Design Portfolio

mackenzie caldwell

electric bar & grill wku school of architecture and design

meant to be

Meant to Bewas originallyformed as awedding boutique and later transformed into a captivating pop-up shop. In collaboration of Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design students who brought these innovative projects and entrepreneurial concepts to life. With unwavering dedication,we united to craft a truly unique shopping experience. Drawing our color palette inspiration from the iconic luxury brand Tiffany's, we combined a sophisticated neutral schemewith accents ofstriking blue furniture to create a contemporary, French-inspired ambiance.

Meant to Be is your all-encompassing haven for brides-to-be, offering a one-stop destination that caters to a diverse array of wedding needs. Our carefully curated collection boasts an array of wedding dresses, encompassing various styles and sizes to ensure everywoman's dream can be realized. Whether you envision a fairytale romance, epitomize the charm of the girl next door, or find yourself taking a second journey down the aisle, our mission is to not only meet but exceed the expectations of every bride-to-be. Let Meant to Be enhance your "happily ever after" journey, making it all the more magicaland memorable.

visual inspiration

Interior features

Compact spaces deserve to be both distinctive and inviting. The building's unique ring-shaped cutout positioned boldly behind the cash wrap, makes a grand statement at the entrance of the pop-up shop.

boldly behind the cash wrap, makes a

Further enhancing the space, you'll find two graceful arches on the building's east side, strategically designed to usherin an abundance ofnaturallight,

These renderings beautifully highlight the Tiffany-inspired splashes of blue integrated into the furniture. The dark, intricately patterned rug and side table finishes, on the other hand, serve to harmonize the overall atmosphere of the space, striking a perfect balance between light and airy elements while introducing a compelling contrast to this inviting seating area.

exterior elevations

margie helm library

Situated on top of "The Hill" of WKU's campus, the Margie Helm Library stands as an inviting sanctuary for students, offering a space conducive to reading, studying, researching, and collaborative efforts. The library's design features expansive, open floor plans that generously incorporate floor-to-ceiling windows,allowinganabundanceofnaturallight tofloodtheinterior.

Adding to its charm, an open-to-below area, elegantly positioned above a gracefully curved staircase,furtherenhancestheseamlessflowof the space, facilitating easy navigation throughoutthelibrary.

The first floor seamlessly facilitates student traffic, catering to their various library needs. Whether it's for a quick snack at the café, resource inquiries at the reception, or direct access to the computer lab, this floor's design ensures a smooth transition between these spaceswithitsgracefullycurvedwalls.

Moving up to the second floor, you'll discover dedicated quiet areas, meticulously designed for focused studying and reading. The overall ambiance is further enhanced by the incorporation of natural elements and earthy color tones, cultivating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

The exterior elevation provides a striking preview of theabundantnaturallightthatwillgracethelibrary's interior.Thisfeatureisofutmostimportancetothose who will dedicate extensive hours to study within these walls, as it ensures that even when immersed in their work, a tangible connection to the outdoors remainsaccessible.

site location: wku campus

exterior

3d elevation

firstfloorfurniture plan

secondfloorfurnitureplan

bubblediagrams

Interior features

Cafes have long been nurturing grounds for some of the most brilliant ideas and creations. In the context ofourdesign, the inclusion ofthis caféwas not just a choice but a necessity. It caters to the fundamental need of students for a quick caffeine fix and delectable snacks, enabling them to take a break from their studies without the hassle of leaving the library.

The inclusion of this dedicated reading room is a crucial component of the overall design. Despite the presence of various designated zones for study and collaborative work, it was imperative to provide an exclusive haven solely devoted to the act of reading. The deliberate absence of desks and additional workspace is a strategic decision, serving the essential purpose of preserving the tranquilityofthisquietspace.

cafe reading room

enola

The genesis of this design concept lies in the creation of a multifunctional environment that effectivelyseparatesresidentialandcommercial spaces while ensuring their continued utility.

The lowerlevelserves as the hub ofdesignated workspaces, encompassing the cash wrap counter, offices, a photographystudio, and even aweaving room.The upperlevel, accessiblevia a staircase, is exclusively reserved for the residentswho alsowork on the lowerlevel.This design fosters convenient access to work areas while maintaining the crucial distinction betweenworkandhome.

Thisinnovativeyetcompactdesignintroducesa novel approach to harmonizing work and domesticlifewithinthesamesquarefootage.

At its core, this project seeks to showcase the rich Navajo culture, specifically their designs and prints that encapsulate their heritage. A paramount objective for this endeavor was to enable the family to swiftly transition to "online mode" when the need arises to close the store to the public. The first floor's adaptability to these situations is a fundamental aspect of the design, facilitated through the careful organization of public and private zones in the commercialspace.

