Melony Friedlander Portfolio

Portfolio

Interior

Architecture Melony friedlander

Resume Skills AutoCad

Adobe Photoshop

Revit

Adobe Indesign

Sketchup

Adobe Illustrator

Enscape

Microsoft Office

Experience Design Intern

6/2024-Present

City Living Design | Chicago, IL Collaborates with clients to design custom furniture.

Calculates fabric, leather, laminate, wood, etc. to determine purchasing quantity Write up formal proposals to present to clients.

Creates and edits shop drawings to be sent for production.

Digital Print Center, Student Worker

3/2022-Present

Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL Creative coordinator for the on-campus printing company at a design college.

Maintains deadlines and budget considerations across each department at college.

Prints for hundreds of individuals each semester while maintaining accuracy, color and professional quality standards Custom Framer

07/2020 - 08/2022

Michaels Craft Store | Naperville, IL Managed a variety of tasks while also making sure customers felt taken care of.

Collaborated with customers to select appropriate colors of mat boards and frames ensuring that it would complemented artworks.

Educated customers on the benefits of framing artworks.

Education Bachelor of Fine Arts: Interior Architecture Columbia College Chicago | Chicago Fall 2024 - Deans List 3.8 GPA Leadership | Columbia Design Collective Founder Event Coordinator

Graduation: 05/2025

About me melfriedlander@gmail.com

| (630) 538 - 2042

| Chicago, IL

Hello! My name is Melony Friedlander, and

dedicated

I

at

strong sense of community and connect

Columbia College Chicago. I am originally

with industry professionals for valuable

from Naperville, Illinois.

exposure and networking opportunities.

At Columbia, I’ve had the chance to work

I

with a variety of materials, machines, and

growing, and contributing to the field of

programs,

interior architecture as I progress in my

am

an

Interior

gaining

Architecture

hands-on

major

experience

that has enhanced my design capabilities. I

am

to

helping

excited

to

students

continue

build

a

learning,

journey.

also founded an Interior Architecture club,

Table of Contents Roseland

4

Exploration Center

Exploration

Center

is

a

children's

museum and educational space located in the heart of the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago.

8

This

Community Center

is

a

community

center

in

Albany

Park,

Chicago. It serves as a tranquil rest point for the residents of the neighborhood.

This

12

Corporate Office

corporate

office

draws

inspiration

from

Victory Park in Dallas, embracing its history as a former power plant and its vibrant atmosphere to energize employees.

This writers retreat provides a minimalist and

16

Writer’s Retreat

functional space for writers to develop their stories, focus on their work, and find inspiration in the surrounding nature.

18

Coffee Table

A

coffee

table

Memphis-style

inspired design,

by

Ettore

Sottsass’

featuring

colorful

patterns and a vibrant aesthetic.

19

Coffee Table Book

Pop Pop Pop is a 200+ page coffee table book full of colorful patterns that I designed.

Exploration Center Roseland Exploration Center is a children's museum and educational space

located

in

the

heart

of

the

Roseland

neighborhood

of

Project Information Senior Thesis: In Progress

Chicago. Designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, the center features interactive exhibitions that encourage hands-on learning.

With

advanced

resources

in

STEAM

(Science,

Technology,

Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), it serves as a dynamic hub for discovery, empowering local youth to explore, innovate, and grow.

Site Facts 11155 S Michigan Ave. Located in Roseland 25,000 SQFT 16' Ceilings

Upon entry, you're welcomed into a vibrant, exploration-driven space featuring two levels of exhibition areas and hands-on rooms designed for discovery and play.

4

The Roseland Exploration Center envisions a future

Designed to engage a wide age range, the center will

where

feature a children’s museum for younger kids and

all

young

hands-on creativity

people

learning and

love

access

for

dynamic,

that

Roseland area has many schools, there are few

on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math,

educational

the center will encourage curiosity, critical thinking,

spaces

While

STEAM-based classes and programs for older youth.

Through interactive exhibits and workshops focused

recreational

discovery.

spark the

or

a

can

experiences

outside

the

classroom. This center will fill that gap, serving as a

and innovation.

creative hub where young people can explore their

More

interests and develop new skills in a supportive

Exploration

environment.

valuable life skills and inspire a lifelong passion for

than

just

exploration. discovery,

a

Center

it

learning aims

to

space, equip

By

emphasizing

will

become

a

its

the

Roseland

visitors

imagination

vibrant

and

with

and

inclusive

community space where young minds thrive.

