Rachel Younker - Interior Design Portfolio

Rachel Younker

Interior Design Portfolio

The University of Wisconsin - Stout

04

Hello!

My name is Rachel Younker and I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stout (CIDA Accredited) where I earned my BFA in Interior Design. I also double minored in Sustainability and Psychology.

Some unique experiences I had outside of Interior Design while at UW-Stout include playing collegiate soccer, working on a microbiology study, and studying abroad in Belize!

I was on the team since freshman year, and was a captain for two years. Being a captain taught me leadership and mentorship. Athletics taught me time management and hard work, and also gave me some amazing opportunities.

Myself and three other students ran a study where we worked to test the antimicrobial properties of materials including upholstery, solid surface, porcelain tile, and more. This was something I never expected to do as an interior design major!

I studied abroad in Belize during win-term 2022. Some highlights were snorkeling, drinking water out of bamboo, hiking to waterfalls, exploring into an ancient Mayan cave, and swimming in bioluminescent algae!

Restora Health

Project Description

This is my Senior Studio Project where I created a Cancer Treatment Clinic with a very natural, warm, and healing atmosphere.

Design Concept Statement

Restora Health’s goal is to make each patient feel at ease when they enter the clinic. In a stressful time, warm wood tones, plants, and curving elements help to create a soft, natural, and inviting atmosphere, making patients feel more at home. Glass throughout the space allows for natural light and beautiful scenic views which helps boost mood and well-being, as well as privacy control in patient rooms.

Programmatic Concept Statement

The Restora Health Cancer Treatment Clinic will feel very warm and inviting, creating a safe space for patients and promoting a healing environment through biophilia and natural elements. The facility includes an infusion bay, therapy services gym, healing garden, and many resources for patients and their caregivers to support their treatment. The design invites patients to have a choice and feel comfortable in the clinic through lighting control, treatment space options, and an easy to understand layout with wayfinding.

Branding / Logo Design

wanted Restora Health’s logo to be made up of simple shapes that referenced the natural world.

curved diamonds are similar to leaf forms and combined look somewhat like a flower. The soft curves also tie into the overall feel comforting environment.

Key Location Research / Inspiration

The clinic will be based in Tempe, Arizona, ideal because of the moderate climate and beautiful scenic views. This is a city full of both natural and man-made beauty. It is home to many galleries, museums, and a wonderful waterfront. Tempe is a hotspot for hosting concerts, dance and comedy shows, as well as outdoor festivals. The city is energetic and meets many interests, welcoming patients to the area.

Research + Tours

Part of the project was to tour real places that related to our spaces. I toured the Ronald Mc Donald House in Minneapolis and St.Paul MN, and the Prevea Cancer Center in EauClaire, WI. I learned about a lot of technical and staff needs on these tours.

I also interviewed 4 people as part of my research. I interviewed two now widows of cancer patients, a cancer survivor, and an Interior Designer that focuses on healthcare design. I learned a lot from these individuals, from things they loved to things they wished for in their experience, and tried to implement key things in my design.

Key Takeaways

Implement daylight + windows throughout the space to help reduce stress and increase hope

Promote staff efficiency with effective space planning

Specify durable and bleach cleanable materials

Give patients a feeling of choice and control throughout treatment (privacy, daylight, treatment environment, etc.)

Keep staff spaces more secure and private

Incorporate healing areas for the patients and their families, group spaces for engagement with others

End

Megan

Waiting Area Exterior

The building will be ADA compliant.

Blue, green, and purple will be the primary colors used as they promote a calm and relaxing environment.

Wood tones and beige/cream will make the space feel warm and home-like.

Natural light will be shown throughout the space using borrowed light to benefit core spaces. Healthy, sustainable, non-toxic materials and plants will be used throughout to improve indoor air quality.

Patients will have a sense of control during their treatment (privacy, daylight, environment, etc.)

End User Studies

Megan - Oncology Nurse

Megan is a happily married young mom of three. She and her husband Parker live a very active lifestyle. Megan cares so much about her patients she often forgets to take care of herself while at work. Implementing daylight into her working spaces and many resources for her to de-stress and find a minute of quiet time during her day will help her stay on top of her own well-being.

Angelo - Patient + Family

Angelo is a dad of three boys and a full time chef. He recently was diagnosed with colon cancer and will have surgery followed by infusion chemotherapy. Angelo and his family live in Oregon, but have decided to travel to Restora Health for treatment. Colon cancer can be very uncomfortable for patients, which is why bathrooms are accessible, and there is a lot of choice for patients during treatment.