Additionally, the residential area is connected through enclosed stairs and is flexible enough to accommodate up to 12 guests comfortably. Every square inch of the space has been thoughtfullyutilized to ensure that allneeds are notonlymetbutexceeded.

visual inspiration

site location: downtown bowling green, ky

second floor section view

section view

space planning for residential and commercial areas

Interior features

The image featured above captures the retail area and the cash wrap, designed with glass hallways and unobstructed openings to ensure effortless visibility. The primary objective is to grant customers the ability to fully envision the space's potential as they enter and navigate through the compact yet inviting area.

The office represents a pivotal component of this design, as it serves as a seamless transition point for the family when shifting to "online mode." The design approach for this space was elegantly straightforward: it encompasses a rug created by the Navajo family, serving as the anchor for the room, while incorporating contrasting colors to infusevibrancyand serenityinto the environment.

Displayed are the various hand-woven textiles

electric bar & grill

This group project was centered around a song and artist, and we decided to focus on Prince's "Let's Go Crazy." The word "Electric" that opens the song served as our guiding star, influencing the direction and aesthetic we aimed to capture. Prince is synonymous with the color purple and a dramatic rockstar persona, so we sought to embody these iconic elements. In our collaborative effort, we curated a nighttime bar concept, complete with a stage that exuded the quintessential rockstar vibe. Our interpretation of "electric" conjured images of bold, vibrant colors, and it only made sense to integrate these elements into the bar's design. As a result, we incorporated an array of vivid purple lighting variations, creating a visually dynamic and energetic atmosphere.

3D floor plan

Interior features

This exceptional space is designed to cater to a diverse range of guests, offering a plethora of seating options tailored to individual preferences at Electric Bar & Grill. Guests seeking a front-row view of the stage can choose from cozy booth seating, strategically positioned in close proximity to the performance area. Additionally, we provide ample seating surrounding the bar, ensuring that music enthusiasts can enjoytheirdrinkswhile keeping an eye on the live entertainment.

For those desiring a more secluded yet musically immersive experience, we offer pod seating located towards the rear side of the bar. These pods create a semi-private atmosphere while still allowing guests to bask in the musical ambiance. Our central bar location further enhances the convenience of service accessibility, making sure everypatron's needs are metwith ease.

The deliberate repetition of circular elements in this design serves as a powerful focal point, directing all attention toward the stage. A dynamic array of radiant, rounded, and purple lighting fixtures strategically guides one's gaze along the path of the music, intensifying the immersive experience.

booth seating

wku school of architecture and design

The objective of this project is to craft an optimal learning environment catering to the needs of architecture and design students, providing them with a space where they can effectivelyexpresstheirideasandconcepts.Our aimistounifythedisciplinesofarchitectureand interiordesignwithin a single structure, creating a practical and versatile space that encourages collaboration and fosters a deeper appreciation forthearts.

By bringing design and architecture students together in a shared educational setting, we anticipate the emergence of a boundless array of creative ideas. This involved an extensive transformation of an existing building, meticulously reimagined and redesigned to specificallymeettheneedsofthestudentswho will be studying and creating within its walls. The result is a thoughtfully curated space, equippedwithpurposefulroomsandanarrayof resources, all conveniently consolidated in one location.

visual inspiration

space planning/ traffic flow diagrams

This project holds paramount importance as it unites like-minded students, offering them a collaborative platform to showcase their talents within a shared space. The extensive resources offered by this new design are poised to be highly advantageous for students, significantly advancing their career prospects while facilitating the establishment of valuable connectionsandallianceswiththeirpeers.

The proposed initiative promises to foster a deeper comprehension of both the architecture and design disciplines among students by promoting interaction, association, and collaborativeteamwork.Tosupportthislearning experience, the design encompasses an array of resources, including well-equipped lighting rooms, state-of-the-art drafting labs, dedicated presentation areas, comprehensive libraries, and a specialized printing center stocked with draftingpaper.

This innovative plan is set to eradicate the necessity for outsourcing ideas and collaborations, as it brings architecture and design students into a single, cohesive sector, creating a rich environment for idea exchange andcooperativeventures.

The inclusion of small-scale classrooms is supported by the well-established notion that students exhibit accelerated learning and enhanced performance in such intimate settings. Classes with fewer than 20 students consistently yield numerous advantages, including heightened levels of individualized attention, increased student participation, and improved communication and interaction betweentheinstructorandtheirstudents.

The store will serve as a meticulously curated small-scale supply shop, specializing in essential tools and materials tailored to the specific needs of courses and projects. Our primaryaim is to create a convenient hubwhere nearly every required resource is readily available within a single building, sparing students the need to travel the campus in searchoftheiressentialsupplies.

Pictured above: lecture rooms