LEAH BANCHERI
Nice to Meet ‘Ya!
My design story began when I was about three years old. During preschool playtime, I was the only little girl building towering cardboard skyscrapers with the boys. As I grew older, I began to build homes for my Polly Pockets using Jenga blocks. One day, around the fifth grade, my parents came home with a 3D architectural design computer application they had purchased on the sale rack at Staples. I became even more obsessed with buildings and would find floor plans in design books and recreate them. When I entered high school, I was eager to sign up for the Architectural Design course, where I was lucky to have learned AutoCAD and Revit early on in my education.
After three years of architecture classes in high school, I then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation & Community Planning, with a double major in Art History. Learning about the history of architecture fascinated me, and studying in Charleston filled me with inspiration. I then moved to Washington, DC, to work as a Space Planner for a federal agency undergoing a large renovation of two historically significant buildings.
After working for a year, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in the fall of 2020 while continuing my full-time job. Balancing both work and school has been an invaluable opportunity to learn about the design world from both the government and commercial perspectives. My day-to-day duties include procuring furniture, managing small construction projects, and acting as a subject matter expert in historic preservation.
In my limited spare time, I enjoy dancing, attending concerts, making jewelry, and spending time with my two cats. Aside from design, dance has been another constant in my life. I have been a dancer since my earliest memories, and though I have taken breaks over the years, I always return to it. Dance helps reset my brain after a tough week, and it also inspires my design work.
I hope that my education in preservation, my work experience as a Space Planner, and my art, are evident in my design work. This is just the beginning of the work I can produce, and I cannot wait to see what other projects I may get to work on in the future!
ABOUT ME -Leah Bancheri
EDUCATION
College of Charleston Charleston, SC
Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation and Art History
Class of 2019
GPA 3.54 | Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
Federal Gov Agency Washington, DC
Space Planner Analyst 2019-present
- Prepares space for new occupants and functions by creating furniture and equipment layouts, placing and coordinating furniture orders, developing construction schedules, arranging deliveries, and installations
- Maintains an inventory of Heritage “historic” Furniture and acts as a Project Lead for the restoration and placement of furniture
MEMBERSHIPS
Institute of Classical Architecture + Art
Learning from Luytens workshop
Christopher H Browne New Orleans Drawing tour
ASID Student
Gather Conference, Miami
IIDA Student
Marymount University Arlington, VA
Master of Arts in Interior Architecture + Design
Accredited by Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Class of 2025
Charleston County Charleston, SC
Architectural Technician June 2019- Nov 2019
- Maintained drawings of all Charleston County facilities
- Assisted County Architect in creating AutoCAD and 3D Revit drawings
- Performed site visits to measure and document facilities
SKILLS
Revit, AutoCAD, Enscape, SketchUp, BlueBeam
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Fresco
Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Projects
Public speaking, Project management
Hand drafting, watercolor, welding, woodworking, jewelry
City of Alexandria Alexandria, VA
B.A.R Intern Summer 2017
- Worked closely with the Board of Architectural Review staff recording historic buildings in the city GIS
- Worked closely with principal planners reviewing land use and research on Airbnb literature in the zoning ordinance.
College of Charleston Charleston, SC
Undergrad Assistant Summer 2017
- Responsibilities included archival deed searches, creating maps in ArcGIS using historic plats, and compiling data for a future cultural resource management plan for White House Plantation
- Served as a Peer Facilitator for three years, teaching a curriculum developed by the Center for Excellence in Peer Education to freshmen Historic Preservation students
- Compiled image citations into an annotated bibliography for Venus and the Arts of Love in Renaissance Florence by Dr. Rebekah Compton, published by Cambridge University Press
RESUME
SPERANZA HEALTH CLINIC
LOUDON COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Healthcare Studio | 2023
Speranza Clinic is dedicated to offering compassionate, high-quality healthcare to refugees and asylum seekers. Located just miles from Dulles International Airport, our clinic is easily accessible to those newly arrived in the United States, ensuring they receive the care they need during a critical time of transition.
At Speranza, our mission is driven by a single, powerful word: HOPE. We believe that every individual—regardless of their background or circumstances—deserves access to the care and respect that all people need to thrive. Refugees and asylum seekers often face barriers to healthcare that those with insurance do not, and at Speranza, we’re committed to breaking down those barriers.
In addition to providing essential medical services, we aim to offer a lifeline to vulnerable communities by providing pro bono healthcare, educational resources, and temporary housing support. Speranza is not just a clinic; it’s a place of hope and healing for those who need it most.
