Interior Design Portfolio - Mary Swayze Thornton

MARY SWAYZE THORNTON

Hello!

Please enjoy a curated selection of works completed during my undergraduate education at Mississippi State University.

Thanks,

Mary Swayze Thornton

MARY SWAYZE THORNTON

601 . 502. 7382

mswayzet0@gmail.com

Madison, MS

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Accredited by Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Minor: Lighting

Overall GPA: 3.90/4.00

Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS

Graduation: August 2024

WORK EXPERIENCE

Design Intern I Meg Lonergan Interiors

Houston, TX I Summer 2023

Traveled to client work sites to meet with vendors and clients

Accompanied designer on consultations with clients

Created elevations from existing conditions

Upkept Studio Designer

Retail Sales Associate I Relish Home & Accents

Madison, MS I Summer 2022

Maintained store upkeep and organization

Helped clients with placing custom orders

Handled multiple cashier registers

Childcare Provider I Various families

Madison, MS I August 2020 - August 2022

Provided care for up to 3 children ages 1 - 12

Provided continuous supervision to children during indoor and outdoor activities

Created and maintained safe learning and playing environments

HONORS & AWARDS

Academic Excellence Scholarship

2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Dean’s List

Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023

President’s List

Spring 2021, Fall 2022

Brasfield and Gorrie Student Design Award

First Place - September 2023

National Salute Hospitality Merit Award

Senior Living - March 2022

INVOLVEMENT & LEADERSHIP

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Member

Fall 2021-Spring 2024

Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society Member

Spring 2022 - Spring 2024

Collegiate Society of Interior Designers Member

Fall 2020 - Spring 2024

Lifestylez Tours Ski Representative

Fall 2021

Chi Omega Sorority

Make a Wish Foundation (2020 - 2024)

Brickfire Project (2020 - 2024)

Rush Board Leader (2020 - 2022)

Pomping Chair (2021)

Fundraising Committee (2020)

SKILLS

Revit

Enscape AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Digital Photography

Microsoft Teams

Design I & II

Drawing I

ID Graphics

2D CAD

3D CAD

Digital Design

Hand Rendering

Furniture Design

Theatre Architectural Lighting

Integrated Lighting Solutions

Historic Lighting Environments

Photography Survey

History of Interiors I & II

Principles of LEED

Details and Construction Documents

Textiles for Interiors

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

New York , NY Dallas, TX

N T E N T S

04. 05.

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

06.

CREATIVE/TECHNICAL

N E X

TArchitecture & Interior Design Firm

Art holds a special place in the hearts of interior designers and architects because it serves as a multifaceted source of inspiration and creative expression. It infuses spaces with character, emotion, and narrative, elevating the design beyond functionality. Art helps architects and interior designers connect with the cultural and historical context of a place, guiding their decisions on materials, colors, textures, and spatial arrangements. It provides an avenue for personalization and storytelling within a built environment, making spaces unique and emotionally resonant. Whether through custom installations or the selection of existing artworks, art creates a bridge between the conceptual vision of architects and the tactile, immersive experience crafted by interior designers, ultimately shaping spaces that engage, inspire, and captivate those who inhabit them.

OBJECTIVE

To design and fully brand a new office for an architecture and design firm opening in Dallas, TX, which desires to build a new connection point for clients in the area while also developing a new and creative office space for NEXT.

DESIGN INTENT

• Design a visually attractive and exciting space, drawing individuals to work

• Place functional and varying furniture throughout, so employees have options of what type of seating they prefer

• Create an open, hybrid corporate office space

• Utilize tall windows to incorporate as much day light as possible to create a calming atmosphere

• Design a space that is made for everyone and fits each person’s needs

RESPONSIBILITIES

Concept

Branding Research

Space Planning

3D Modeling

SCOPE OF PROJECT

THE COMPANY

NEXT Architecture & Interior Design Firm

THE SPACE

Dallas, Texas

Reception, Private Offices, Workstations, Client

Presentation, Meeting Rooms, Huddle, Small

Meeting/Phone Room, Work Cafe, Training

Classroom, Mother’s Room, Wellness Room,

Resource, Design Library, Innovation Lab & Model

Shop, Wildcard Space, Mezzanine Level, Staircase

THE PROJECT

Individual Project

Software Used - Revit, Enscape, Adobe InDesign

Stacking Axonometric

Rendered Floor Plan

Reflected Ceiling Plan

Staircase Axonometric

FF & E

BELONGING

CONTROL

DESIGN DRIVERS

A sense of community, trust, and shared purpose

SPACE PLANNING

More choice and control over where, when, and how they work

PRODUCTIVITY CONTROL

CONTROL

Support in-office and remote workers more equally to focus, collaborate and build relationships