Esther - Patient + Family

Esther was diagnosed with breast cancer, has already had a mastectomy, and is now going through radiation therapy. Esther and Greg are 63 + 65, and have four older kids. They live in Arizona and all but one of their daughters live in the area. Her family is very active in her care, and the facility should provide space for them to attend important milestones.

Zone Plan

Staff spaces are centrally located for ease of access to patients. Medical and Radiation Oncology are separated for less confusion with the caregiver spaces connected with a back hallway.

Partial Lighting Plan

Reception + Waiting Area

This view shows the entry as you come in to the Restora Health Cancer Treatment Clinic. I wanted to have a lot of natural light in this space as well as acoustic wood beams and slats on the ceiling to absorb some sound with the tall ceilings.

Private/Semi-private Infusion Room

The treatment rooms have the ability to be private or semi-private with switchable tinted glass, giving patients control. The sliding doors make it easier for patients to get in and out, and there is space for two guests.

Infusion Bay

This is a semi-private space for patients to receive infusion chemotherapy treatment. The half walls allow for some privacy while still giving a group feel, ideal for patients who may not have someone with them, or want to be in a louder space. Nurses have full view of patients from the nurse’s station.

Secondary Waiting Area

Designed for return patients and their loved ones, this waiting area allows people to check in and have a more private area to wait for treatment.

Steelcase - NEXT

Project Description

NEXT is a leading global consumer robot company based in Providence, Rhode Island They have decided to invest in a new Research and Development Hub in the heart of the thriving Seaport District of Boston, Massachusetts. The Seaport District, or Seaport, is part of the larger neighborhood of South Boston, sometimes known as the Innovation District.

The NEXT team is working hard to create consumer electronics and appliances designed to make homes easier to maintain and healthier places to live. Committed to discovery through technological exploration, they value innovation, authenticity, and connection. NEXT products are intuitive, sleek, stylish, and have eco-friendly features. A human-centered organization, NEXT aspires to be an inclusive and diverse company that embraces all walks of life and celebrates the greatness of individuals, helping to reach their full potential.

Design Concept Statement

NEXT wants to create an overall identity yet speak to the uniqueness of each of their locations. The new 12,000 square foot NEXT office reflects their brand and people and pairs that with inspiration from the Boston Seaport District. This new space promotes connection and inclusivity through human-centered design with the employees at the forefront. Geometric structure and linear forms paired with the flow of the river and harbor area mix well together to create a dynamic and engaging space. Bold lighting is used to capture the vibrancy of the city and the Seaport District.

Branding / Logo Design

NEXT’s logo combines connection, technology, and location. These are values that the company wants represented to clients right away.

Location Research / Inspiration

These places are all located near the NEXT office. This is where I drew my color inspiration from, pulling in the history and uniqueness of the area.

The Seaport District has a lot to offer and I wanted to highlight some main landmarks and beautiful areas that the employees would see every day.

Zakim Bridge

The largest asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge in the world. Stretches over the Charles River, connecting northern Boston to Charlestown.

Charles River

Flows 80 miles from Hopkinton to Boston Harbor. A major source of recreation through activities on and alongside the river.

‘The Embrace’ Statue

An in-progress sculpture designed by Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group. A memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it shows Dr. and Mrs. King embracing. Their entwined arms are made from a mirror finish bronze.

Institute

Boston

Suite 600

Boston, MA 02210

Institute of Contemporary Art

The ICA is a waterfront museum featuring leading visual artists and performance. Weaves together interior and exterior space.

Sketches

In sketching I worked through what the work cafe would look like, understanding how the levels would work to create the most seating options possible. I also worked out my reception desk and the stool wall pictured in my renderings.

Boston Harbor

A natural harbor and estuary of Massachusetts Bay. Consists of 50 square miles, 180 miles of shoreline, and 34 harbor islands.

Boston Harborwalk

A near-continuous 43-mile public walkway that connects eight distinct Boston neighborhoods to create a sense of togetherness.

Key Furniture

The Steelcase competition required the use of a lot of their furniture. These are some key furniture pieces that I used in my space.

Corkdrop Stool

Amia Office Chair

Ology Desk

Legend

Reception

Phone Room

Design Director P.O.

Design + Engineering W.S.