The name “Speranza” comes from the Italian word for “hope”—a fitting symbol for the clinic’s mission. And what is a better embodiment of hope than a bird in flight? During the design process, the image of a bird soaring toward freedom became a central inspiration. In my research, I came across a striking piece of art created by an Iranian refugee, depicting a bird lifting a woman toward safety and liberation. The powerful imagery captured the essence of what it must feel like to be a refugee, desperate for freedom, safety, and a chance at a new life. This image deeply resonated with me, reinforcing the idea that Speranza is more than just a place of care; it is a place of upliftment, a sanctuary for those seeking the freedom and hope they deserve.
ADJACENCIES
TRAFFIC
REGIONAL
VIEW
Forced Hijab
Nazgol Golmuradi, 2019
Upon entering Speranza, guests are welcomed into a bright and airy reception lobby, where natural materials create a serene, calming atmosphere reminiscent of a bird’s nest. The reception desk is thoughtfully designed with two distinct sections: one for check-in and the other for check-out. After registering, guests are escorted to one of the two intake rooms to the east and west. There, they will complete a brief intake process, including a series of questions and vital checks.
Following this, guests are guided into the secured healthcare areas: to the north for general primary care services, and to the west for specialized vision care. To the east, you’ll find the physicians’ offices and a conference room for providers. The facility also features an on-site pharmacy, accessible both from within the building and from an exterior entrance for added convenience.
BUBBLE DIAGRAM
Recognizing that this will be one of the first places a refugee or asylum seeker experiences in the United States, creating a comforting atmosphere was a top priority. The materials were selected to evoke a sense of nature, while the color palette draws on the calming hues of blues, greens, and yellows—colors commonly found in the natural world. These colors and materials work together to establish the warmth and welcome intended for the space.
Wallcovering evoking clouds
Back-lit bird logo feature wall
height
MATERIALS
The eye clinic is designed with a welcoming waiting area and check-in counter, catering specifically to refugees arriving in the U.S. The space addresses the common fear children may have of eye exams and healthcare through the use of warm finishes, live plants, and a playful color palette.
Recognizing that many visitors may not speak English, each exam room door is labeled in the six most common languages spoken by refugees in the area.
Wallcovering Maharam
Mixed Stripe, Paul Smith Paint Sherwin Williams SW-6241, Aleutian
Wallcovering Alpine Oak
Upholstery HBF Upscale
Eye Clinic Waiting Area
NEXT ROBOTICS
BOSTON, MA
Workplace Studio | 2022
NEXT Practical Innovations, situated in Boston’s historic Seaport District, aims to revolutionize the field of robotics by focusing on human-centered designs. This vibrant neighborhood, known for landmarks like the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Boston Tea Party Museum, reflects a rich cultural backdrop that complements NEXT’s innovative spirit. The company is dedicated to developing robotics technology that enhances human capabilities and fosters personal growth. Their newly established office embodies their commitment to inclusivity and is designed to set a new benchmark for hybrid work environments, blending flexibility and accessibility to meet the diverse needs of its workforce.
The curves and arcs of ocean waves, the visible light spectrum, and sound serve as the foundation for the design of the NEXT office space. As a company focused on human-centered robotics, NEXT develops technology that harnesses light, transmits signals, and analyzes materials through light absorption. The design also reflects the company’s proximity to the Boston Seaport, with flowing, organic shapes influencing the layout.
To maximize natural light, public areas such as the café and large conference room are positioned along perimeter windows, while workstations are aligned with glass walls to create a bright, airy environment. Two centrally located lounges offer collaborative spaces, and private offices with glass walls allow light to penetrate, balancing privacy with openness. This layout prioritizes light and openness, enhancing both
and well-being
Large Conference
Reception
Pantry
Open Seating
Microsoft Teams Room
Workstations
Private Offices
Director
Hotel Office
Focus
Wellness
Training Room
Mother’s Room
Team Lounge
LOBBY + LARGE CONFERENCE
MICROSOFT TEAMS ROOM
COLLABORATION
The NEXT Office features five distinct space types: Collaboration, Heads-Down, Private, Rejuvenation, and Social. These varied spaces offer flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of the workday. Some days may demand focused, heads-down time, while others may call for more collaborative energy. The space plan emphasizes social areas, recognizing that the opportunity to work outside of traditional workstations can boost both creativity and productivity. By providing a range of spaces, the design fosters adaptability, ensuring that every day can be met with the right environment for the task at hand.
