LAUREN GUTZWILLER
P O R T F O L I O
NEXT Creative Advertising Agency
steelcase office design
Sugar Creek Arts Center
community arts center
Healthcare Hospitality
hospital hotel
Dolce Delights
cupcakery
NEXT CREATIVE ADVERSITING AGENCY
NEXT Creative Advertising Agency
NEXT is a creative advertising agency located in the heart of Fulton Market in Chicago, IL. The design draws inspiration from the bold geometry of Chicago’s skyline and the structured grid of its streets, representing the strong connections between the city’s architecture, neighborhoods, and culture. Each area of the office ties back to this concept
— from “The Hub,” the central gathering space, to “The Block,” which reflects the character of Chicago’s street grid. Industrial materials, layered textures, and natural elements work together to create a space that blends creativity, collaboration, and a sense of place, bringing the energy of Chicago into NEXT’s new home.
CHICAGO, IL
CONCEPT
Inspired by Chicago’s skyline and its grid-like streets, this concept brings connection to life through spaces like The Hub, The Skyline, and The Block. Bold geometric shapes and layered textures capture the mix of old and new, creating an environment that truly invites collaboration and sparks discovery. The design flows with the city’s urban vibe, turning the office into a lively hub that mirrors Chicago’s natural rhythm and connectivity.
Each zone reflects a different side of Chicago: The Hub is a welcoming spot for gatherings, The Skyline echoes the impressive architectural heights, and The Block captures the feel of the city’s street grid. Natural materials and thoughtful lighting bring that energy indoors, with subtle nods to iconic architecture that give the space a real sense of place. Together, these elements bring NEXT’s vision to life, merging creativity and community in a workspace that’s as impactful and enduring as the city itself.
NEXT CREATIVE ADVERSITING AGENCY
NEXT CREATIVE ADVERSITING AGENCY
SITE & CONTEXT
The new Steelcase NEXT office will be located in Fulton Market, Chicago, Illinois. Situated in the city's West Loop, Fulton Market was once home to industrial spaces and wholesale food markets. Today, the area is rapidly evolving with modern high-rises, top-tier restaurants, and new residential and office buildings. The Chicago River, which runs through the heart of the city, played a key role in trade, supporting the lumber and meatpacking industries. Chicago is also home to the most movable bridges in the United States, with its iconic bascule bridges enabling boats to pass through and facilitating the transportation of goods and services that helped shape the city's success.
CHICAGO STAYS CONNECTED THROUGH...
NEXT CREATIVE ADVERSITING AGENCY
FLOOR PLANS
NEXT CREATIVE ADVERSITING AGENCY
NEXT CREATIVE ADVERSITING AGENCY
OFFICE B
REATIVE ADVERSITING AGENCY
AKEASY)
he wildcard space in this project, offering a unique and e office. Inspired by Chicago’s rich history of hidden he Speakeasy serves as a retreat where employees and ed, social setting. This space provides an opportunity to ay, fostering casual conversations, team bonding, and table, intimate atmosphere. By incorporating this space, ter and connection to Chicago’s past while supporting eativity, and human-centered design.
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
Sugar Creek Arts Center
The Sugar Creek Arts Center in Thorntown, Indiana, is a lively space where creativity, culture, and community come together. This project is all about breathing new life into the center and strengthening its role as a gathering place for artists, visitors, and locals. Plans include expanding exhibition areas, upgrading studio spaces, and offering more workshops, events, and educational programs. At its core, this project is about honoring the building’s historic charm while creating more opportunities for artistic expression, economic growth, and meaningful connections within the community.
CONCEPT
The Weaving of Time
A metaphor that connects the area’s rich indigenous history, the evolution of artistic expression, and the center’s role as a community gathering space.
The “Weaving of Time” concept brings the space together through layered textures, natural materials, and patterns that feel both artistic and intentional. Flowing designs in the flooring, ceiling, and walls create movement, while the mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern elements keeps the space balanced and timeless.
Design Principles
Unity
The consistent use of woven textures, organic materials, and interconnected design elements creates a cohesive aesthetic throughout the space.
Repetition
Patterns in flooring, ceiling structures, and built-ins establish visual rhythm, reinforcing the theme of interwoven artistry and cultural connection.
Movement
Flowing flooring patterns, gradient wall colors, and suspended ceiling elements guide the eye and body through the space, symbolizing the passage of time.
Balance
A dynamic contrast between soft, woven materials and structured, modern elements ensures equilibrium between tradition and contemporary design.
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
LEGEND
CLOSEDPROXIMITY
GATHER WOVEN
FLEXIBILITY + FUNCTION
Spaces are designed to bring people together while encouraging community, creativity, and shared experiences.
Materials, movement, and layout are interconnected, reflecting the layered history and creative spirit of the center.
Each zone adapts to multiple uses while maintaining clear purpose and ease of flow throughout the building.
