My name is Lauren Schmidt, and I am in my final year at Washington State University pursuing a degree in Interior Design. My interest in this field stems from a desire and passion to be creative. The work I've completed reflects not only my abilities but also my enthusiasm for interior design.
I am extremely thankful for my education and am eager to use it to merge creativity with practicality, ensuring that each space I design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and conducive to the well-being of its users.
01 MULTI-USE SHOPPING CENTER
OVERVIEW
The goal of this project was to reimagine the shopping industry and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable model that prioritizes environmental responsibility To accomplish this, my partner and I conducted researched the impact of shopping addiction and the fast fashion industry. We discovered overconsumption leads to significant pollution and waste.
DESIGN STRATEGY
Organize the flow and layout of the space to encourage slower-paced browsing and mindful decision-making By placing nonretail spaces, like cafes and repair centers, as the first touchpoints upon entering, visitors are not immediately exposed to retail environments, reinforcing the idea of a slower, more thoughtful experience.
ART INSTALLATION VIEW
DESIGN STRATEGY
Design the space with wide, clear pathways and intuitive navigation that guides visitors through the building without overwhelming them with product displays Avoid dead-end layouts, which can create anxiety or frustration, encouraging hasty purchases Understanding triggers that may lead to impulsive shopping can inform the layout and display design.
PERSPECTIVE SECTION
OVERVIEW
Each floor should offer sustainable alternatives to traditional shopping For instance, Floor One’s repair and donation center emphasizes reuse over waste, making sustainable behavior an integral part of the space. Floor Four’s second-hand stores and rental runway promote slow fashion, with the art installation highlighting the environmental cost of fast fashion.
DESIGN STRATEGY
By guiding users through intentional spaces and encouraging reflection, the center provides a refreshing alternative to the traditional shopping experience, helping visitors reshape their relationship with consumption for a healthier and more sustainable future.
ROOFTOP TERRACE VIEW
ART INSTALLATION VIEW
02 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
OVERVIEW
For this project, we explored Maslow's Theory and its application to meeting student needs By incorporating Maslow's hierarchy into school design, it highlights the importance of creating an educational environment that meets the full range of student needs, from basic to advanced This approach is critical for creating a holistic and effective learning environment that takes into account and supports all aspects of the students' well-being.
LIBRARY DESIGN
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LIBRARY
I carefully planned the space planned, recognizing that the library is a dynamic space frequented by a variety of classes throughout the day, each with its own set of needs, I wanted to design a layout that is both adaptable and functional This organization allows all students whether they come for quiet study, group projects, or specialized classes, the library smoothly meets their diverse demands, thereby improving the learning experience for all.
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CLASSROOM DESIGN
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1ST-3RD GRADE CLASSOOM
In designing the classroom, I recognized the critical importance of accommodating the diverse learning styles of children. To address this, I integrated spaces designed for various educational activities ranging from areas dedicated to lesson learning and small group collaborations to quieter zones for students who might feel overwhelmed in louder environments. This thoughtful spatial organization ensures that every child's learning needs are met, fostering an inclusive and supportive educational atmosphere.
03 OFFICE SPACE
OVERVIEW
*All work for this project was collaborative, I mainly focused on space planning and materials
For this project, we collaborated in teams to design an office space in Tokyo, with a primary focus on comprehending the local work-life culture and creating an environment tailored to their habits. Recognizing the long hours typically worked, we deemed it essential to thoughtfully divide the space into private and public areas. This division was aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and comfort of the workspace, ensuring it aligns with the unique needs and work styles prevalent in Tokyo
FLOOR ONE
LEVEL ONE FLOOR PLAN
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FIRST FLOOR
In the space planning process, I prioritized the distinction between private and public spaces, taking into account the long hours Tokyo workers spend at work By designating the first floor as the public area, it allows guests easy access to conference rooms while also reducing traffic and disturbances in the work environments. This separation improves the workspace's functionality and tranquility, effectively meeting the needs of both employees and visitors.
COMMUNITY KITCHEN VIEW
FLOOR TWO
LEVEL TWO FLOOR PLAN
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SECOND FLOOR
When designing the second floor, it was critical to consider the diverse working needs of various individuals By establishing two distinct working zones, it give individuals the option of choosing a quiet area for focused tasks or a more collaborative space for interactive and team-oriented work This approach ensures that the environment accommodates the full range of work styles, promoting both productivity and creativity.
SMALL MEETING ROOM VIEW
04 NOOK REVIVAL
OVERVIEW
This project we were given the opportunity to redesign how WSU interacts with downtown Pullman. In groups with students from Architecture and Landscape Architecture we looked at the problem as a whole. By doing this I was able to look at design in a different point of view that I have before.
*All work for this project was collaborative, I focused on the floor plan, axon, and the collage
NOOK REVIVAL
While walking around campus it was almost hard not to notice the nooks that invite you in to stay and feel safe, This really resonated with how we wanted to portray Pullman in our design The building we chose to redesign is located in between campus and downtown.
BLOCKING DIAGRAMS AXONOMETRIC
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LEVEL TWO FLOOR PLAN
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FLOORPLAN
This existing building had a very unique floor plan with every floor sitting at a different height, that fit into our theme of nooks perfectly. Throughout the rest of the building we created spaces were people could come together as a community, as well as also find spaces within that to feel secluded but still connected.
COMMUNAL KITCHEN VIEW
GRAB-AND-GO MARKET VIEW
05 DORM LOBBY
SECTION PERSPECTIVE
*All work for this project was collaborative, I focused on the floor plan, axon, and VR
OVERVIEW
For this project, our task was to design a dormitory lobby with a focus on integrating an art installation into the overall design We accomplished this by utilizing VR headsets to design 3D mirrored cubes, which we then strategically arranged throughout the space No matter where one might stand in this lobby you are able to see yourself in the installation.
DESIGN STRATEGY
When designing this space, considering the variety of tasks users would perform was crucial We strategically space-planned the lobby to encompass both public and private areas This approach offers a dual advantage, students can utilize private spaces for undisturbed homework sessions, while public areas facilitate collaboration.
ART INSTALLATION VIEW
DINING AREA VIEW
VR OCULUS
Utilizing a VR Oculus headset to render our design accents was a highlight of this project, introducing an exciting new platform for experimentation This endeavor at WSU stands out as one of the most thrilling projects I've engaged in over the past four years. Having a 360° view of my designs provided an immersive experience that transformed conceptual ideas