3RD FLOOR - Reception, Waiting, Work Cafe, Balcony,

Client Presentation, Training Classroom, Mother’s Room, Huddle, Resource Center, Meeting, Small Meeting, Staircase, Restroom, Workstation, Touchdown Area, Private Offices, and

COMFORT CONTROL

Places to rejuvenate and support wellbeing

SAFETY

Places to rejuvenate and support wellbeing

MEZZANINE LEVEL - Staircase, Huddle, Wellness

Room, Meeting, Innovation Lab & Model Shop, Design

Library, Resource, Wildcard Space, Restroom

AXONOMETRIC STACKING

RENDERED FLOOR PLAN

1. Reception

2. Work Cafe

3. Balcony

4. Client Presentation

5. Training Classroom

6. Huddle Room

7. Resource Center

8. Meeting Room

9. Small Meeting

10. Mother’s Room

11. Staircase

12. Restrooms

13. Waiting area

14. Workstations

15. Touchdown Area

16. Private Offices

17. Storage

18. Innovation lab & Model Shop

19. Design Library

20. Wildcard Space (Game Room)

21. Wellness Room

22. Mezzanine

3rd Floor

Mezzanine

Design

on the reception wall is used to showcase the elements and principles of design used by Andrew Kyle Steed.

Work

café is located next to reception and staircase to provide easy accessibility as well as creating an engaging atmosphere. A variety of seating options are available to allow for different work preferences.

to stand desks and ergonomic task chairs are offered at every workstation and wood panels are used to section off different work zones. Personal lockers can be found at the end of every workstation aisle to hold personal items.

Ping

Pong table and scrabble wall are provided for employees to interact with one other. Different lighting options are offered to keep employees and guest stimulated.

HOSPITALITY

The Vault / Jimmy’s Lounge

Dating back to the 1920s, the Brown family purchased Security State Bank. As the family passed the building on for generations, the vault of the bank stayed as the center of the workspace. “The Vault” by Brown Incorporated is an elegant event venue located in the heart of Starkville, MS, designed to cater to the needs of the townspeople. This space helps residents of the town revisit the original setting when the bank vault itself was brought in by mules. Because of this historical site, the idea and design will focus more on a bank feel, but it will also incorporate new and old art nouveau. It will emphasize the timeless elements within the building that replicate the era in which it first started as a generational asset for the Brown family. For the design elements, the old tiling and skylight that were originally added to the building will be exposed once again to reflect how the building once stood. Located at the bottom of the interior, a speakeasy will allow individuals to go back in time to when the Brown family purchased the building. It will showcase the original owners and the times they operated the building based on family values. The speakeasy will not only act as a bar but also function as a kitchen and bar space during planned events hosted at the venue.

OBJECTIVE

To collaborate between multiple disciplines to develop a business and design proposal for a family-owned historic bank needing renovations. This project is located in downtown Starkville, MS and included a site visit, demolition plans, floor plans, renderings, branding, and FF & E selections.

Business Description

The Vault is a versatile space designed to host a variety of gatherings and functions. It serves as a blank canvas, adaptable to accommodate everything from corporate meetings and conferences to weddings, concerts, art exhibitions, and more. The Vault is equipped with state – of – the art audiovisual systems, flexible seating arrangements, and customizable décor options, allowing event planners to transform the space to suit their specific needs and themes. With our focus on functionality, and flexibility, multipurpose The Vault offers a dynamic environment where creativity knows no bounds, making it a perfect choice for a wide range of occasions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Manager

Business Concept

Main Floor

Mezzanine Bar

Photo Booth

SCOPE OF PROJECT

THE COMPANY

The Vault Event Venue

THE SPACE

Starkville , MS

Open Area, Stage, Bar, Storage, Restroom, Lounge, Office, H VAC, Mechanical, Speakeasy

THE PROJECT

Team Project - 3 Interior Designers, 2 Architects, 4 Building Construction Science, 1 Graphic Designer

Software Used - Revit, Enscape, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

Speak Easy

Space Planning

3D Modeling

Board Design

FF & E

AVAILABLE FOR

CONTROL

WEDDINGS CONCERTS EXHIBITS CONFERENCES

THE BUILDING

3 LEVELS

MAIN FLOOR LEVEL - Stage, Main Floor(Open Area), Staircase, Bar, Storage, Restroom, Lounge

MEZZANINE LEVEL - Bar, Photo-booth, Cocktail Table

BASEMENT- Storage, Office, H VAC, Restroom, Mechanical, Lounge, Speak Easy

“ Creating Timeless Bonds “

First Floor

Mezzanine

Thedance floor helps represent the center of the space. The material used on the flooring are pennies to help replicate the building’s historical background. The stage area can be used in the event venue as a space for a D.J., a band, a podium placement, and more.