Dedicated Team Space

Project Room

Individual Work/Get Away

Phone Room

Large Conference Room

Inclusive Design Lab

Home Office Lab

Retail

Work Cafe

Phone Room

Product Storage

Resource Center

Project Room

Private Office

Phone Room

Private Office

Mothers Room

Wellness Room

Test/Prototype/Design Lab W.S.

MTLS Innovation + Others W.S.

Dedicated Team Space

Prod. Man + Development W.S.

Dedicated Team Space

Collaboration Area + Workstations

This view shows a smaller collaboration area adjacent to the larger group of workstations. Acoustic baffles absorb sound and create a zone for the workstations The wall to the left is custom built to house stools which can be pulled out and used around the office as extra seating.

Work Cafe

The work cafe allows many people to work in this space at once in various ways. The upper booth seating allows staff to chat and collaborate with each other in a small group setting. The surrounding high top tables allow for individual work and booth seats provide inclusion and ADA compliance.

Entry/Reception

The entry is bright and open, welcoming guests into the space. A dropped metal grid helps to ground the space and the glass wall lets natural light into the space while still providing privacy to the adjacent conference room

Workstations

Design + Engineering workstations are more neutral but bring in a blue floor to promote creative exploration and let projects pop. Steelcase’s whiteboard attachment between desks provides privacy and a writing surface. Custom wallpaper on the back wall brings in the company’s value of connectivity.

Canyon Hills Graphics

Project Description

This is a new office space located on the first floor of an existing mixed use building, Cherokee Studios, located in West Hollywood, CA. The client’s graphic design firm, Canyon Hills Graphics, is well known for its print, digital, and environmental work in the music and film industries.

Cherokee Recording Studios also holds significant musical and Hollywood history, formerly known as MGM Studios, with artists from Frank Sinatra to David Bowie to Dave Matthews having recorded music on-site. Many of the employees and other residents in the building have an appreciation for this piece of history, which is implemented in the design.

Design Concept Statement

new design of Cherokee Studios reflects the history in the Hollywood Hills. Embracing the environment, this casual yet inspiring space offers a vibrant, creative, and collaborative work environment for employees.

Location Inspiration

Canyon Hills Graphics gets its name from the mountain range located nearby. There are many canyons located here, with a couple of the parks named Franklin Canyon Park and Westridge - Canyonback Wilderness Park.

This project utilized the album cover In Betweenin’ by AUSTN as inspiration

Logo Design Process

I wanted to simplify the brand down to “CHG” for Canyon Hills Graphics. I also wanted to include mountains in the logo, as the name of the firm is derived from the location.

Sketches

Here I experimented with the design of the reception desk and library/resource area. I worked on the space as well as implementing branding.

Final Direction

Legend

High Traffic Reception

Open Collaboration Area

Kitchenette

Medium Frequency

Group of eight workstations

Print Area

Library / Resource Area

More Private

Conference Room

Huddle Room

Group of four workstations

Key Fixtures

Library/Resource Area

This space serves as a collaboration area for employees as well as a storage area. Pulling the company branding in here serves a dual purpose through shelving and advertisement for patrons passing on the sidewalk outside of the building. The wall on the left honors the building’s history with a wallpaper incorporating names of important artists who recorded here.

Custom Reception Desk

I designed this reception desk and built it in SketchUp. I wanted to create space for two receptionists, as well as make the desk ADA compliant but with a little privacy if desired. Canyon Hills Graphics’ logo is attached to a metal slat wall behind the desk to welcome guests and show the transparency of the company, but still provide privacy to the employees.

Collaboration Area + Kitchenette

Right off of the entrance, you find yourself in the waiting area and lounge collaboration space. The lounge features a photo wall of past recording artists which you pass going into the conference room to the left. The kitchenette is on the back wall taking full advantage of the natural light coming in.

Spence’s Tapas + Cocktail Bar

Project Description

The client has hired you to verify the suitability of the site depicted in the plan provided for use as a restaurant. The design should focus on a lounge/bar with a light meal service

The atmosphere/aesthetic must reflect the concept of “cocktail lounge” but can do so in a contemporary manner. The menu and concept should be based on at least 1 item found from the archives department.

Design

This bar come cocktails.

Whiskey accented drinks. and

Historical In the Mrs. inspiration

Design Concept Statement

bar and lounge will be warm and inviting. Guests can come in to relax and enjoy a light meal and a few specialty cocktails. Spence’s signature drinks include their Cherry Whiskey and Black Currant Cordial. The warm woods are accented by deep purples and reds to highlight their featured drinks. Glass and metal elements are brought in to add detail form to the space.

