My name is Laci Tankersley, and I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Virginia Tech. My work is driven by a passion for space planning, sustainability, and accessibility—designing environments that are not only functional but also inspiring and inclusive.
Outside of design, I enjoy traveling, hiking, attending concerts, dancing and spending time with my loved ones and pets.
NEXT is a global creative advertising agency expanding to 811 West Fulton Market Chicago, Illinois. The new office, representing clients such as McDonald’s, Nike Jordans, TPH Global Solutions, and Molson Coors, is designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
Employees work on-site four days per week with hybrid flexibility, supported by technology that seamlessly connects global teams and clients. The workplace emphasizes talent development, wellbeing, and engagement, while encouraging cross-functional teamwork and mentorship across generations.
Chicago’s history is deeply rooted in its industrial past, with much of the city initially built from wood due to its abundance and ease of use. This reliance on wooden construction shaped early neighborhoods but also contributed to the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which prompted a shift to more durable materials. Today, Chicago has transformed into a modern metropolis known for its innovative architecture, blending cutting-edge skyscrapers with preserved historic buildings. The city’s vibrant culture and revitalized neighborhoods, like the West Fulton Market, reflect a dynamic evolution.
NEXT Advertising Agency’s Chicago office will embody the perfect balance of old and new, blending the city’s industrial heritage with its new contemporary, chic culture. The design will celebrate Chicago’s history through the use of raw materials like reclaimed wood, aluminum, and concrete, evoking the industrial past. These elements will be juxtaposed with bold, dynamic colors and modern furnishings to reflect the vibrant energy and creativity of Chicago’s evolving culture. The space will be a canvas for innovation, where historical authenticity meets forward-thinking design, creating an inspiring and dynamic environment for collaboration and creativity.
area is positioned to the right upon exiting the elevators on the 6th floor, offering a direct line of sight to the client display area. This strategic layout ensures a seamless flow and an inviting first impression for guests.
COALESSE
Marien 152 Guest Chair
VICCARBE Common
Reclaimed Wood UPHOLSTERY
Bark Cloth
CARPET
Graphic Natural Jacquard
The Client Display
CLIENT DISPLAY
area is located directly across from the reception and adjacent to the client presentation room. It features a screen wall for advertisements, along with a thoughtfully designed space where guests can browse magazines, review new proposals, and relax in comfortable seating.
WEST ELM WORK Boardwalk
STEELCASE
Campfire Big Table
BLU DOT Circula
COALESSE
Ensemble Lounge System
FLOS Glo Ball
MATTIAZZI
She Said Stools
WORK LOUNGE
is conveniently located next to the work lounge, allowing employees and clients to grab a cup of coffee and choose to sit in either space. Designed as a flexible environment, it offers an inviting spot for employees to take a break from their desks or work in a more relaxed setting. Positioned along the windows, the cafe is filled with natural light and provides scenic views, enhancing the workspace experience throughout the day.
COALESSE
Lagunitas Table
FLOS Skygarden
The Cafe
STEELCASE Scoop
ARCHITEXTURES
Plain White Fabric
Clear Maple Wood
Clover Green Seating Plastic
WEST ELM WORK
Greenpoint Credenza
STEELCASE
Together Bench
Sterling Collection
WEST ELM WORK
TEAM MEETING ROOMS
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
BLU DOT Storage Credenza
STEELCASE
Ocular
BLU DOT Bumper Ottoman
Me + We Fixed to Fluid
STEELCASE
Flex Markerboards STEELCASE Karman
STEELCASE Ocular
NORTH SECTION NTS
EAST SECTION PERSPECTIVE NTS
Virginia Tech Carilion Interdisciplinary Health + Design Research Center
Spring 2024 | 8 weeks | Individual
Revit, Enscape, and Photoshop
Virginia Tech’s Whole Health Con sortium supports equitable health and well-being through transdisci plinary research. The University is establishing a new center in Roa noke, VA. This state-of-the-art facil ity features active learning spac es, research + design labs and collaborative areas engagement among faculty, stu dents, and industry partners.
This 10,000 square-foot is located at 510 S. Jefferson St. in Roanoke, Virginia. The location was selected to strengthen collabora tion with Carilion Clinic. The cen ter advances translational research in design, health, and well-being while supporting community out reach and education initiatives.
FLOORPLAN + CONCEPT
Level 1 Floorplan
LEVEL 1 FLOORPLAN
Scale: 1/16”= 1’0
Scale: 1/16” = 1’ 0”
For my concept, I chose a central theme of transparency. I began by making a floorplan that is easy to understand and navigate. One side is more focused on faculty and staff while the other is more student based. Throughout the space there are varying levels of transparency. The offices, for instance, are the most transparent. The level of opaqueness increases for the conference room, makerspace, and project rooms.
Materiality
Blue-tinted glass is a common theme throughout this student center. Glass of this type has several benefits such as: protection from UV rays, privacy, aesthetics, reduced sunlight, and productivity. The color blue also has its own benefits. Blue is the color of reliability, and it is good for deep intellectual thought. It produces a calming effect which makes it commonly used in project rooms to encourage collaboration among students. Therefore, I decided to use blue tinted glass throughout this space to form different levels of transparency based on the activity.