COLLABORATION
SOCIAL
Painted Bulk Head Cove Light
Counter
PANTRY SKETCH
First impressions matter. The Reception and Lobby space embody the spirit of NEXT and the surrounding environment of the Boston Seaport District. Illuminated resin waves crash onto the logo evoking both the ocean and the visable light spectrum. Curves and waves continue to flow throughout this space from the desk to the ceiling. The choice of travertine stone and terrazzo flooring were chosen to represent sandy shores and bring an element of nature within.
3Form
Chroma resin
Comet
Travertine
Terrazzo
SWATCH STAGE
Washington, DC
Hospitality Studio | 2023
SWATCH Stage is a new venture by the iconic Swiss watch company SWATCH.
This modern venue boasts a versatile performance hall designed to host both intimate and mid-scale music events. In addition to live performances, SWATCH Stage will offer local farmers’ markets and community classes, fostering deeper neighborhood engagement. The building’s Eco-friendly design features timber framing and energy-efficient systems. A striking central staircase and elevator, wrapped in a 360-degree LED screen, are central to the design, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring there’s no such thing as a “bad seat” in the house. SWATCH Stage aims to be a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and community connection.
Swatch is an internationally recognized brand known for their bold and unique watch designs. However, their HQ space embraces both natural materials and pops of primary color. I allowed their brand precedents to inspire the space.
I approached this project by exploring the relationship between the wrist and a watch band. The way the band curves and fits snugly around the wrist creates a three-dimensional, intimate, connection. This inspired the design of the central stair and elevator, which symbolically represent the wrist, encircled by the watch. The form is also representational of the intricacies of a watch gear. This central feature extends through 2.5 floors, creating a visually striking and immersive experience.
Friendship Heights Washington DC
LOGO
SWATCH HQ
SWATCH STORE PRECEDENT EXAMPLES
LOCAL MUSIC VENUES
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PERSPECTIVE
MEZZANINE PERSPECTIVE
MEZZANINE FLOOR PLAN
360-degree LED
The building’s standout feature is its 360-degree LED screen, which wraps around the elevator shaft and the interconnecting staircase. This immersive screen displays live footage of performances, ensuring that there are ‘no bad seats in the house.’ When not in use for shows, the screen can feature a dynamic mix of content such as Swatch advertisements, captivating artist visuals, and educational material about future events. The possibilities are endless
Custom railing inspired by the Swatch logo
Spiral stair around elevator and screen FIRST FLOOR MEZZANINE
Swatch is renowned for its bold collaborations and vibrant, colorful watches that push the boundaries of design. With a playful, risk-taking attitude, Swatch embraces creativity and innovation in every aspect of their brand. This adventurous spirit extends to unexpected spaces, such as the bathrooms, which draw inspiration from the iconic Swatch x MoMA collaboration—where wearable art meets affordable luxury.
The bathrooms feature single-use, non-gendered stalls, designed to be as much an experience as a functional space. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by three back-lit acrylic panels in primary colors—blue, yellow, and red. The ceiling, painted in a high-gloss red finish, adds a dramatic touch. Together, these elements create an immersive environment—a bathroom experience that’s almost as memorable as the watches themselves.
Red Acrylic Blue Acrylic Yellow Acrylic Terrazzo
Velvet Stage Curtains Upholstery Knotty Pine Timber Framing Green Marble
RESTROOM RESTROOM ENTRANCE
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
MEZZANINE ENTER
RESTROOM
Scandinavian Spaces Big Talk
Scandinavian Spaces Bucket
Scandinavian Spaces Lucky StyleX Verve, Stool
FURNITURE
DAVIS Mez
Ilove to ceate!
2018-2024
I never truly saw myself as an artist until a recent encounter with a cashier at a local art store. When they asked if I was an artist, I found myself pausing for a moment before answering, “Yes.”
From a young age, I’ve always been immersed in creative pursuits—crafting little books as a child, making jewelry, doodling, and most importantly, dancing. These activities, which I’ve long considered integral to my identity, are all expressions of art. Embracing the title of artist feels incredibly liberating, and it’s a recognition of the creative journey I’ve been on for so long.
Watercolors, 2024
Measured Drawing, 2023
Sketch, 2021
Sketch, 2021
Pointe Shoe, 2019 Metal / Wood
White House, 2017 Laser Cut Wood