Historical Elements

the UW-Stout Archives I discovered two drink recipes by Spence. I chose to name the bar after her, and I drew inspiration from the colors of the ingredients in these drinks. Warm

Black Currant Cordial

Cherry Whiskey

Sketches

Booth seating sketch of final direction and bar elevation.

Legend

1 - Lobby

2 - Host Station

3 - Bar

4 - Dining Area

5 - ADA Compliant Bathrooms

6 - Lounge

7 - Waiter/Bus Station

8 - Kitchen (N.I.C)

Floor Plan Implementing furniture and creating a final direction to move into Revit.

Programming

Total Seating (86 min)

- Bar + Lounge Seating (50)

- Have 61

- Dining Seating (36)

- Adjacent to kitchen

- Tables of 4

` - Some 2 tops, 1-2 6 tops

- Have 46

Lobby

- Seating for 4

- Hostess Stand

Bar Counter

- Counter 22 lineal ft min

- Have 33 lineal ft

- 2’ clear drink pick up area

Waiter/Bus Station

- 4’x5’

- Further from kitchen

- Counter 4 lineal ft min

Dining Area

This space is meant to be very versatile. Right now, it is shown in a layout for one large group and three smaller four-tops within the cove booth seat. This furniture can be combined to accommodate a larger group, combining tables from the booth and open area, or create more smaller groups by separating the large table. Lighting here is spread throughout so as not to conform to one layout.

Custom Booth

I modeled the entire booth system here

Black metal frames each individual booth connecting the floor and ceiling with glass privacy while creating a transparent,

Seating

here in Revit. booth area, glass panes for open look.

Bar Area

I modeled the entire bar in Revit. The underside of the bar is wrapped with an acoustical paneling to trap sound. Woven metal mesh is hung from the ceiling to add visual interest and tie in the colors in the glass of the booths.

Lighting Design Project

Project Description

An educational building on a college campus in Portland, Oregon is conducting an interior renovation of a portion of the ground floor of the existing 3-story School of Design building for a new art program.

Design Concept

Portland, Oregon is known for their outdoor attractions and activities. The lighting design will embrace as much natural daylight as possible and effectively pair it with artificial light sources. The lobby will include multiple layers of light to fit a variety of needs and potential uses. This will be an engaging space tied together with warm, dynamic light sources that draw inspiration from the abundant natural waterfalls in Portland. Classroom and studio lighting will be functional and effective yet still aesthetically pleasing. Various layers of light will be implemented to highlight completed work, give more focus to in-process work, and illuminate the space in the absence of natural daylight. Overall this space will feel exciting and promote high quality design throughout to motivate and inspire students. Location Oregon the

Fixture Inspiration

These lights bring in the linear and “falling” feel of waterfalls their shape and configuration. I also enjoy how grounded half dome light makes the space feel and implement that in lobby space.

Location Inspiration

Oregon has a very beautiful natural environment. From coastline to plains to mountains, Portland has it all. All of surrounding an engaging and diverse city. Inspired by Oregon’s extensive collection of waterfalls, the School of Design building pushes the boundaries of the natural world.

“The campus is in a heavily wooded area and has incorporated nature into their campus planning.”

- design brief

Waterfall Inspiration

Solanine

Project Description

Design and create a full scale operable custom luminaire. The design should use biomorphic design as a guide for concept development, specifically selecting an object or entity from nature or a living organism.

Design Context

This fixture draws inspiration from natural elements. The overall form reflects that of something you would find on a nature walk or hike. Brought into a household item, this luminaire draws the natural world in for the viewer, adding visual interest to the space.

Design Concept

The design of this luminaire to complete the structure curvilinear lines create viewer’s eye around to diffuse the warm and soothing atmosphere. There is an emphasis holds inspiration from also known as Ground Lanterns due to their resembles a lantern

Research

The Physalis Angulata annual plant belonging family Solanaceae. alkaloid toxin called in a harmless quantity leaves and stem. It reproduces by seed dark green and roughly shapes around the edge. sided and pale yellow, fruits are borne inside

Name Significance

I chose “Solanine” plants produce. Solanum, sounds similar, and word solamen, which soothing” and this is emulate in my luminaire.

Concept Statement

luminaire uses uniform shapes structure of the piece. Clean, create repetition to move the around the luminaire. Linen is used warm light, creating a comforting atmosphere.

emphasis on biophilia, as the fixture from Physalis seed pods, Ground Cherries and Chinese their inflated calyx which lantern in shape.