PRIVATE ROOMS
ARCHITEXTURES
ARCHITEXTURES
Charred Timber Staggered
Polished Concrete Staggered
VITRO GLASS Blue Glass
Kitchen Area/Private Offices
Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by a reception desk. Directly behind the reception is a kitchen area for students, faculty, and staff. To the right of the reception, private offices offer a designated workspace for faculty and staff, providing a direct and efficient route for them upon arrival. Adjacent to the private offices and near the kitchen, a variety of seating arrangements provide options for collaboration and casual interactions, supporting a balance between structured work and informal gatherings. The layout ensures smooth circulation, promoting a sense of openness while maintaining designated zones for privacy and productivity.
LEVEL 1 AXON
SIMULATION ROOM
The Makerspace
is located to the left after exiting the elevators along with apartments, private rooms, classrooms, and a simulation room. The makerspace is designed to support students and academic projects, providing a collaborative environment for creativity and innovation. It features 3D printers, copiers, and standard printers, along with space for hands-on projects. This space encourages experimentation, problem-solving, and skill development, making it an essential resource for students engaged in design, engineering, and medicine.
Norfolk International Airport
Spring 2025 | 15 weeks | Individual Revit, Enscape, and Photoshop
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) serves over 4.8 million passengers annually as a vital gateway to the region. This thesis project reimagines Concourse B to improve passenger experience through intuitive wayfinding, calming aesthetics, and biophilic design. Inspired by the Chesapeake Bay, the interior incorporates natural light, organic forms, and locally sourced materials to create a sense of place that reflects Norfolk’s coastal identity. The design prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and efficiency—transforming the airport into a welcoming, stress-reducing environment for travelers.
SITE LOCATION
2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk VA 23518
Norfolk International Airport spans 1,300 acres of land and consists of two runways, a Main Terminal with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B, an Arrivals building and a Departures building. ORF is home to eight carriers: Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and United. In 2023, the most frequent destinations were Orlando International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and San Diego International Airport.
Inspired by the Chesapeake Bay, the design will embody a light and airy atmosphere, creating an inviting and uplifting experience for travelers. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the airport’s interior will integrate eco-conscious materials, natural lighting, and biophilic elements that reflect the surrounding environment. Natural textures, water-inspired patterns, and locally sourced materials will reinforce a deep connection to the region. The passenger experience will be at the heart of the design, ensuring intuitive wayfinding, guiding paths, and seamless flow throughout the concourse. Pathways will feature organic curves and a sense of movement, mirroring the gentle flow of the Chesapeake Bay. By merging regional inspiration with sustainability and human-centric design, the new interior will not only reflect Norfolk’s unique character but also elevate the airport as a gateway to the region’s beauty and vitality.
BEGINNING SKETCHES OF CEILING/FLOOR DESIGN
The diagrams presented here capture the foundational stages of the design process, illustrating the spatial organization, functional zones, and circulation paths within Concourse B. These early planning tools, including bubble and fit diagrams, were essential for defining key areas within a significantly open space.
CAFE
LOUNGE
RETAIL
PET RELIEF
QUIET ROOM 6. HOLD ROOMS
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
CONCOURSE B RCP
All artwork featured throughout the concourse is created by Norfolk-based artist Kate Thomas. Her pieces reflect the natural beauty, coastal landscape, and vibrant culture of the city, creating a strong sense of place and community for travelers.
1. ARCHITEXTURES: Ruby, Blue
2. ARCHITEXTURES: Leaves White Sheer
3. ARCHITEXTURES: Abstract Mountains Wallpaper
4. ARCHITEXTURES: Plain Natural Texture
5. ARCHITEXTURES: Plain Green Sheer
6. ARCHITEXTURES: Leather
7. ARCHITEXTURES: Crazing Tile Stack
8. ARCHITEXTURES: Brixton Moss Stack
9. ARCHITEXTURES: Limestone Stack
10. ARCHITEXTURES: Limewash
11. ARCHITEXTURES: White Marble
12. ARCHITEXTURES: Larch Staggered
13. ARCHITEXTURES: Black + White Terrazo
14. EGE: Flax Carpet
15. TAFISA: Maple
The Concourse Corridor
leads passengers through the space, with signage displayed throughout and gently curving paths defined by coordinated floor and ceiling elements to support intuitive wayfinding.
CONCOURSE CORRIDOR
ZOEFTIG
Zinky Plus
EGE
Flax Carpet
ZOEFTIG
Zinky Plus Recliner
HIGHTOWER
COALESSE
The Cafe
offers travelers a refreshing stop to enjoy a bite to eat or coffee in a calming environment that mirrors the terminal’s serene palette and biophilic design elements. Different shades of blue are used to evoke a soothing atmosphere that eases passenger stress, while soft surfaces and carefully selected materials absorb sound to maintain a quiet, peaceful setting.
Capri Guest
BLU DOT
Cleon Sofa
Montara650 Table
BEGINNING SKETCH VITRA
ARCHITEXTURES
Grand Repos
Brixton Moss Stack
The Lounge
is centrally located within the concourse, serving as a welcoming space for travelers to relax, work, or wait before their flights. The space features ample seating, charging stations, natural light, and biophilic elements that create a calming atmosphere. The integration of biophilia and abundant daylight enhances passengers’ mental well-being and fosters a soothing travel experience.
LOUNGE
SANDLER SEATING
Star Sofa 9.1
VITRA
Grand Repos
ALLSTEEL
Corral
The Design
In order to create a better experience for travelers, the interior design focuses on a well-balanced variety of furniture, including both soft seating for relaxation and hard seating for practicality. The space has access to natural light, which supports wellness and comfort, while maintaining an open and uncluttered layout that allows for easy movement throughout the concourse. A wide range of amenities, such as a pet relief room and quiet room, meet passenger needs and enhance comfort. All of these factors contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable journey.
