PERSONAL STATEMENT
I am a fourth-year student at the University of Georgia and am intended to graduate in May of 2025 I chose to attend UGA because of the exceptional art and design program. In these past three years, I have learned to look at the world from a design perspective which has opened up my mind to see creative possibilities all around me. I am driven to create space that shows off my artistic ideas and my ability to problem-solve
I have also grown a passion for sustainability. After receiving the LEED Green Associate certification, I decided to pursue a Sustainability Certificate at UGA. I believe that sustainability and design, can and should, go hand and hand. In my role as a designer, I hope to inspire others with innovative solutions on how to make the world a greener place, while still displaying my aesthetic.
Finally, I have found that collaboration is extremely important to help fully develop ideas when designing The Interior Design program at UGA has offered me many opportunities to work with my peers and professors I am confident that whether I work alone or with a team, I will be able to impart my unique perspective.
RESUME
R E L E V A N T E X P E R I E N C E
MANCINI DUFFY
Intern, Summer 2024, New York, NY
Interior Design intern at Mancini Duffy’s New York City office for 10 weeks over the summer
Gained knowledge of the design and architecture industry through projects, site visits, and meetings NEXT STEELCASE COMPETITION
Contestant, Fall 2023
· Designed a 13,000 square foot office space for the NEXT Interior Design Firm
· Explored lighting, building codes, space planning and materials through the courses at UGA NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN - NYSID Student, Summer 2020
· Attended NYSID virtual interior design summer program class, Interior Design I & II
Studied the fundamentals of design and learned from professional interior designers GREEK HOUSE
University of Georgia Campus Director, January 2023August 2024
Represented organizations on campus and help design their apparel Generated $61,000+ in sales by communicating with customers and the design team at Greek House LOVECRAFT
Volunteer, January 2022- present, Athens, GA
· Develop relationships with adults of varying disabilities
· Help adults learn job and life skills through art and music 1 hour each week to help the Athens community
A D D I T I O N A L E X P E R I E
N C
E
CONGREGATION CHILDREN OF ISRAEL
Teacher, Fall 2022- present, Athens GA
Teach Jewish learning to second graders from the Athens community
Create interactive lessons with engaging activities URJ CRANE LAKE CAMP
Counselor, Summer 2021- Summer 2023
· Trained to provide a safe and nurturing environment for campers from ages 11-14 for 7 weeks MENTOR
Spring 2020- Spring 2024, Melville NY
·Mentored, taught, and supported a 6th grade student to explore creativity through art projects.
E D U C A T I O N
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, ATHENS, GA
Bachelor’s in Fine Arts
Graduation: May, 2025
Major: Interior Design, Certificate: Sustainability
GPA: 391/40
Honors/Awards: Dean’s List, President’s List, LEED Green Associate, Order of the Lapis Recipient
Teaching Assistant for Interior Design Studio II
S K I L L S
Technical Skills: AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Revit, 3ds
Max, Procreate, Hand Drafting, Space Planning
Interpersonal/Transfer Skills: Communication, Leadership, Motivation, Sales, Community Service
C A M P U S & C O M M U N I T Y I N V O L V E M E N T
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGN CLUB
Member, September 2022- Present
Meet and connect with other Interior Design students at UGA monthly
SIGMA DELTA TAU
General Board 2021-2024
Banner chair for the sorority in 2022, painting banners that got hung up at sorority events
Apparel chair in 2023 which involved designing apparel for sorority events and advertised for the sorority
· Ritualist in 2024, continuing Sigma Delta Tau Eta chapters traditions
Spring 2023
Fall 2023 Fall 2022
FOUR SQUARE HOUSE
Fall 2022
S H I N J U K U H O T E L
DESIGN CONCEPT
GRAND HOTEL & SPA
The Shinjuku Grand Hotel & Spa is a luxurious 5 star hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, Japan This hotel offers a blend of traditional Japanese elegance and modern western touches The Shinjuku provides an immersive experience from tranquil spa services to water features throughout With stunning city views, the hotel provides fine dining, a gym, multiple pools, retail, and a rejuvenating spa. The motif of water creates a serene and ethereal environment for the guests looking to escape the bustling city. The logo plays off of the traditional Japanese print from Hokusai; The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The design of this hotel was split up between three group members; the spaces that I designed are represented below.