Preliminary Sketch

Sketches

Angulata is an erect, herbaceous, belonging to the nightshade Solanaceae. These plants possess an called Solanine which is present quantity and mostly found in the seed and has leaves which are roughly oval, often with tooth edge. The flowers are fiveyellow, and the yellow-orange inside the balloon-like calyx.

Refined Sketch

Directional Effects

SketchUp 3D Model - Prototype

Significance

because it is the toxin these Solanum, the genus name, is derived from the Latin which means “comforting or is something I wanted to luminaire.

Final Model

Learned from this model

I want to make sure that the linen structure is not too pointy.

Make sure the bottom of the wire pieces curve out and down more to more accurately represent the seed pod.

Materials Used

- Globe bulb

- Fabric interior

- Metal wire structure

Directional Effects

- Direct through bottom of fixture

- Diffused through fabric

Cedar Design Intent

This seating experience will be a statement/sculpture piece. This would be something made for a consumer who enjoys fun furniture as art.

A goal of this project was to incorporate movement, so the seat moves when the user sits down. The seat is made up of separate wood blocks which allow it to move to fit the user.

The ottoman will be used as a statement piece that would invite and surprise guests. Guests may be hesitant to sit on this ottoman as it looks hard and stiff, but would surprise them upon sitting as it is actually very comfortable.

For those who have kids, this ottoman would also be an awesome sensory tool. The movement of the seat combined with the hard but rounded wood pieces and soft wrapped piece would be very interesting and engaging for them. Spatial

Structure

Human Contour / Contact

This ottoman from appearance is very rigid with a soft wrapped exterior.

The seat/surface is harder and could be used as a coffee table with a tray placed on top, but also as extra seating with guests over.

The ottoman will sink and conform to the user, creating a comfortable experience, but may not be a place someone would choose to sit for a long period of time.

Spatial Context + Inspiration

This ottoman is meant for an indoor general residential space such as an office, sunroom, living/sitting room, etc.

It is small enough to transport, but is a little heavy, so it requires two people to move easily.

Structure / Materials / Aesthetics

The base structure will be created out of 1/2” plywood.

4x4 cedar wood will be implemented as the movable pieces and base.

Two layers of 2” high density foam will be used to create the cushion layer and attach under the wood pieces in the seat.

2” foam will also be used to wrap the plywood along with batting, and then fabric over top for the upholstered portion.

The design will feel seamless and grounded.

1/2” plywood

2” foam

cedar upholstery

Initial Sketches - Understanding Movement

One of the key requirements was that this piece had to move. Here I am exploring different options.

Preliminary Sketches - Finding Form

Here I worked to understand the material and how the form would be able to support weight. I played around with having four legs, no legs, and a front/back row. I decided to not use traditional legs, and let the form be flush with the ground, increasing sturdiness for the end user.

Final + Structural Sketches

This round of sketches allowed me to compare the visual look of two sizes. I chose the 5x5 block look, then sketched the structural components to get better measurements and move forward with my final model.

1/4” Scale Model - Seat

I wanted to test out how the seat would move before construction. In this model I cut the foam, but later decided that wasn’t necessary. This made me confident that the seat would function as planned.

In Process

Plywood Frame

I cut the wood to size, then used 2” blocks to hold the base up while I used drywood screws to attach the sides. The 2” lift allows the base wood pieces to be more secure.

Cedar Wood - Cutting + Sanding

I cut four 6’ 4”x4” cedar beams down into twenty-five 4” blocks and twenty-five 7” blocks with a miter saw. I used a belt sander to clean everything up and make sure the edges were square.

Wrapped Upholstery

I used 2” foam to wrap the sides of the plywood frame then covered it with batting using a staple gun. I cut and sewed my fabric to fit, slid it over top and used a staple gun to adhere the fabric, tucking the corners neatly.

Cedar Wood - Base Assembly

After assembling the 7” blocks into a grid, I placed the plywood frame on top. I then pre-drilled holes into the base, then screwed it together, adding the 4” of foam on top.

Cedar Wood - Seat Assembly

I tested out how the blocks fit and realized I needed to taper the edges of the corner ones. I then moved on to sanding the tops to be smooth.

Final Product

Other Artwork

Work from Studio Art and Drawing classes at UW-Stout.

Drawing - Color Pastel

Sculpture - Wire + Drywall

Metals

Drawing - Charcoal Still Life