PORTFOLIO
RAQUEL SANT’ANNA INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE A h om e f or t h ou g h t f u l des i g n
INDEX
PROJECT 01: Hospitality | Restaurant - Celia Cruz PROJECT 02: Residential PROJECT 03: Sensory Design | Therapeutic - Autism Creative Risk Taking Award 2026 Florida International University IIDA Best Student Scholarship Project 2026 PROJECT 04: Healthcare - HCA Florida Aventura Hospital FOT scholarship award 2025 Florida International University PROJECT 05: Lighting Fixture Design - Sun Path Luminaire PROJECT 06: Hospitality ABOUT ME CONTACT
PROJECT 01
RESTAURANT AT SOFITEL MIAMI’S CULTURE & HERITAGE
Celia Cruz
RESTAURANT SALSA & FLAMINGOS
BLEND NOTES & JOURNEY EXPERIENCE
Celia Cruz
FESTIVE CULTURE Celia Cruz’s salsa reflects the influence of Cuban immigrants in shaping Miami’s culture. This festive vibe is also symbolized by the iconic Florida flamingo.
Perspective - Flamingo’s seating area
FURNITURE DESIGN Inspiration: Flamingo Custom-made Long Seat
Flamingo long seat
Perspective - Flamingo’s seating area
FURNITURE DESIGN MILLWORK WINE WALL AND WINDOW FRAME Inspirations - Pattern of Cuban salsa steps
Salsa steps
Salsa window elevation
Wine wall - Pattern of Cuban salsa steps Perspective - overview
Flamingo seat - Original Render + AI enhancement
Salsa Window - Original Render + AI enhancement
SHORT VIDEO
SCAN ME!
Flamingo Seat
PROJECT 02
RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR RENOVATION Before
Outdoor furniture design
Outdoor layout
PROJECT 03
Florida International University Master Project Award 2026 Creative Risk Taking IIDA South Florida Best Student Scholarship Project 2026
MASTER PROJECT - FINAL THESIS RESEARCH BASED DESIGN APPLIED TO SENSORY DESIGN & NEURODIVERSITY
AUTISM
PROJECT AWARD
Raquel Sant’Anna 6310837 Florida International University Master of Interior Architecture Prof.Phillip Abbott, Prof.John Naranjo & Prof.Natalie Molina April 2026
e r i A
Therapeutic Center for Children with Autism ages 5 to 11
e r i A
Therapeutic Center for Children with Autism ages 5 to 11
Concept
BREATHING Aire is a therapeutic center for children with autism. The design is researchbased and inspired by how breathing helps calm the nervous system and supports self-regulation, allowing children to better adapt to different environments and daily situations. Breathing also creates a natural organic rhythm in the space. Children move through areas of higher stimulation to calmer zones, with transition spaces acting like pauses — similar to breathing in and out. Aeolian rocks are shaped by wind over time. The “Ear of the Wind” in Arizona is an example of this soft, organic transformation. In the same way, breathing can gently shift a child’s state of mind by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The spaces support the brain through discovery, play, and enjoyment. Through tactile materials, art, movement, and sensory experiences, they help develop cognitive and motor skills, behavior, and social interaction while encouraging regulation, respecting individual thresholds, and celebrating neurodiversity.
REGULATE, EXPLORE &THRIVE ! Guidelines: Sensorial Exploration | Safety | Flexibility | ADA | Acoustic | Safety | Biophilia | Outdoor
DESIGN PROCESS FLOOR PLAN LAYOUT
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION “It would be nice for all the classrooms to have easy access to a courtyard,” said Jill Flores, Head of OT at Crystal Academy, during a case study interview.
Inspiration Aeolian rock carved by wind over the years.
Fig. 37. Ear of the Wind
Design Process - bringing the concept to life The floor plan began as a sketch inspired by the analogy of aeolian rocks shaped by wind over time. In the same way, breathing can gently shift a child’s state of mind by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The design is intended to express this breathing analogy. The courtyard is placed at the center, adjacent to all classrooms, and serves as a pause between activities—a moment to breathe and reset the mind.
FLOOR PLAN FURNITURE PLAN
16' - 7- 91/16" 9/16" 24' - 2 13/16" 8' - 2 1/140"' - 0 13/161"1' - 3 7/8"8' - 2 1/28"'
26' - 0 5/8"
55' - 11 13/16"
33' - 2"
OUT OF SCOPE
13' - 1 1/8" storage
server
Mech. Janitor
RAC
Infirmary
Snoezelen
ADA Rest. Female Rest.