DELUXE A+B
Floors: 30 floors
Location: Shinjuku Tokyo, Japan
Software: AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Photoshop
Group Project: Sides Bell and Addie Nichols
*CREATED BY SARAL SURAKUL
EXECUTIVE SUITE
The guest rooms are a mix of modern elegance and traditional Japanese sophistication. The Shinjuku Deluxe A+B is the basic guest room located on floors 5-25, offering king or twin beds Executive Suites, on floors 26 and 27, also offer king or twin beds Additionally, the executive suites also have a separate study, wet bar, and dining for a luxurious experience The Shinjuku Deluxe suites offer spacious elegance for extended stays Each suite features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, kitchen, study, living and dining areas These suites can be found only on the 28th floor
RACHEL CHIZNER
GRAND HOTEL & SPA
KISETSU AFTERNOON TEA
Kisetsu, an upscale afternoon tea restaurant on the first floor of the Shinjuku Grand Hotel & Spa, offers a seasonal menu inspired by autumn, winter, spring, and summer Guests can relax and enjoy a multi course meal, offering a variety of delicate finger sandwiches, sweets and savory bites, paired with tea and champagne This restaurant features English and Japanese teapots, large comfortable chairs, and a three-tier tray for each menu section which create an authentic afternoon tea experience The ambience speaks to the traditional English tea experience along with the sophistication of Japanese design.
AUTUMNMENU 秋メニュ
AJapaneseAfternoonTeaExperience withEnglishInfluence 英語の影響を受けた日本のアフ タヌ ンティ 体験。
SAVORIES
KatsuSando TamagoSando卵サンド Fredporktonkatsumayo ettuceJapanesemkbread
Engshstyeeggsandwhch
SalmonSando Smokedsalmoncreamcheeseandcucumber
TsukimiDango Thesedumplngscelebratethepassingofseasonsand representthefulmoon
SWEETS
PumpknmxedwthavaretyofAutumnspces
Amxofsweetappeandnutywanutfavor
PumpkinSpice AppleWalnut ChaiTea
Auumn eanspredscone
SweetPotato パンプキンスパイス アップルウォ ルナット チャイティ サツマイモ
Savorysconewthrosemaryandgarcflavors
ServedwithCreamandJam(Fig AppleCinnamon Gnger) ChestnutSoup
KakiYokan
MomijiNerikiri(MapleLeaves)
TradtonaJapanesesweetfromdoughwrappedaroundbean paste ha featuresredmapeeaves 紅葉練り切り
KuriDorayaki
FigandRaspberryMousse Je eddessertmade romredbeanpasteagarandsugarwih persmmon 羊羹
どら焼き
Sof fuffydoughsandwhchedwthsweetbeanpaseandchestnus イチジクとラズベリ
CinnamonMacaroon
YASUKO SPA
Yasuko, a luxury hotel spa offers a variety of treatments to relax including massages, facials, and wet & dry therapies. Guests can enjoy a private spa suite for two that includes a day bed, hot tub and private bathroom. A warm dipping pool is off of the locker rooms to allow the guests to relax before or after treatment. The spa also features a boutique with high-end products, a yoga studio and salon. An outdoor oasis surrounds the building with a pool, garden and ponds. With an elegant ambiance, Yasuko embodies the full luxurious atmosphere
T W O H I L L S
BREWERY+ICE CREAM
Square Footage: 700 square feet
Location: 100 Gross Crescent, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
Software: Revit, 3ds Max, Photoshop
Group Project: Kylie Rincon, Sides Bell, Bella Mikronis, Courtney Homer
DESIGN
CONCEPT
Two Hills Ice Cream Shop is a part of a larger project in Fort Oglethorpe, GA As a class, we transformed a hospital into a multi-use project We went to the site to evaluate the existing conditions of the building and spoke to local representatives to hear their dreams My group was tasked with designing a brewery and ice cream shop to attract families visiting The Two Hills Ice Cream Shop blends vintage charge with a youthful energy
ICE CREAM SHOP BREWERY BEER GARDEN
The ice cream shop has seating for 12 people, allowing for a quick turnover. A garage door opens to the beer garden, allowing for inside and outside service. During the design phase, I sketched out the door and counter to explore creativity for this space.
PRELIMINARY SKETCHES
*CREATED BY COURTNEY HOMER
BRANDING
Branding is an important part of attracting customers to both the brewery and ice cream shop As a group, we decided to pay homage to the Cherokee Indian Nation who called the area “Catoosa” County, meaning “between two hills” We found an additional connection to the name when designing the logo which features two ice cream cones forming the shape of two hills
Materials like penny tile floors, tin ceiling tiles, distressed mirrors and bronze add to the vintage feel of the ice cream shop
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability was a key focus in the design. We included recycling, compost and trash bins with proper signage to educate visitors. Bicycle racks and a bike shop encourage alternative transportation, as the site is near walking and biking trails. As a class, we tried to keep most of the existing exterior walls and reused materials from the interior. “No Smoking” regulations and enhanced ventilation better air quality. The goal was to promote resilience and reduce the environmental impact of construction.
