Hello!
My name is Quinn Patterson and I am a junior interior design student at the University of Alabama, minoring in general business.
My Philosophy
Interior design has always been more than just a passion for me; it’s been a journey of discovering how spaces can shape our experiences. As a child, I constantly found myself rearranging my furniture, painting the room new colors, and creating art to hang on my walls. Looking back, I now realize I was building an environment where I could feel safe, inspired, and at peace.
To me, design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about creating a place where people can go to relax, connect, flourish, and be themselves. A thoughtfully designed environment can heal, inspire, and elevate the human spirit. I have witnessed first-hand the healing abilities thoughtful interior design can have on a person’s physical and mental health, and I would like to incorporate that potential into each of my projects.
An essential aspect of my design philosophy is the integration of biophilic elements and a commitment to sustainability. Growing up in Colorado, I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and its ability to positively impact us. This connection to nature shapes my belief that indoor environments should not only reflect the beauty of the outdoors but also foster the peaceful and restorative aspects of nature. By incorporating natural materials, abundant greenery, and thoughtful, eco-conscious design choices, I strive to incorporate the outdoors in our interiors.
My Time At School
During my time studying interior design, I’ve been actively involved in several student organizations, including IDSA, IIDA, and NKBA. At the start of this year, I had the privilege of helping establish our university’s new NKBA chapter and took on the role of Programs Chair. This has been both an exciting and rewarding experience, as it has allowed me to network with local designers, certified kitchen and bath designers, and members of Alabama’s NKBA community. I also have been collaborating with the IDSA event coordinator to plan the annual Interior Design Product Fair, where we will host 30+ vendors. This role has given me the opportunity to provide fellow students with valuable resources to deepen their understanding of residential design and create connections with peers in the interior design department at our school.
Internship Experience
My previous interior design internships have significantly boosted both my design skills and professional confidence. My most recent internship was with a home builder in Colorado Springs, where I had the opportunity to independently manage the model home on Saturdays. This role not only allowed me to refine my interior design abilities, but also gave me valuable hands-on experience in client relations. I personally guided potential clients through the model, answering questions and providing insight into the space. One of these interactions led to securing a client for an initial consultation with the project managers and CEO, and they are now building a home with the company. This experience reinforced the importance of professional development and showed me how I can greatly contribute to a company’s goals.
Table of Contents
Senior Living and Child Day
Care Facility
Pages 1 - 6
Resort Activity Center and Banquet Hall
Pages 7 -10
Pages 11 - 8
Baker’s Kitchen
Senior Living & Day Care Integration
Senior Living and Day Care Integration Facility
This project involved designing the interior of a Senior Living and Assisted-Care Community, along with a Childcare Center. The design is inspired by the vibrant, coastal charm of Cinque Terre Italy, with a focus on creating a welcoming, functional, and comfortable environment for both elderly residents and young children. The concept integrates biophilic design principles, using natural materials like wood and stone, a warm, earthy color palette, and abundant plants to create a calming atmosphere that connects the indoors to the surrounding landscape. Thoughtful space planning ensures a clear hierarchy between public and private areas, with easy way finding and accessible design to support the residents' independence and safety Common spaces like the living room, dining areas, library, and arts and crafts room are designed to foster both social interaction and personal retreat for the residents The childcare wing is designed to be a stimulating yet safe environment, with age-appropriate furniture and vibrant, natureinspired colors that encourage creativity and learning Special attention was given to creating a sense of community while respecting the privacy of residents, with flexible dining areas and communal spaces for activities such as exercise, family events, and group gatherings. The facility includes two apartment wings with five apartments in each wing, a child day care with multiple classrooms and a large activity room, a large dining room, private dining room, living room, library, theater, mail room, coffee house/bar, elevators, a gym, doctors office, arts and crafts room, salon and barber shop, garden and courtyard, and storage rooms for each resident.
The Dining Room
The dining room accommodates up to 64 guests and is located adjacent to the kitchen for optimal service and efficiency. The color palette features soft yellows, a warm and inviting tone that stimulates appetite. The coffered ceiling is enhanced with acoustical panels, effectively minimizing noise and ensuring clearer communication, particularly for elderly guests. Carefully selected furnishings and fabrics mirror those typically found in senior living environments, creating a familiar and comfortable atmosphere that promotes a sense of home.
The Lobby
The lobby of the senior living center serves as an inviting and elegant entryway, designed to create a welcoming atmosphere. The round mosaic mural around the reception desk reflects the concept of Cinque Terre Italy.
The seating area, arranged with comfort and ease in mind, offers residents and guests a place to relax and gather. Plants and nature themed artwork incorporate biophilic design principles, enhancing the natural connection between indoors and outdoors. The hardwood floors, with their timeless appeal, complement the overall aesthetic and provide a sense of warmth. The chandelier and a grand staircase elevates the space to create a sense of sophistication and luxury for all who enter there facility.
Floor Plan
FF&E Board
Reflected Ceiling Plan
FF&E Schedule
The Living Room
The selection of Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment for the senior living center was a carefully considered process to ensure the space not only meets practical needs but also evokes a sense of warmth and connection. Each material, piece of furniture, and fixture is carefully tagged on the FFE plan and each light fixture on the reflected ceiling plan, ensuring they correspond precisely to the schedule and specifications. With sustainability being an important
aspect of design, green materials and furniture were chosen to meet the standards of green design while still meeting aesthetic and safety requirements.
