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Lauren Circo Undergrad Portfolio 2025

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CREATIVE PORTFOLIO

LAUREN CIRCO

ABOUT ME:

Hi! I’m a fourth-year Interior Design student working toward a BSD from the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with graduation planned for May 2025. I’m also pursuing a minor in Architectural Studies within the College. I am particularly passionate about hospitality design and aspire to create impactful, user-centered spaces that enhance experiences within the built environment. Through my studies, I’ve developed a strong foundation in design principles and technical skills, including proficiency in software such as Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, and Enscape. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy cooking, playing board games, and spending quality time with my family.

lcirco21@gmail.com

402-740-4942

CONTACT:

@laurencirco.design

LinkedIn

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

BSD in Interior Design

• 3.905 GPA

2021 - 2025

• Minor in Architectural Studies

• Deans List: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

EXPERIENCE

FLAGSHIP RESTAURANT GROUP

Design Intern

Summer 2024

• Researched contract grade furniture and fixtures for a wide variety of concepts

• Created specification schedules for FF&E and materials

• Created custom art pieces, signage, and decals

• Contacted and placed orders from suppliers

• Completing final installations for concepts

ACHIEVEMENTS

ACADEMIC INITIATIVES ABROAD (AIA)

Study Abroad Program

• Rome, Italy

Spring 2024

SERVICE + INVOLVMENTS

Barista

• Prepared and served a variety of specialty beverages to customers while maintaining highquality standards

• Collaborated with team members during highvolume periods to maintain efficiency and a positive atmosphere.

• Ensured cleanliness and organization of workstations.

SOFT-SKILLS

Adaptability

Influencing Others

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Leadership

Problem-Solving

SOFTWARE

Rhino 7

Revit

Adobe Creative Suite

Enscape

Microsoft Office

Physical Model-Making

INTERESTS

Hospitality Design

Sustainability

Biophilic Design

Historic Preservation

Human-Centric Design

Graphic Design

Brand Identity

CONTENTS

01 02 03 NEXTDESIGN OFFICE

01 NEXT - DESIGN OFFICE

FALL 2023 - 10 WEEK PROJECT

Housed in the Victory Commons One Complex in Dallas, Texas, the NEXT Architecture and Design Firm aims to cultivate an inclusive, adaptive workspace tailored to the needs and preferences of its predominantly Gen-Z team. The design prioritizes learning, creativity, innovation, and collaboration, drawing inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood. Spatial planning is crafted to support neurodiversity, offering distinct zones for focus, semifocus, semi-social, and social activities. Bold colors define these areas, providing intuitive wayfinding throughout the office. Biophilic design elements and sustainable materials enhance the environment, promoting a healthier and more productive workspace.

SOFTWARE USED

Revit

Rhino 7

Enscape

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

OPEN + ENCLOSED

Access to open areas for collaboration, as well as closed off spaces for privacy

ME + WE FIXED TO FLUID

People can flow between focus work and collaboration

BRAIDING DIGITAL + PHYSICAL

Space that supports teams both virtually and in-person

Space that supports different types of work and can be adaptable

FOCUS

SEMI-FOCUS

SEMI-SOCIAL

CUSTOM

BRAND LOGO

RECEPTION AREA PERSPECTIVE

TRAINING CLASSROOM PERSPECTIVE

SECTION 3 PERSPECTIVE

02 NEXT -

MATERIAL INTEGRATION

FALL 2023 - 4 WEEK PROJECT

The material integration component of the NEXT Design Office project tasked students with crafting a physical model of a custom material envisioned for the workspace. This model—a customizable moss brick wall—promotes biophilic design and sustainable material use, creating an indoor garden that cultivates a closer connection with nature. The presence of integrated greenery aims to enhance creativity, reduce stress, and boost productivity for employees throughout their workday.

SOFTWARE & TOOLS USED

Rhino

Adobe Illustrator

Wood Shop Tools

APPLIED MATERIAL PERSPECTIVE

03 BIBLIOTECA DI SCAMBIO

SPRING 2024 - 10 WEEK PROJECT

PARTNER: Katelyn Fucik

The Biblioteca di Scambio project transforms a historic slaughterhouse in Rome, Italy, through adaptive reuse into a comfortable, interactive, and versatile library that serves the local youth and community. Inspired by its proximity to the Tiber River—once a vital channel for trade and exchange—the design embraces the theme of connectivity and shared knowledge. The goal is to create distinct zones that foster the exchange of knowledge and meaningful connections. Circulation within the space is guided by the symbolic river’s flow, with designated “stops” at each zone to support community engagement . Custom design elements in the library establish visual hierarchy, while repeated components unify the space, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.

SOFTWARE USED

Revit

Rhino 7

Enscape

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

BUBBLE DIAGRAM ADJACENCIES

PRECEDENTS & INSPIRATION

1 FLOOR PLAN

1. creation & learning space 2. stacks & reading ledge

3. collab space

4. playful seating

5. open play

6. family restrooms 7. parents room

8. group study rooms

9.fixed study spaces

student lounge

space

monumental stair

reception

book stacks & seating

private study rooms

LEVEL 2 FLOOR PLAN

1. large classroom
2. restrooms
3. shelving & seating
4. monumental stair
5. quiet study seating
6. stacks & lookout
7. small classroom