Square Footage: 13,000 sq ft
Floor Level: 3rd and 4th out of 15
Occupancy: 198 occupants
Location: 2601 Victory Ave
Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75201
Victory Commons One
Building Software: Revit, Adobe Photoshop
DESIGN CONCEPT
The NEXT Interior Design office initiates creativity and productivity while emphasizing natural light. Plants are incorporated throughout the space to establish a connection to nature, enhancing well-being and inspiration. Curtain walls and transparent doors allow for an abundance of natural light. Additionally, the design draws inspiration from Dallas, incorporating elements that reflect the city’s iconic landmarks For example, the circular motif references the distinctive shape of the Dallas Reunion tower The logo subtly echoes the form of Ave, a sculpture in Dallas’ Arts District, tying the space to the urban city
MEZZANINE
N E X T S T E E L C A S E
WORK CAFÉ LIGHTING DIAGRAM
Lighting diagrams were used to optimize the illumination throughout the space, ensuring the ideal amount of light
The elevator corridor features dimmer lighting with lower ceilings, design to create a sense of contraction-expansion
As you exit the corridor and enter the bright reception area, light creates an illusion of a larger space. The strategic use of lighting throughout the office evokes different moods, guiding the experience and enhancing the overall flow of the environment.
The soft colors of blue, green, and tan create a feeling of serenity to promote focus and productivity. This nature-inspired palette and integration of biophilic elements creates a space that nurtures well-being and creativity.
This Interior Design office includes private offices with collaborative work areas. Senior executives have their own offices, ensuring privacy and focus, while workstations foster collaboration and interaction among employees This layout encourages creativity and collective problem-solving
The longitudinal section shows the two different sides of the offices separated by the elevator corridors The west side is more private, only for employees of the office The east side has more public spaces with conference rooms, the work café and presentation spaces
B E N D O R E G O N H O U S E
DESIGN CONCEPT
The Bend Oregon House features two large balconies to enjoy the views of the Deschutes River The design addresses key considerations such as off-street parking, the sites’ slope (which supports a crawl space foundation), optimal views, and solar orientation The open-concept floor plan connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas Upstairs, a bright two-story layout includes three bedrooms and the balconies, providing ample space for relaxation and enjoying river views. The two story windows maximize the southern light coming into the space. The slanted roof design enhances the home’s aesthetic but also supports the installation of solar panels, creating renewable energy for the home
Square Footage: 1,800 sq ft
Location: Bend, Oregon
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Software: AutoCAD, Revit
Adobe Photoshop
The large, white kitchen opens up the space and makes it feel welcoming to guests The large dining table accommodates eight people
SECOND FLOOR
Square Footage: 3600 sq ft
Location: corner urban site
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Medium: Ink on Velum
DESIGN
CONCEPT
The building, a warehousestyle structure on a corner urban lot, serves as both a home and office gallery. The design prioritizes natural light, creating a memorable experience in the gallery, office, and living areas. ADA compliance is met with an elevator alongside the main staircase The first floor features a private office and spacious art gallery, while the second floor is a twobedroom, two-bath apartment The stairs leading to the living space are separated to give the residents privacy
EXPLODED PLAN OBLIQUE
The exploded plan oblique makes it easier to see how the space is divided The more public areas are on the first floor, and the private living space is on the second Exposed beams enhance the apartment’s lofty, open concept
The gallery has two additional walls recessed from the exterior to increase the space for artwork display. The large windows allow for more natural light, while a skylight on the southern side maximizes exposure to the brightest sunlight of the day. This space is meant to feel bright and clean to allow the art to shine.
F O U R - S Q U A R E H O U S E
SECOND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR DESI
The clients alterations corner lot a four-squ assigned t drafting an that divide private tow and balan
Location: Downtown of a historic neighborhood
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.5
Medium: Ink on vellum
The front entry perspective captures the view from the front door Tall vaulted ceilings, which the client requested, gives a space to hang his artwork The left of the entrance, looks into the living room, while to the right is a private TV room
The kitchen perspective highlights the large open kitchen, perfect for hosting and entertaining. It was important to the client to have a space for social gatherings with friends and family
O T O G R A P H Y
These photographs were taken on a DSLR camera for a Landscape and Architecture Photography class in Florence, Italy Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop were used to enhance the images