Music ---
2' - 21' 0-" 170' "- 6 1/2"
ADA changing adjust. table & station Shower Male Rest. OT room
Art Therapy
n
Courtyard (social skills)
ADA Rest .
23' - 3 15/16"
sensory garden
garden
15' - 0"
Speech Therapy
"walker" area
25' - 7 5/8"
garden
Consular
Family Waiting area
"walker" area
Classroom Intermediate
Reception
Staff lounge
12' - 5 1/8"
Sensory “Rain Drop”
1 A203 ____
Sensory Pod”
Cabinet
Office
Sensory Pod”
Speech Therapy
Sensory garden
31' - 9"
Focus
Escape Space
Classroom Advanced
play area
play area Escape sensory garden Space sensory garden
storage
focus Multisensory room
Escape Space
focus
5' - 0"5' - 0"
Meeting room
ADA Rest .
Courtyard (social skills)
Interactive floor
Restroom
Pantry
---
Socialization
Male Female Rest.
Kitchen
Cafeteria & Life skills
rd e
ea ar taff e s ng en u lo tch ki
Ga
rd e Ga
17' - 8 11/16"9' - 9"
n
eletrical
Sensorial play area sensorial garden ---
25' - 2 3/4"
24' - 9 9/16"
32' - 3 3/8"
OUT OF SCOPE
---
---
N 0
4'
0 1/8" = 1'-0"
8'
16' 2"
OUT OF SCOPE
FURNITURE FLOOR PLAN Snoezelen Room RENDER A bubble window inspired by
sensory bubble tubes, creating an interactive experience from both inside and outside the space.
Render - Top view - Floor Plan
---
Speech Therapy room Puzzle Cabinet to support different threshold.
Courtyard A transition area strategically adjacent to all classrooms. Beneficial for socialization and restoration between activities.
Art Therapy Room
Proprioceptive & Tactile
ADA Changing Station Supports hygiene for students with disabilities and ASD. Includes an adjustable table for diaper changing and a shower.
Sensory Wall Sensory Garden & Biophilia Support sensory integration
Multisensory Classroom Sensory Integration environment to support children with moderate to severe ASD.
MATERIAL BOARD Ann Sacks, Arctic Blend, concrete
Momentum_Upholstery Textile
Paint, Low VOC. Sherwin-Willian. Pro Industrial Waterbased. Catalysed Epoxy. Greenguard. SW 6796 Blue Plate
Paint, Low VOC. Sherwin-Willian. Pro Industrial Waterbased. Catalysed Epoxy. Greenguard. Cooper Harbor
Flooring_Forbo_Allura Decibel 0.8_LRV_NCS_2023
Expanko Rubber Flooring, Hazelnut Homogeneous Rubber Compound Flooring_ Interface Noraplan environcare_Water park. GreenGuard Gold
Wood Puzzle toy_Cabinet inspiration
Interface _Nora, Noravante Timber
Tile_Creative Materials_Grey 2
Homogeneous Rubber Compound Flooring_ Interface Noraplan environcare_ GreenGuard Gold _ cookie swap
Leejofa Modern, Telus Flacial, Heavy duty upholstery Paint, Low VOC. Sherwin-Willian. Pro Industrial Waterbased. Catalysed Epoxy. Greenguard. 6785 Quench Blue
Arktura Acoustic Felt_Ceiling Baffle
PERSPECTIVE & RENDER ART THERAPY ROOM
Perspective_Indoor Courtyard
PERSPECTIVE & RENDER ART THERAPY ROOM
Emma loves the art therapy room. Painting supports her self-expression and emotion regulation.
ART DISPLAY
Fig. 38. Iris Grace
Art by Iris Grace Non verbal child with autism https://irisgracepainting. com/autisticartist Perspective_Art therapy class
AXOMETRIC RENDER MULTISENSORY CLASSROOM
6 DIFFERENT SENSORY ZONES Designed to provide flexibility, adaptability, control over levels of interaction, and support for varying sensory thresholds. They assist cognitive learning, communication and social skills, behavior, and multisensory exploration.
Theory Support
1. Calm area Escape Space
Sensory Integration - 8 senses ASPECTSS
2. Interactive flooring & mirror body awareness
6. Sensory Garden 3. Group focus area Focus & Socialization
5. Sensory Play area
4. Private focus room
Axometric view_Multisensory Classroom
PERSPECTIVE & RENDER MULTISENSORY CLASSROOM Leo loves exploring the sensory play area and taking breaks in the cozy Escape Space — a combination that helps regulate his energy.