Preliminary reception sketch.

Preliminary play ground sketch.

Preliminary library sketch.

Step into the Roseland Exploration Center and be greeted by a bright reception that guides you into a museum of exploration, lively spaces for hands-on learning and creative inquiry.

5

Sun Study: Analyzing light and shadow to optimize natural light throughout the building.

Level One: Test fit illustrating efficient plan organization and spatial flow.

6

An ever-changing sight experience where visitors

Sound tubes distributed throughout the building

explore color and reflection, observing how they

converge here; guests can experience in real time

interact and transform with the shifting light.

how sound travels.

A vibrant, hands-on environment where visitors are encouraged to explore and create using a variety of artistic and interactive mediums.

7

Community Center With an abundance of wellness-focused resources available

in

Chicago,

health

celebrated community where

the

Albany

Park

emerges

as

theme center

residents

in

the

serves

are

as

invited

neighborhood a

consistent

community. a to

gathering enjoy

a

of

Group Project

and This

space

tranquil

environment, fostering relaxation and connection among neighbors.

1. Reception 2. Lobby and Waiting 3. Market Place 4. Coffee Shop and Bookstore 5. Restrooms 6. Open Gallery 7. Exterior Balcony

Level One: A detailed plan showcasing spatial organization,, and functionality.

8

Project Information Year Completed: Spring 2024

Site Facts 2901 W. Lawrence Ave. Located in Albany Park Built in 1920 10000 Square Feet 30FT High Ceilings

Nestled

in

Albany

center

Thoughtful

details

fosters physical, mental, and social well-being. Its

installations,

and

design blends biophilic elements with rectilinear

uplifting mission. More than just a building, this

forms,

center

symbolizing

Park,

this

this

community

balance.

Lush

gardens,

empowers

like

garden

planters,

art

varied

seating

enhance

its

individuals

and

families

to

serene walking paths, and open spaces support

improve health, relieve stress, and build lasting

outdoor yoga, meditation, and social gatherings.

connections.

Floor-to-ceiling natural friendly

light,

windows

while

materials

fill

soothing create

the

interior

colors a

and

warm,

with eco-

calming

atmosphere.

Double-height event space designed to highlight the breathtaking scenery of the Chicago River.

9

LL

Stairs

Main Floor Restroom

O

LL

ro

od

Level 2

tu

Ticketing / Waiting

t eh

aG

Event Space

gn

O

ir

Reception

S ap

S on

ap

hibiti

Wellness Center

en

ina

ry / Ex

ec

eM

Galle

zz

Co ee Shop / Retail (Gift)

gn

ir

t eh

aG

ro

ec

od

tu

Stairs

Theater

LL

Lower Level Restroom

LL

Level One Lower Level

Level One Blocking Diagram; Beginning stages of spatial organizations.

Level Two Blocking Diagram; Beginning stages of spatial organizations.

A custom copper wall with cutouts filters natural light, creating a serene wellness environment for workouts.

10

Bridges also houses a semi-permanent exhibition

As visitors walk through the exhibition, they are

and art installation, Roots of Sustenance, which

invited

educates

sustaining the community and driving the local

and

informs

visitors

about

the

to

reflect

also

farming’s

contributions

addressing

to

importance of farming and its role in shaping the

economy,

Albany Park neighborhood.

challenges such as food security and sustainability.

Entrance to Roots of Sustenance welcomes visitors with engaging imagery.

while

on

contemporary

Preliminary model explores potential forms for the exhibition.

The entrance is set with photos of Albany Park from the 1900s, setting

As guests walk through the tunnel, the increasing presence of plants

the stage for the area's rich history.

symbolizes the growth and promise of the future.

Guests discover Albany Park's roots as they journey through the space.

Axon shows the journey guests will take trough the tunnel.

11

Corporate Office Next is an innovative company that draws inspiration from history to shape the future of

Project Information Year Completed: Fall 2023

design. Located on a site formerly used as a power plant, Next incorporates the concept of energy into its office design, blending the past with forward-thinking creativity.

