Mackenzie Caldwell Design Portfolio

portfolio

mackenzie caldwell

about me

Mackenzie graduated from Western Kentucky University in the Fall of 2021, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising. Hailing from Louisville, her roots instilled in her a deep-seated appreciation for the arts, architecture, and design. Her journey into the world of design commenced at the tender age of eight when she would retreat to her bedroom, immersing herself in sketching, spatial planning, and the creative transformation of her living space.

This formative experience ignited her passion, fostering a unique talent for reshaping and revitalizing spaces with the resources at hand. Mackenzie's journey is an ongoing exploration, with each project serving as a canvas for her to extract fresh insights and evolve her design philosophy and techniques. What sets her apart is her ability to breathe new life into existing resources, crafting spaces that are not only distinct but also incredibly practical and resourceful.

With each project, Mackenzie takes her acquired knowledge into the design, aiming to create well-equipped spaces that exude vibrancy and purpose, both for the individuals who inhabit them and their surrounding environments. She firmly believes that the functionality of a space is pivotal, influencing how people navigate and experience life in their surroundings.

resume CONTACT (502) 418-6721 mncaldwell6@gmail.com

TECHNICAL SKILLS Revit AutoCAD Adobe Creative Suites Microsoft Suites Rendering Space Planning

EDUCATION Western Kentucky University Bachelor of Science Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising | Magna Cum Laude

HONORS Dean’s List 2018-2019 President’s List 2019-2020 President’s List 2020-2021

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE KP DESIGNS | DESIGN ASSISTANT • Expedited the selection and coordination of materials, finishes, fixtures, and furniture to bring design concepts to life.

• Fostered the preparation and coordination of design presentations for clients, including creating visual aids, product research, and ordering/organizing samples.

• Increased company revenue by 30% orchestrating a warehouse sale that entailed: measuring various inventory, compiling quantities data, and categorizing items with a user-friendly spreadsheet with inventory tracking and management.

• Sustained the coordination and execution of design installations, ensuring that all materials and furnishings are delivered and installed correctly and on time.

DESIGN CONSULTANT • Provided guidance and creative input to clients seeking to enhance the aesthetics, functionality, quality, and overall design of their spaces.

• Met with clients to understand their preferences, needs, and goals for the space.

• Gathered information about the space's purpose, budget, timeline, and any specific requirements.

• Evaluated and measured the existing space, considering factors such as layout, lighting, architectural elements, and flow.

• Identified potential design challenges and opportunities for improvement.

• Researched and stay up-to-date on the latest design trends, materials, and technologies to provide innovative and cutting-edge design solutions to clients.

KP DESIGNS | INTERN • Assisted senior designers in the selection and procurement of materials and finishes for design projects.

• Collaborated with design team to develop innovative design concepts that align with client requirements and market trends, delivering unique and engaging designs.

• Aided in organizing and participating in design industry events and exhibitions to network with professionals, showcase our work, and explore new design trends and ideas.

• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing design project timelines and deadlines.

• Stayed up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies related to design and implement them in the design process to enhance the company's competitive advantage.

table of contents

1

meant to be

2

margie helm library

3

enola

4

electric bar & grill

5

wku school of architecture and design

meant to be Meant to Be was originally formed as a wedding 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 scheme with accents of striking 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 every woman'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 magical and memorable.

visual inspiration

space planning

seating area view 1

seating area view 2

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.

Further enhancing the space, you'll find two graceful arches on the building's east side, strategically designed to usher in an abundance of natural light,

east and west exterior elevations

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.

cash wrap/ dressing rooms

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, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the interior.

Adding to its charm, an open-to-below area, elegantly positioned above a gracefully curved staircase, further enhances the seamless flow of the space, facilitating easy navigation throughout the library.

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 spaces with its gracefully curved walls.

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.

exterior 3d elevation

The exterior elevation provides a striking preview of the abundant natural light that will grace the library's interior. This feature is of utmost importance to those 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 remains accessible.

site location: wku campus

first floor furniture plan

second floor furniture plan

bubble diagrams common area

cafe

Interior features Cafes have long been nurturing grounds for some of the most brilliant ideas and creations. In the context of our design, the inclusion of this café was 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.

reading room

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 tranquility of this quiet space.

enola The genesis of this design concept lies in the creation of a multifunctional environment that effectively separates residential and commercial spaces while ensuring their continued utility.

The lower level serves as the hub of designated workspaces, encompassing the cash wrap counter, offices, a photography studio, and even a weaving room. The upper level, accessible via a staircase, is exclusively reserved for the residents who also work on the lower level. This design fosters convenient access to work areas while maintaining the crucial distinction between work and home.

This innovative yet compact design introduces a novel approach to harmonizing work and domestic life within the same square footage.

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 commercial space.

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 thoughtfully utilized to ensure that all needs are not only met but exceeded.

visual inspiration

site location: downtown bowling green, ky

second floor section view

first floor section view

first floor plan

second floor plan

cash wrap

space planning for residential and commercial areas

photography

Displayed are the various hand-woven textiles

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 infuse vibrancy and serenity into the environment.

office

residential level: kitchen/ living room

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.

visual inspiration

conceptual 3D floor plan

logo design

furniture plan

stage

booth seating

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 enjoy their drinks while 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 every patron's needs are met with 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.

pod seating/ tables

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 effectively express their ideas and concepts. Our aim is to unify the disciplines of architecture and interior design within a single structure, creating a practical and versatile space that encourages collaboration and fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts.

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 specifically meet the needs of the students who will be studying and creating within its walls.

The result is a thoughtfully curated space, equipped with purposeful rooms and an array of resources, all conveniently consolidated in one location.

visual inspiration

space planning/ traffic flow diagrams

resource library

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 connections and alliances with their peers.

study lounge

The proposed initiative promises to foster a deeper comprehension of both the architecture and design disciplines among students by promoting interaction, association, and collaborative teamwork. To support this learning 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 drafting paper.

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 and cooperative ventures.

Pictured above: lecture rooms

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 between the instructor and their students.

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 primary aim is to create a convenient hub where nearly every required resource is readily available within a single building, sparing students the need to travel the campus in search of their essential supplies.

printer center store

presentation room

conference room

lecture

lecture

admin office

study lounge

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study lounge

contact

+1 502-418-6721 mncaldwell6@gmail.com