KIDS ZONE

STUDENT ZONE

COMMUNITY ZONE

CAFE ZONE

04 OLD CITY HALLTHE FRENCH EXPERIENCE

FALL 2024 - COLLABORATIVE 13 WEEK PROJECT

GROUP MEMBERS: Katelyn Fucik, Adyan Almothafar, & Noor Alsudani

This adaptive reuse project reimagines Old City Hall, drawing inspiration from its historic French-Gothic architecture and a rich European tradition of connecting people through food. Designed in collaboration with architecture students, the project introduces modern elements that enhance the building’s functionality while preserving its original materials and character. The concept envisions a vibrant food retail experience similar to European markets, where aromas and activity create an upscale, engaging atmosphere. The space is organized into four distinct zones, encouraging meaningful connections centered around different food programs. With interiors that reflect European design principles, the use of timeless materials creates an elegant and welcoming environment that balances modernity with history

SOFTWARE USED

Revit

Rhino 7

Enscape

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

PROJECT GOALS:

1. To create a space that is inclusive and accessible by a wide variety of users and participants.

2. To create a sustainable design by reusing materials and incorporating healthier alternatives.

3. To transform the space into a vibrant hub for community engagement in downtown Lincoln.

4. To retain the character of the building’s facade by salvaging and reusing significant design components.

5. To update the landscape design, enhancing movement flow and the environment surrounding Old City Hall.

PRESERVATION POSITION:

A commitment to honoring the past while looking to the future of Old City Hall highlights our intentions of the restoration process. With this in mind, our primary objective is to modernize and adapt the building for contemporary use while preserving its original materials and character. We will ensure that this celebrated landmark remains an integral part of the Lincoln community for future generations by preserving its historical integrity and adapting it for modern use.

refrigerated goods

fresh produce

zero-waste products

floral goods

local art

cash wrap

customer service

storage

host station

lounge

fixed seating

flexible seating

private dining room

bar

server station

commercial kitchen

storage

outdoor patio

fixed seating

lounge seating

cafe bar

bakery display

storage

flexible seating

outdoor patio

private office display area

dj booth

dance floor

client suite bar

storage [indoor]

flexible event space [outdoor]

covered event space

MATERIALITY:

The project prioritizes conserving and reusing original materials, with sustainable and historically appropriate replacements sourced as needed to maintain authenticity and minimize environmental impact. French-inspired design was chosen to bring timeless elegance to the space, highlighting natural materials, intricate details, and a balance of classic and modern elements. This approach complements the building’s character while creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere that bridges historic and contemporary design.

SECONDARY CONCRETE BEAM

WOOD FLOORING

CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB

RIGID INSULATION

CONCRETE BEAM

BATT INSULATION

ACOUSTIC CEILING

CEILING BOARD INSIDE AIR BARRIER

WOOD FLOORING

WOOD FLOORSLAB

RIGID INSULATION

WOOD SECONDARY BEAM

WOOD BEAM

BATT INSULATION

ACOUSTIC CEILING

CEILING BOARD INSIDE AIR BARRIER

CONCRETE COLUMN AIR GAP

RIGID INSULATION

PLYWOOD SHEATHING

BATT INSULATION

GYPSOM WALL BOARD INSIDE AIR BARRIER

MORTAR

AIR GAP

WOOD SHEATHING

WATER BARRIER

RIGID INSULATION

BATT INSULATION

INTERIOR FINISH

INSIDE AIR BARRIER

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

CAFE SEATING PERSPECTIVE

RESTAURANT SEATING PERSPECTIVE

RESTAURANT PERSPECTIVE

EVENT CENTER PERSPECTIVE

05 INTERNSHIP CREATIVE PROJECT

SUMMER 2024 - 5 WEEK PROJECT

During my summer internship with Flagship Restaurant Group, I had the unique opportunity to complete an individual creative project. They purchased an extra-large foosball table for one of their new concepts, Ghost Donkey, and wanted some custom foosball players to contribute to the concept’s celebration of Mexican culture. I got the opportunity to design and hand-paint 40 unique foosball characters to represent competing “lucadores” wrestlers. I also collaborated with Simon Thengvall, an engineer, to custom form and 3D print plastic donkeys to serve as goalies in the foosball setup. The table was then further personalized with a custom vinyl wrap to complete the design. Once assembled and installed, the completed foosball table brings life to Ghost Donkey’s patio and is a hot commodity in the space, thrilling and engaging guests to play.

SOFTWARE & TOOLS USED

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Hand Painting

Basic Tools

3D Printer

ITERATIONS OF TEAM DESIGNS

06 ITALIAN STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE

SPRING 2024 - 15 WEEK PROGRAM

Through the collaboration of Academic Initiatives Abroad (AIA) and the UNL College of Architecture faculty, I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy for 15 weeks. Through this program, I got to continue my Interior Design and Architecture education in one of the most historic cities, all while being directly immersed in the Italian culture - trying authentic foods, walking to and exploring historical landmarks, learning the Italian langauage, hand-sketching elements of the city, learning the everyday lives of locals, and more. Our program also gave us the opportunity to be joined with a section of architecture students from Oklahoma University. Since we had conjoined classes with the Oklahoma students, we got to constantly collaborate with them and form new connections with people who come from fairly similar design backgrounds. One of the classes we took while abroad was a Cultural and Contextual Design Methods course, in which we learned in depth about the history and significant design of Rome, specifically relating to city planning, architecture, and interior design. Part of this class included trips to North and South Italy, in which we visited Milan, Verona, Venice, Paestum, Herculaneum, and Naples. These trips were tours of those cities and gave us a broad sense of how diverse each city in Italy is despite their close proximity to each other. Another class we took was Studio, in which we got to do a historical preservation project of a site directly in Rome. This helped us understand the needs of the immediate community and create a space that the people we would interact with every day would use. Overall, my experience of studying abroad in Italy is something I will constantly be reminiscing about and I will continue to design from concepts and precedents I learned about there!

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