LEEN RAYESS
2023-2025
PORTFOLIO
INTERIOR DESIGN
STATEMENT
With a diverse background that informs my design perspective, I bring a unique blend of cultural influences to my work. Born in the United States and raised in the Middle East, I graduated in 2022 and gained a year of professional experience abroad before returning to the U.S. in 2023. Currently, I am excelling in a design role at AO Architects in Orange, California, where I collaborate across departments to develop innovative design solutions.
My role encompasses a range of responsibilities, including conceptual design, spatial layouts, 3D modeling, and FF&E schedule management. Additionally, I oversee the materials library, coordinate with vendors, and organize presentations and professional development sessions. My exposure to two rich cultural landscapes enhances my creativity and informs my design approach.
Passionate about pushing the boundaries of design, I am committed to refining my skills and contributing to projects that foster meaningful, community-driven innovation.
CONTACT
Email: leen.s.rayess@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (714)333-5199
Linkedin: Leen Rayess
HARD ROCK COMMERCIAL
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
DINK AND DINE COMMERCIAL
PARKSIDE RESTAURANT
PORTOS BAKERY RESTAURANT
SANCTUARY CHURCH COMMERCIAL
INTUIT DOME COMMERCIAL
HARMON CORNER RETAIL
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN COMMERCIAL
HARD ROCK CASINO
The Hard Rock Casino in Ottawa is a luxurious venue blending modern aesthetics with classic rock influences.
My contributions included developing FF&E and finish schedules, reselecting specifications, ordering samples, and approving customer-owned materials (COMs).
I also created specification binders that included all the specs with samples of each finish, to ensure design clarity and precision. Additionally, I supported the team with 3D modeling, enhancing my spatial design skills.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project was assisting in the design of the luxurious high-limit restrooms, aimed at delivering a highend experience that aligns with the brand’s prestigious image.
Programs used: Sketchup for 3d modeling and Enscape for rendering.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Location: Bristol, Rockford & Ottawa
Status: Under construction
Year: 2023-Present
Website: https://www.hardrock.com/
HARD ROCK, OTTAWA
High Limit Restroom Design & Rendering
MATERIAL BOARD
Wall-covering
Counter top
Flooring
Wainscot
Plastic Laminate
PARKSIDE
This mid-century-inspired project, located in Downtown Disney’s mid-century district, embraced the era’s signature aesthetic—clean lines, organic forms, and bold yet sophisticated color palettes.
The design featured custom wall coverings that reflected mid-century modern motifs, balancing vintage charm with contemporary appeal.
I assisted in managing documentation, ensuring precise dimensions, color selection, and vendor coordination to maintain design integrity.
Additionally, I contributed to the design of a unique wall covering and a custom mural, enhancing the project’s cohesion and visual impact.
RESTAURANT PROJECT
Location: Downtown Disney, California Status: Open Year: 2023-2024
Website: https://www.parksidemarketla.com/
VISTA MURAL DESIGN & RENDERING
WALL-COVERING SOFFIT BAR DESIGN
Wall-covering design, Bar Rendering
Programs used: Sketchup for 3d modeling, Enscape for rendering and Illustrator for Custom wallcovering.
PORTO’S BAKERY
The design of Porto’s Bakery’s new location in Downtown Disney draws inspiration from traditional Cuban homes, blending timeless architectural elements with modern touches. This new space will feature a restaurant, bar, and an open patio, continuing the bakery’s legacy of success since its founding in 1960 by the Cuban family.
I contributed to the project from the initial concept phase through to the current documentation stage, assisting the senior designers throughout. My primary responsibilities included selecting, specifying and documenting all FF&E items, ranging from finishes to decorative lighting and plumbing. I coordinated with vendors to ensure product performance, lead times, pricing, and samples met the project’s requirements and aligned with the senior designers’ vision.
Additionally, I contributed to the 3D modeling and rendering of the project, playing a key role in the design and creation of the restrooms. I helped bring the restrooms’ design to life. I also designed custom wall coverings and graphics to enhance the visual identity of the space
The first-level floor plan features the restaurant area on the right, including the tea bar, dining area, bar lounge, and patio, while the left side accommodates the express section, including the bakery, cake decorating display, and patio.
The second floor includes the open bar patio on the right side, with the restrooms and back-of-house (BOH) facilities located on the left side.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Location: DOWNTOWN DISNEY, CALIFORNIA
Status: Under Construction
Year: 2023-PRESENT
Website: https://www.portosbakery.com/
My role in the following areas: FF&E and finishes specification and documentation. Also, assisting in the 3d modeling and rendering.
Level 1 Restaurant dining rendering
Level 1 Express Bakery rendering
My role in the following areas: designing, 3d modeling and rendering the restroom hallway along with the specification and documentation of all the FF&E and finishes.
Level 2 Restroom hallway
Level 2 open patio bar rendering
One of my key contributions to the project was the creation and design of custom wall coverings and graphics to elevate the visual identity of the space. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant plant life of Cuba, I hand-drew plant elements using my iPad and transferred them to Photoshop to craft the ideal composition. Additionally, I coordinated with vendors from companies such as Koroseal and Wolf Gordon, ensuring the final sample was aligned with the client’s approval.