Escape Space
Theory Support : ASPECTSS
Acoustic
Space Sequencing
Escape Space
Compartmentalization
Transitions
Sensory Zoning
PERSPECTIVE & RENDER MULTISENSORY CLASSROOM Cooper lighting Metalux, Cruze ST 22CZ2
FF&E
“Use BioUp to achieve Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) thresholds for circadian design and earn nearly 20% of WELL building lighting points.” Cooper website
Projector - Eyewiz Logo Beam SE AIPowered Educational Platform
Smith System _ Elemental Half Moon table
Group - cognitive learning & Body Awareness
Smith System _ Flavors® Noodle Chair_Adjust to student movements
Jill F lor e
Crystal Acad T em O s,
Fig. 8. Jill Flores
y
PERSPECTIVE &RENDER SPEECH THERAPY ROOM
Insight from Crystal Academy (Case Study) visit: Challenge to address: spaces that adapt to different thresholds, allowing the room to quickly adjust for the next child. Option of natural seating: some children do not like to have sessions on structured furniture.
Flexibility and adaptation. Adapt to different threshold. Furniture inspiration: Rotating cabinet
Smith System_ Elemental® Student Desk .24”x 36” ADA Hard Plastic
Perspective_Speech therapy Room
Theory Support
FURNITURE DESIGN - PUZZLE CABINET DESIGN PROCESS
Sensory Processing Framework, Winnie Dun, 1977.
DESIGN CHALLENGE & SOLUTION Challenge to address: Spaces that adapt to different thresholds — It is challenging to adjust a room from one therapy session to another, given the distinct and highly individualized sensory needs of each child. Requested by Jill Flores, Occupational Therapist from Chrystal Academy during the case study visit.
INSPIRATION
DESIGN THINKING PROCESS Rotating system. Each block rotates to reveal 4 different sides: one with a wood look, two with puzzle image and one providing access to toys. All blocks can be rotated to create different patterns, or aligned with the wood side facing outward to blend with the space.
Fig. 40. Wood puzzle toy
Different Threshold: Low registration, Sensory seeking, Sensory sensitive, Sensory avoiding.
DESIGN SOLUTION Adapt to different threshold Playful, engaging Kids friendly Flexibility
Support therapeutic session Personalization Organization
PERSPECTIVE & RENDER CORRIDOR - RAIN DROP MULTISENSORY EXPERIENCE
Proprioceptive & Body Awareness Supports anxiety reduction and self-regulation through body compression, helping users decompress and regulate emotions while interacting with and navigating the space.
Sensory Integration
DESIGN PROCESS
Temple Grandin squeeze machine
Sketch - body pressure tunnel
Proprioception is the sense of selfmovement, force, and body position. Wikipedia “Calming effects of deep touch pressure in patients with autistic disorder.” Temple Grandin, 1992
Perspective_Rain Drop Tactile - Liquid Sensory Floor Tiles
PROJECT 04
Florida International University Festival of The Trees, Scholarship recipient 2025
HEALTHCARE AVENTURA HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT These slides are part of a collaborative healthcare design project with Kimberly Dunn and Sahar Hamed. I was responsible for the design development of the Emergency rooms and staff lounge spaces.
HCA Florida Aventura Hospital
PROJECT AWARD
EXAM ROOM 1
WATSON THEORY OF HUMAN CARING J. WATSON
PRIVACY & PERSONAL SPACE ALAN WESTIN & ROVERT SOMMER
BIOPHILIA
EXAM ROOM
Privacy Curtain Construction Specialties
Cleanability Solid Surface Wilsonart
Flexibility Telescoping Door
INFECTION RISK ZONE 3 - HIGH FGI Guidelines
RESTORES CALM SUPPORTS RECOVERY & EMOTIONAL CONFORTING Restoration Wall covering Acrovyn - Construction specialties ISO 22196 certified bactericidal efficacy against 7 common strains
Control Ceiling Acoustic tile 2x4 NRC 0.80 - Armstrong
Comfort, Flexibility & Control Lighting Fail Safe Cooper Multifunction - Task & ambient lighting
Control Medical Headwall High Pressure Laminate (HPL) with AEON Wilsonart Protection Crash Rail Acrovyn, Construction Specialties
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Infection control Antimicrobial
Indoor air quality low VOC
Acoustic
Hygiene cleaning protocol
Slip resistance
CODES & STANDARDS FGI – Facility Guidelines Institute - construction standards ASTM F1913 performance standards ASTM D2047: Slip Resistance HCAHPS scores CDC / ASHRAE - Infection control, ventilation, air quality Indoor air quality (IAQ) - CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®
Cleanability & Safety Floor - Homogeneous Compact Vinyl, Tarkett Slip Resistance SCOF ≥ 0.5 CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® Cove base - hygiene and finishing Wear resistance Reduce the spread of pathogens Perspective - Exam room - patient & visitor
EXAM ROOM
A USER-CENTERED EXAM ROOM DESIGNED FOR CARE, COMFORT, FLEXIBILITY, AND FUNCTIONALITY FOR BOTH PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS.