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
SITE & CONTEXT
The Sugar Creek Arts Center is located in the heart of Thorntown, Indiana, a small rural town with a rich history and strong sense of community. The center is housed in a former factory building, offering a unique industrial backdrop for artistic expression. Surrounded by local businesses, homes, and natural landscapes, the site serves as a central point for cultural activity in the area. Its location in Boone County, a region experiencing steady growth, positions the center as a valuable space for connection, creativity, and community engagement.
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
FLOOR PLANS
WOOD FLOORING
PARTERRE LVT
DALTILE DISTRICT
SLATE FLOOR
TILE
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
This restroom design continues the Weaving of Time concept with soft arches, clean lines, and natural finishes. Arched doorways and mirrors establish rhythm and continuity, while the contrast between dark flooring and light walls adds depth. Soft lighting and simple materials keep the space feeling calm, modern, and cohesive with the rest of the center.
ANIKA MDC WALLCOVERING
DALTILE DISTRICT
SLATE FLOOR TILE
FORMICA BROWN CERISE
CAMBRIA MONTGOMERY
SUGAR CREEK ARTS CENTER
Daltile Hydro
PineWood
OakWood
HEALTHCARE HOSPITALITY
Healthcare Hospitality
For this group project, we designed a hotel connected to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. The hotel supports families and patients, creating a comforting environment inspired by the Atlantic Coastal Plain. It features two guest suite apartments for longer stays and adaptable rooms for potential hospital use. Additional spaces include a meditation room, library, chapel, counseling areas, office spaces, family room, playroom, kitchenette, and laundry on the second floor. Natural finishes and intuitive wayfinding enhance security and wellness while allowing for flexibility.
HEALTHCARE HOSPITALITY
SITE & CONTEXT
In Charlotte, NC, it's essential to understand the challenges families encounter when seeking medical care for loved ones and to identify the necessary support services. This includes addressing emotional strain, logistical challenges, and financial stress, as well as providing accommodations and transportation assistance for families staying away from home during extended periods of medical treatment. Collaboration between community organizations, healthcare providers, and local government agencies is vital to ensure comprehensive support networks are available to families in need.
CONCEPT
The Atlantic Coastal Plain concept draws inspiration from the subtle beauty of sea glass. Much like a journey toward better health, sea glass is shaped and refined over time through constant movement and growth. The soft shapes and scalloped lines evoke a sense of movement, creating an active yet calming atmosphere. To foster an uplifting and positive mood, the design incorporates playful, exploratory circulation paths and engaging wayfinding elements. The use of translucent materials ensures that colorful, natural light fills the space, adding warmth and vibrancy.
CAMBRIA INVERNESS BRISTOL BAY MOHAWK GROUP
INTERFACE BEECH LVT
HEALTHCARE HOSPITALITY
CLOSET COFFEE STATION
DESIGNTEX
WALLCOVERING
CUSTOM
ENTERTAINMENT
CENTER
CAMBRIA QUARTZ DESK
FLOOR PLANS
DOLCE DELIGHTS CUPCAKERY
Dolce Delights Cupcakery
Dolce Delights Cupcakery is a fun and welcoming spot located in Brooklyn, New York. For this project, I wanted to bring in inspiration from a different culture, so I chose Cinque Terre, Italy, and their annual Lemon Festival. The design mixes bright colors, natural textures, and a fresh, cheerful vibe that feels like a little getaway by the coast. The space includes a dining area, dining bar, experiential kitchen, event space, restrooms, merchandising displays, a break room, an office, and a commercial kitchen — all designed to create a unique experience for every guest. My goal was to make Dolce Delights feel fun, unique, and full of personality, where people can come to enjoy amazing cupcakes and make memories with friends and family.
BROOKLYN, NY
DOLCE DELIGHTS CUPCAKERY
CONCEPT
Inspired by Cinque Terre, Italy, and its Lemon Festival community, and creativity. It captures the playful tex lemons and the streets of Cinque Terre. The space feels combining Brooklyn’s bold charm with the lively spiri layered materials, citrus-inspired accents, and a focus o becomes a place for connection, celebration, and shared
DOLCE DELIGHTS CUPCAKERY
SITE & CONTEXT
Dolce Delights is located in the heart of Brooklyn, NY, a vibrant neighborhood known for its creative energy, cultural diversity, and lively food scene. The area blends historic charm with modern design, making it the perfect spot for a cupcakery inspired by the colorful spirit of Cinque Terre’s Lemon Festival.
DOLCE DELIGHTS CUPCAKERY
For the design of this experiential kitchen, I aimed to make it as engaging as possible. It is laid out for flexibility, allowing tables and chairs to be moved around as needed. A teaching station at the front of the room allows for live cupcake decorating demonstrations. Above the decorating stations, there is a hanging open storage space for items like bowls and utensils, discreetly framed by hanging greenery. Another great feature of this space is the TV mounted from the hanging storage unit, ensuring everyone can see what the teacher is demonstrating.