Programs used: Sketchup & 3ds Max for 3d modeling, Enscape for renderings, Procreate and Photoshop for custom wall-covering.
For this wall covering, I based the design on the interior palette and created a composition that reflected those elements. The custom wall covering was applied in the tea bar nook on the restaurant side and behind the hostess stand at the entrance, seamlessly integrating with the overall design concept.
TEA BAR RENDERING, LEVEL 1 RESTAURANT
CUSTOM WALL COVERING DESIGN
Physical approved sample of the wall-covering design.
The restroom concept design on the first level focuses on creating a cohesive, stylish experience that aligns with the overall design vision. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Cuban aesthetic, the space incorporates rich textures, warm colors, and functional elements, blending modern design with classic touches.
Programs used: Sketchup for 3d modeling and Enscape or rendering.
Wall-covering
Flooring
Wainscot & Counter top
The restroom concept design on the second level was intended to make a bold statement and create a “wow” element. To achieve this, I designed a custom wall covering inspired by Cuba’s national bird, flower, and tree. I developed the color palette and finishes around these elements, ensuring a harmonious and striking aesthetic. Similar to the entrance wall covering, I hand-drew the design on my iPad, then transferred it to Photoshop.
Physical approved sample of the wall-covering design.
Men’s restroom concept design.
Women’s restroom concept design.
SANCTUARY CHURCH
The Sanctuary Church, features a Spanish-inspired exterior with a clean, modern interior design. My role primarily focused on documenting the FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) and finishes for the sanctuary and café areas, assisting the design team with the selection and detailed documentation of these elements. In addition, I was fully responsible for designing the kids’ and teen lounge, an open-concept space tailored to children and teenagers of all ages. This area includes interactive features such as arcade games and air hockey, providing an engaging and fun environment for younger members of the church.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Location: Costa Mesa, Ca
Status: Concept design phase
Year: 2025-PRESENT
Website: https://sanctuaryrooms.com/
Open space renderings.
Programs used: Sketchup & 3ds Max for 3d modeling and Enscape for rendering.
DINK & DINE
The Dink and Dine project is a visionary recreational development that seamlessly integrates pickle-ball courts with a dining area, featuring both indoor and outdoor courts, a park with lounge spaces, and various interactive games for visitors.
As a key member of the project team, I played a pivotal role in assisting senior designers with 3D modeling and rendering, as well as coordinating finishes, furnishings, and equipment (FF&E) schedules.
My responsibilities encompassed liaising with vendors to obtain quotes and ensuring all details accurately reflected the design vision and client requirements.
Additionally, I contributed to the design of the lounge and event spaces, incorporating creative input to enhance their functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Programs used: Sketchup for 3d modeling, Enscpae for rendering and Photoshop for plan rendering.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Status: Under Construction
Year: 2023-PRESENT
Website: https://www.dinkanddine.com/
NORTH BUILDING
INTUIT DOME
The Intuit Dome is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment stadium designed to revolutionize the fan experience for basketball enthusiasts and visitors.
As part of this ambitious project, I had the opportunity to contribute my artistic and design skills to the West Concession Area, a key focal point within the stadium’s food court. My role involved assisting with modeling, rendering, and designing a unique wall-covering for the West Concession Bar. The artwork was inspired by the essence of basketball, aiming to capture the sport’s dynamic energy while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
I focused on creating a visually compelling design that resonated with visitors, enhancing their experience by reflecting the excitement of the game through a minimalist yet impactful execution.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Location: Inglewood, California
Status: Open
Year: 2023-2024
Website: https://intuitdome.com/
BAR SOFFIT WALLCOVERING
Wallcovering design & Rendering
Programs used: Sketchup for 3d modeling, Enscape for rendering and Illustrator for custom wall-covering.
HARMON CORNER
Harmon Corner, located in Las Vegas, is a revitalization project aimed at giving the existing mall a fresh, new look. In this project, I assisted the senior designer with the flooring design and finish selection to enhance the mall’s overall aesthetic. I helped create 3D models and renderings of the floor design, ensuring the vision was clearly communicated.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Location: Las Vegas Blvd
Status: Under construction
Year: 2024-present
Website: https://www.harmoncorner.com/
Programs
used: Sketchup for 3d modeling and Enscape for rendering.
CALIBUNGA
CaliBunga, a California Dreamin Water-park, is an exciting and vibrant project aimed at creating a fun-filled environment for families and children to enjoy.
As part of this project, I had the opportunity to assist the landscaping team, where my primary role was to develop an accurate 3D model that closely mirrored the original designs created by the team.
This experience allowed me to hone my skills in 3D modeling while collaborating with talented professionals in a dynamic setting. I took pride in contributing to a project that promises to bring joy to many, ensuring that every detail reflected the envisioned landscape for the waterpark.
Programs used: Sketchup for 3d modeling and Enscape & Photoshop for rendering.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Location: Sacramento, Ca
Status: Under Construction
Year: 2024-present
Website: https://californiadreamin.fun/
Park Rendering