Site Facts 2601 Victory Ave Located in Dallas Tx Built in 2022 10,000 Square Feet 30' Ceilings

Level One Plan: Highlighting work zones where curved elements define collaborative areas within the layout

12

Next is a dynamic architecture firm embracing

The post-pandemic office has evolved from

innovation and collaboration, with 40 employees

the

in a thoughtfully designed workspace. Inspired

childhood. This project redefines the workplace,

by

creating an office where employees feel proud

the

design

firm’s blends

forward-thinking

mindset,

the

functionality

and

creativity

to

to

explore

rigid,

fluorescent-lit

spaces

of

my

and excited to work.

motivate and inspire its team.

Located in Victory Park, Dallas, on a former This

project

allowed

me

new

power

plant

site,

the

design

incorporates

workplace design concepts while aligning with

energy-driven elements, celebrating the site’s

the

industrial past while fostering inspiration and

firm’s

environment.

vision

for

a

vibrant,

efficient

potential

13

Guests are welcomed by a reception desk, nodding to the site's history as a power plant, fueling the space's energy.

14

Concept Collage: The former power plant's energy continues to flow through the site.

Reception Ideation Sketch

Custom reception desk, inspired by cooling towers of a power plant, instantly energizes guests as they enter the space.

15

Writer’s Retreat Project Information

The three-act story structure serves as a guiding framework for writers, organizing a narrative into

Year Completed: Fall 2024

three distinct parts. Inspired by this concept, the writers retreat translates the structure into spatial

Site Facts 5332 Old US 41 Located in Williamsport, IN

design by dividing the space into three defined

New Build on Historic Site

Acts. Each act is crafted to help users focus on

300 Square Feet

their tasks, eliminating distractions and creating a seamless

progression

that

mirrors

the

flow

of

storytelling.

A padded window nook and book storage invite writers to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature.

16

This

writer’s

retreat

was

designed

to

help

This

project

emphasizes

the

importance

of

users focus on their craft while fostering a

detail within a space, presenting a unique set of

sense of clarity and purpose. The retreat blends

challenges as it was completed entirely using

minimalist

analogue

scheme

aesthetics

and

environment during

material that

moments

incorporates enhance

its

with

of

calming

palette

soothes

unique,

a

stress

to

create

an

the

mind,

or

frustration.

custom

functionality

color

even

elements and

It

hand

methods.

was

an

Working

unfamiliar

requiring

intense

focus

dedicated

significant

exclusively

process and

effort

to

for

by me,

precision. refining

I the

that

drawings, striving to make them as accurate as

character.

possible. This hands-on approach pushed me

Inspired by the three-act storytelling structure,

to

the retreat is divided into three distinct rooms,

design and hone my skills in a way that digital

each serving a specific purpose.

tools often don’t allow.

Preliminary Sketch: The writer unwinds by the fire, watching the sunset through floor-to-ceiling windows.

develop

a

deeper

connection

with

Section: Window nook and

Section: A leather-clad pantry

book storage encourages

invites guests to take a break.

the

writers to relax.

Preliminary Sketch: The writer unwinds by the

Preliminary Sketch: The writer prepares a quick

fire, watching the sunset through floor-to-ceiling

meal while taking a brain break from their work.

windows.

17

Coffee Table Inspired

by

Ettore

Sottsass’

bold

whimsical Memphis Design style, I crafted this vibrant coffee table to bring life and function to my living room. Its playful mix of

shapes,

colors

unique

transforms

patterns, the

and

space

Project Information

and

Year Completed: Fall 2024 Project Lenght: 15 Weeks Material: Poplar Finish: Acrylic Paint and Semiglossy Polyurethane

bright into

a

Inspiration Photo

cheerful and engaging environment.

Assembled Table

Finished Table

18

Painting Process

Coffee Table Book After

completing

my

coffee

table,

I

faced

an

unexpected challenge: I couldn’t find a coffee table book that truly complemented its vibrant, colorful design.

Determined

to

create

something

that

Project Information Year Completed: Fall 2024

Project Lenght: 5 Weeks Cover Page: 80LB Textured Interior Pages: 28LB

matched its energy, I designed one! What began as a small passion project during the January term of

Pop Pop Pop Cover

2024 quickly evolved into something much bigger.

Less than a year later, I found myself producing dozens of copies to share with others.

Spread From Pop Pop Pop

19

Portfolio

Thank

You Melony friedlander