma Ave, welcoming visitors into a vibrant, multi-functional space. The design aims to provide an inviting atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a relaxed coffee experience by day and transition to a sophisticated wine bar in the evening. During the early stages of the project, extensive research was conducted on various materials, with a particular focus on natural stone. This research played a key role in shaping the design of “Studio Blend,” influencing both the floor plan and the selection of interior materials. Natural stone was incorporated throughout the space, creating a seamless connection between design elements and the building’s overall aesthetic. The front half of the building will serve as the coffee shop, with a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the back area will be dedicated to the wine bar, offering a more intimate and refined setting. The integration of natural stone enhances the overall ambiance and provides a timeless, grounded feel to the space.
Figure-ground map of the project site in Springdale, Arkansas, showing its layout and how it connects to the surrounding area.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Conceptual diagram illustrating the relationship between natural stone and its influence on the overall design and layout, highlighting how this material shapes the space.
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
Interior view of the wine bar, featuring a limestone wall and irregular shapes inspired by natural stone.
Exterior view into the building, showcasing the wine bar and partially enclosed outdoor entertainment area.
GRANITE
Granite is natural, locally sourced from Arkansas.
LIMESTONE
AREA RUG
FLUTED TILE
Limestone, locally sourced, adds timeless elegance. An area rug adds warmth, texture, style. Fluted tile adds texture, sophistication, character.
UPHOLSTERY
ALUMINUM
Aluminum provides a sustainable, sleek finish.
RECLAIMED WOOD
Sustainable material offering warmth, character, and authenticity. Clay tile is more eco-friendly, durable, and natural. Stripe upholstery adds visual interest and color.
EXTERIOR ELEVATION
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The building was designed with a partially enclosed outdoor space, offering flexibility for entertainment. The exterior walls are angled upward, enhancing the connection with the outdoors while preserving a sense of intimacy.
CLAY TILE
LONGITUDINAL SECTION PERSPECTIVE
Axonometric view of the coffee shop, strategically located at the front of the building, offering a welcoming presence that is visible from the street and draws attention to the space.
Axonometric view of the wine bar, positioned at the back of the building, seamlessly accessible from the partially enclosed outdoor area, creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
COFFEE SHOP AXON
WINE BAR AXON
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
Interior view of the coffee shop, viewed from the building’s main entry off Emma Ave.
AN ORT UND STELLE
Kisau 16, 33098
Paderborn, Germany
135,000 SF Spring 2023
The project site, located at Kisau 16, 33098 Paderborn, Germany, is a large building spanning approximately 135,000 square feet, situated on a generous plot that borders a scenic river. The location offers easy access to biking and walking trails, with the heart of the historic city just a short walk away, making it an ideal setting for a vibrant, connected community. The new owners aim to adaptively reuse the building to create a residential community for the aging population. The goal is to attract locals, as well as Europeans and U.S. citizens, who wish to live adventurous, independent, and fulfilling lives as they grow older. The envisioned community will provide independent residential housing that caters to a wide range of people, from those who continue to work as consultants or pursue new ventures, to those who wish to lead a more leisurely lifestyle while staying active. The development will be an innovative and inclusive residence for seniors, blending independent living with opportunities for connection and engagement. The project will follow guidelines for universal or inclusive design and meet accessibility standards, ensuring that the space is functional, comfortable, and welcoming for all residents. The owners are committed to creating a community that fosters both independence and a sense of belonging for seniors.
SITE ANALYSIS
The project site occupies a building with a rich history, originally constructed over four hundred years ago as a monastery. Having also served as a hospital and office building, it now requires adaptation to meet the needs of an independent senior living community. The building is situated on a spacious site bordering a river, with easy access to biking and walking trails, and is within walking distance of the heart of the old city.
EXISITING BUILDING
GROUND FLOOR
SPACE PLANNING
Zoning diagram illustrating the division of the building into distinct sections and levels, organized to accommodate the program’s needs.
SECOND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
TWO-PERSON RESIDENCE
RESIDENCE AXON
Axonometric view of one of the two unit floor plans within the building, showcasing a thoughtfully designed layout with a spacious bonus room, offering additional functional space.
Interior view of the larger unit, highlighting the living area and open kitchen.
Axonometric view of the typical unit in the building, designed for single occupancy, featuring a functional layout with an in-unit washer and dryer for added convenience.
Interior view of the typical one-resident unit, featuring the living area and kitchen.
RESIDENCE AXON
GATHERING SPACE
GATHERING SPACE SECTION
GATHERING SPACE AXON
Axonometric view of the gathering spaces located outside the residence units, designed to encourage social interaction and community engagement.
RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT FLOOR PLAN
Axonometric view of the restaurant located inside the living center, designed to be open to the public, with a separate street entrance providing convenient access while maintaining a seperation to the resident community.
RESTAURANT AXON
DETAILS
Detail Drawings
Building Systems & Studio VI Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
DOOR DETAILS
I researched and drew the door frame details in the building systems course, focusing on structural integrity and functionality. I studied the provided image of the door, analyzing material choices and performance factors like insulation and soundproofing. This exercise gave me valuable hands-on experience in detailing and understanding the components of door frames within building design.
VINTAGE STEELCASE CANTILEVER CHAIR
I researched a vintage Steelcase chair, studying its construction, and then created detailed drawings. I also proposed methods for reupholstering it to enhance its design.