MEZZANINE

The Mezzanine Level is used for a more intimate space. On this level, you can find another bar, a photo-booth, cocktails tables, and an elevator.

Jimmy’s lounge is a speakeasy that is found in the basement of the multipurpose event venue “The Vault.” Jimmy’s lounge claims its name and inspiration from the recent owner’s name. The signature portion of the logo dates back to an old letter left behind for anyone who finds it. At the end of the letter, he addresses his readers by signing his name with this signature. This space was converted from the original office into a speakeasy. The lounge space is a separate business from the upstairs area “The Vault” but is available to be rented with or without the upstairs space. Other company’s can rent the space while the venue is in use for a place for staff and caterers are able to bring in their food or other items for the space.

CUSTOM FAMILY WALLPAPER

Dimlighting is used in this space to create an intimate feeling. This is a space that can be used with the event venue, or a separate space that is open for the public through the back door.

Often referred to as the “Sport of Kings,” polo has evolved into a symbol of luxury and elegance while attracting an elite following. Drawing inspiration from classical English manors and the dynamic world of polo, the design of The St. Carlow reflects this brilliance by utilizing rich wood finishes, ornate moldings, and opulent fabrics in a way that transcends the ordinary.

ELEGANT. CORDIAL. OPULENT.

OBJECTIVE

To design and fully brand a boutique hotel based in a vibrant mountain town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This hotel features a reception, cafe, and restaurant.

THE LOCATION

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville offers a captivating mix of natural beauty, luxury appeal, a rich sporting culture, and a well-established clientele, making it the ideal location for The St. Carlow as it offers an exclusive and memorable experience for its guests.

THE EXPERIENCE

The St. Carlow immerses its guests in the world of polo, with the opportunity to experience the sport while enjoying the luxe things in life. It celebrates the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity, where guests can revel in the grace of old-world charm.

SCOPE OF PROJECT

THE COMPANY

Luxury Boutique

THE SPACE

Asheville, North Carolina

Lobby, Reception, Cafe, Restaurant, Patios, Exterior

THE PROJECT

Team Project - 4 Interior Designers

Software Used - Revit, Enscape, Adobe InDesign

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Scan to View

RESPONSIBILITIES

Hotel Concept

Research

Branding

Space Planning

Reception, Lobby, Mezzanine

Cafe, Restaurant

Rendered Floor Plan

3D Modeling

Board Design

The clients

The Novice

The Novice is a 25-year-old female who is an advocate for journalism. She travels frequently for work as she fully immerses herself in the places she is staying. As her work is primarily research, a comfortable, private working environment is needed.

The Hustler

The Pivot Man

The Defense

SPACE PLANNING

CONTROL

The Hustler is a 48-year-old single businessman with a passion for seizing opportunities and a keen eye for potential success. He is always traveling, looking for the next big thing. He requires a diverse and dynamic environment, a place to meet a wide variety of people in an opportunistic space.

CONTROL

The Pivot Man is a 35-year-old wife and mother of two who juggles her family responsibilities. When taking a holiday, she needs a familyfriendly environment where she can have time to unwind from her everyday hustle and bustle while also taking into consideration the safety of her husband and children.

CONTROL

The Defense is a 64-year-old gentleman of considerable wealth and influence who is visiting for an event. He expects VIP treatment, including personalized and exclusive access to all hotel facilities He requires sophisticated and luxe accommodations.

LEVEL 1 - Cafe, Cafe Patio, Restaurant, Restaurant Patio, Entrance, Bellhop, Storage, Grand Staircase

LEVEL 2 - Mezzanine

AtThe St. Carlow, we strive to make our guests feel welcomed. When arriving, guests are greeted by tall windows that create a sense of belonging along with a personal valet.

Greeting all guests of The St. Carlow, the lobby and reception is inspired by the elegance and cordiality associated with English manors and polo matches. The use of bold tiles, detailed casework, and a variety of materials represent the sophistication and class within the Polo industry. This space is intended to welcome, greet, and lead guests throughout the hotel.