Public Restroom Floor Plan
Public Restroom FF&E Board
Residential Bathroom Floor Plan
The Restrooms
The bathroom floor plans were thoughtfully designed for ease of movement and ADA accessibility. The floors are slip resistant for safety for the elderly. Antimicrobial finishes and fixtures were selected to ensure cleanliness and ease of maintenance. The selected tiles reflect the concept of Cinque Terre by mimicking hand painted mosaics, and parquet floors. In the residence, zero entry showers with grab bars on all sides encourage independence and safety for all residents. Again, keeping sustainability in mind, green materials were chosen, such as a hand dryer instead of a paper towel dispenser, and automatic sinks to reduce water use.
Resort Activity Center and Banquet Hall
Spring 2024: CTD 226 - Intro to Commercial Design
Software: AutoCAD SketchUp V-Ray
Resort Activity and Banquet Center
This project involves the design of a multifunctional lower-level Banquet Hall and upper-level Office space at a family resort, with a focus on creating environments that foster connection, comfort, and flexibility. Inspired by the concept of Hygge, the design emphasizes warmth, coziness, and a welcoming atmosphere where both guests and staff can feel relaxed and connected. The Banquet Hall includes a flexible activity area with tables that seat up to 36 people, a large catering kitchen, and ADA-compliant restrooms, while the Office space is designed for efficiency and collaboration with features like manager offices, an employee lounge, conference room, and open office area. The entire space is designed with accessibility in mind, meeting all ADA standards, ensuring that all users, whether guests or employees, can navigate and enjoy the environment with ease. The use of natural materials, soft lighting, and flexible layouts throughout promotes a sense of inclusivity, comfort, and well-being The space planning for this project was meticulously designed with ADA compliance at the forefront, ensuring that the entire building is accessible, comfortable, and intuitive for all users, regardless of ability From the moment guests and staff enter the space, careful attention has been given to providing clear, unobstructed pathways and smooth transitions between areas
Resort Activity and Banquet Center
The lobby and reception desk are separated from the activity area by a wood slat partition, creating a subtle division between the spaces while still allowing light to flow through, maintaining an open and airy feel. The use of round tables and natural colors reflects the Hygge concept, encouraging collaboration, inviting people to gather and interact with one another.
Office FF&E
TThe office furniture has been carefully selected to optimize efficiency, collaboration, and comfort. The finishes and fabrics are not only durable but also visually appealing, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic cohesion Desks and tables are equipped with built-in charging ports, promoting organization and seamless workflow. The selection prioritizes both durability and design excellence. Investing in well-designed, functional furniture is essential for enhancing workplace productivity and fostering a positive, motivated environment.
Baker’s Kitchen
Fall 2023: CTD 225 - Intro to Residential Design
AutoCAD
SketchUp V-Ray
The Baker’s Kitchen
This project involved redesigning a kitchen for a client who is passionate about baking. The key consideration was creating a space that enhances both functionality and enjoyment for baking tasks, while also blending with the overall home aesthetic. To support this, I focused on optimizing counter space for preparation, incorporating ample storage for baking tools and ingredients, and ensuring that key appliances, such as the oven, mixer, and refrigerator, were positioned for efficiency and ease of use. Special attention was given to the layout, with a work triangle designed to support efficiency and ease movement around the kitchen for prep, baking, and storage. I also selected materials that are both durable and easy to clean, such as quartz countertops and cabinetry with pull-out shelves, making the space ideal for frequent baking without compromising on style. Additionally, the design emphasizes lighting and ventilation, two critical factors for a comfortable and efficient baking environment. I installed under-cabinet lighting to illuminate work surfaces and included a highperformance range hood to ensure proper ventilation when baking at high temperatures. I also integrated personalized features, like a dedicated drawer for measuring tools and custom cabinetry for storing bakeware, to create a highly functional, yet aesthetically pleasing space that reflects the client’s passion for baking.
Bubble Diagram
East Wall Elevation
Future Work
This semester, I’m taking five interior design courses. I’ve already completed my first class during the winter interim, where I developed this portfolio and researched firms and studios I’d like to apply to for my internship this summer.
One of my key courses is Design for Hospitality, where we’ll be designing a restaurant, bar, lounge, and boutique hotel. This project will be my first major undertaking using Revit, as we’ll be creating floor plans, RCPs, elevations, sections, and renderings. I’m excited to showcase the Revit skills I developed while learning and practicing with this software over the summer.
I will also be taking a dedicated Revit class this semester to further refine my skills, develop a deeper understanding of the components of construction, and hone my skills in rendering.
Additionally, I’m enrolled in Lighting for Interiors, where we’ve been learning about the different layers of lighting. For our project, I’ve been assigned to design a high-end purse store. I’m eager to develop the design for this store and deepen my understanding of lighting design. I will also be using Revit for this project.
The final class I’m taking is History of Interiors, which spans everything from the most primitive dwellings to the intricate designs of the Rococo period. I’m excited to dive into the historical context and expand my design vocabulary, which will enhance both my creativity and overall design perspective.