Delve into a world of timeless tradition and genteel charm that invites all to experience its grace and warmth. Despite their power and agility, polo ponies exude an endearing charm and demureness that charm both players and spectators.

DEMURE. ESTABLISHED. AFFABLE.

Cafe

Noble is inspired by the charm and demureness of the polo ponies. A combination of woods and warm tones represent the grace and comfort of the ponies. Both lounge and fixed seating are provided to enhance the casual, grab & go feel of the

Immersed in an environment where the equipment and field tactics exude opulence and sophistication, the meticulously crafted mallet and well-groomed fields embody a rarefied sense of decadence and refinement.

REDEFINED. DECADENT. GOURMET.

Point

77 Restaurant & Bar is a sophisticated take on the equipment, field tactics, and environment of polo. Named after the first polo club in 1877, this space pays homage to the origin of polo while incorporating modern aspects. Repetitive color, pattern, and texture take visitors on a journey of the polo conditions.

SHOP THE LABEL

Shop the Label is an online clothing subscription company located in Dallas, Texas. The company allows women to rent designer apparel and accessories. Shop the Label believes in renting instead of buying clothes to keep your closet trendy, classy, and timeless. The company creates an easy, stress-free process by allowing customers to make selections online and their rentals arriving 3-4 days later, providing a whole new wardrobe, giving your closet a makeover!

OBJECTIVE

To design and fully brand a new corporate headquarters office opening in Dallas, TX, which desires to train new employees, host outside vendors, and create a timeless office space.

DESIGN INTENT

The philosophy of fashion is a way of expressing an inner truth or belief about an idea, oneself or the world through the medium of clothing. At Shop the Label, the space will be a direct reflection of the attributes of a timeless, trendy, and fresh wardrobe. The offices will reflect this aesthetic with clean lines, neutral colors, and black accents. The furniture used throughout will embody the quality materials used on our high-end clothes. Focusing on attention to detail, the space will reflect our dedication and quality to craftsmanship. This will be used throughout by including thoughtful lighting design, curated artwork, and finishes. The office will be designed to focus on sustainability, by having an energy efficient lighting system. STL will focus on creating a sophisticated, sustainable, and inspiring workspace that reflects our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless fashion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Concept

Branding Research

Space Planning

3D Modeling

SCOPE OF PROJECT

THE COMPANY

Shop the Label Head Quarters

THE SPACE

Dallas, Texas

Reception, Luggage, Enclave, Conference Rooms, Storage, Breakout, Manager Offices, Open Offices, Kitchen, Staircase

THE PROJECT

Individual Project

Software Used - Revit, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign

Custom Textile

Block Plans

FF & E Selections

CUSTOM TEXTILE

This custom textile consists of a post office stamp that is rotated and repeated in a consistent pattern. The inspiration of this comes from our promise of having rentals shipped out in 3-4 days. It is called priority because our mail is priority, just like our customers!

SPACE PLANNING

5TH FLOOR - Reception, Staircase, Conference, Enclave, Luggage Storage, Restroom, Electrical, Offices, Scanner/Packaging, Lockable Storage, Breakout, Lounge, Classroom, Training, Kitchen, Dressing Room

6TH FLOOR - Testing, Server, Interview, Printer, New Technology Lab, Offices, Library, Restroom, Electrical

Thisspace was designed to show the branding and luxury fashion that is dispensed within Shop The Label. Under the stairwell, you can find a unique space that makes Shop the Label superb, because of the many resources available. In this room, you will find a virtual try on mirror that displays the variety of clothing options STL has to offer.

Theprivate offices at Shop the Label are showcased by a custom curtain wall with arrows that are designed to resemble the flow of shipping. Shipping is the primary form of receiving packages at STL as clothing selections are shipped to customers designated places.

DRESSING & PACKAGING ROOM

Thedressing and packaging room is located adjacently to the reception area. This is a space where vendors will come in and show their latest arrivals for Shop the Label.

The Anderson is named after Margaret Anderson, the original owner and founder of the Beverly Hills Hotel. The hotel was the first building built before the city even existed in 1912. Her motto was “Guests are entitled to the best of everything, regardless of cost.” Anderson truly set the tone for the high-end, luxurious living of Beverly Hills, California that we know today. A vintage newspaper is an antique publication containing written information about the current events of a time of the past, containing enduring interest, importance, and quality. The newspaper is a driving force for the concept and design of the Senior Living Facility. It was inspired by the impact that Margaret Anderson made, as well as the historical moments that shaped the culture of the Beverly Hills.

OBJECTIVE

To design and fully brand a senior living facility located in Beverly Hills, California with many activities to foster a vibrant and engaging environment that promotes physical, mental, and social well - being among the residents of The Anderson.

DESIGN INTENT

• Incorporate elements of luxury and sophistication in the design to resonate with the upscale ambiance of Beverly Hills

• Embrace a timeless elegance reminiscent of Margaret Anderson’s refined taste, with classic architectural features and opulent interior decor

• Create a serene and rejuvenating environment, featuring lush gardens, tranquil water features, and spa amenities inspired by Margaret Anderson’s love for nature and holistic wellness

• Design communal spaces that encourage social interaction and networking among residents, reflecting Margaret Anderson’s role as a central figure in literary and intellectual circles

RESPONSIBILITIES

Concept

Branding

Research

Space Planning

3D Modeling

SCOPE OF PROJECT

THE COMPANY

The Anderson - Senior Living Facility

THE SPACE

Beverly Hills, California

Living Room, Library, Craft Room, Card Room,

THE PROJECT

Multipurpose Room, Exterior, Patio Team Project - 3 Interior Designers

Software Used - Revit, Enscape, Adobe InDesign,

Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Scan to View

Living Room

Library

Craft Room

Card Room Conference

DESIGN DRIVER

SPACE PLANNING

MAIN FLOOR LEVEL - Visiting Nook, Newspaper Nook, Coffee Bistro, Library, Living Room, Theatre, Multipurpose Room, Craft Room, Card Room, Elevator Lobby, Retail, Dining Room, Private Dining, Mechanical Room, Outdoor Dining, Pool/ Cabana Area

Theoutdoor pool cabana area is a relaxing luxury that guests and residents can enjoy. Inspired by the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel pool cabana area, The Anderson proudly displays this spa-like feature.

Theliving room has a variety of seating groups and options that encourages fellowship between guests and residents. The antique mirrored fireplace divides the room, while the custom cabinetry and art displays create symmetry. Luxury finishes are paired with comfortable seating to ensure that the users of the space can enjoy a high-end design experience while still feeling relaxed.

Thelibrary has floor to ceiling bookshelves that provide an array of books of all kinds for the guests. The antique mirrored material is also applied to the bookshelves. A fireplace is located centrally, along with gold starburst ceiling details centered around a chandelier. The seating meets the dimensional requirements for all seniors and have

Thecraft room serves as recreational and collaborative areas for seniors to enjoy one another’s company and be entertained by a variety of crafts and activities. The craft room has multiple collaborative craft tables, along with custom-built individual craft tables with built-in craft storage for all materials and supplies needed. All chairs are specialized for Senior Living with clean-outs, specialty dimensions for comfortability and safety, and durable fabrics for easy

Thecard room provides a social space where residents can engage in friendly competition, stimulating cognitive functions and promoting mental acuity through card games.

Multipurpose ROOM

Themultipurpose room has an optional partition to separate the large room for the option of having two meetings at once. Carpet, along with acoustic paneling, is applied in the multipurpose room for acoustic privacy while hosting large meetings.

FURNITURE DESIGN

Zen I Wall art by Sted Bauer posses a unique ability to transcend the ordinary and elevate a piece of furniture to new heights of aesthetic sophistication. With it serene and minimalist design, this artwork serves as a visual anchor, seamlessly, integrating with any interior style. Its carefully balanced composition and soothing color palette creates a harmonious atmosphere, inviting a sense of tranquility and mindfulness into the space. Zen I Wall art adds a layer of depth and contemplation, transforming the surrounding environment into a sanctuary of peace and elegance. Sted Bauer’s creation doesn’t just decorate; it elevates, turning furniture into a conversation piece and a vessel for Zen-inspired dining.

S E L E N E I T E

Selenite is an LED lamp inspired by selenite sticks that is composed of mineral gypsum. The name is taken from the Grecian moon goddess, Selene, from the color of stones found there that were pure white. Selenite usage includes accessing personal power, enhancing psychic awareness, purification, raising awareness of past lives, improving concentration, protection against ‘energy vampires. The linear pieces and space allow for a neat reflection when the lamp is illuminated and reflects through the crystals. The usage of shapes and asymmetry resemble the feeling of being in a mine with selenite crystals.

FLOOR PLAN

OPENING SELECTIONS

DOOR AND FRAME TYPES