ELEVATIONS
H&5
H
6
B
Telescoping door
Physician side & ADA cabinet
MATERIALS
FF&E
A.
E.
B.
F.
C.
G.
A. Construction Specialties, Acrovyn, Personalized Design - Forest B. Wilsonart, Solid Surface, Luminous White C. Construction Specialties, Acrovyn, Crash Rail, Almond Green D. Wilsonart, High Pressure Laminate, E. Tarkett iQ Optima Homogeneous Sheet in Blend Green F. G. Tarkett Melodia Homogeneous Sheet in Ermine G. Construction Specialties, Curtain, CSelect - Hydrro H.Carolina OSF, Upholtery, Momentum Deka Bisque
1
A
2
D 2
Head Wall
5
Guest chair
D.
H.
1.Vital monitor - Welch Allyn Connex Integrated Wall System. Patient heart rate, Oxygen saturation, blood pressure
2.Medical gas Regulators Oxygen flow meters, Vacuum (suction) Amico
5. Guest chair Carolina OSF, Lynx
6.Paint Low VOC - Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial™ Waterbased Catalyzed Epoxy - Greenguard
3. Stretcher - Centrella, Baxter Restoration, flexibility, control
4.Crash Rail Acrovyn, Construction Specialties, Bed Head Protection BL-10VN
G
EXAM ROOM Enlarged Floor Plan
Elevation - Head Wall Dimensions
6. Multifunction Lighting Cooper Fail-Safe (ambient, exam , reading)
Enlarged RCP
Elevation - Enlarged Head Wall
Equipments 55"
Outlet 42" Crash rail 29" Outlet 19"
S TA F F L O U N G E
RESTORATION & BIOPHILIA ULRICH’S THEORY OF SUPPORTIVE DESIGN
STAFF LOUNGE
APPROACH & AVOIDANCE HARRY HELSON, JAMES GIBSON, ALBERT MEHRABIAN
STAFF LOUNGE - KITCHEN
RESTORATION & BIOPHILIA ULRICH’S THEORY OF SUPPORTIVE DESIGN
S TA F F L O U N G E - S E AT I N G O P T I O N S
Staff Lounge - Seating option 1
Staff Lounge - seating option 3 Booth
Staff Lounge - Seating option 2
Staff Lounge - Kitchen and seating option 4
INFECTION RISK
STAFF LOUNGE 3
COMFORT, FLEXIBILITY & CHOICE A MOMENT TO RELAX F
D
2
C
G
E
ZONE 2 MEDIUM RISK FGI Guidelines
4
1
E
ELEVATIONS
Seating option 1 - privacy and comfort
Seating option 2 - tables
MATERIALS
A.
Seating option 2 - sofa
FF&E
B.
C.
D.
1. Lounge chair, Carolina OFS, Raya
E.
Seating option 2 - informal gather & Kitchen
F.
G.
2. Chair, Carolina OFS, Elani
3. Modular Sofa, Carolina OFS, Blush lounge sofa
H.
A. Tarkett iQ Optima Homogeneous Sheet in Dusty Gray 0908 B. Tarkett Melodia Homogeneous Sheet in Ermine C. Carolina OSF, Upholstery Arbor Jade D. Carolina OSF, Upholstery Arbor Stratus E. Wilsonart, high pressure laminate with AEON, walnut PB natural F. Construction Specialties, Acrovyn Wall Protection, Prairie Green G. Wilsonart, Solid surface, Yukon Riverstone H. Carolina OSF, Upholstery Gatsby
DESIGN GUIDANCE + CONCEPT APPLICATION 1. Flexibility - possibility of variety of arrangements
5.Restoration - natural light
2. Comfort - ergonomic seating for enhanced well-being
6.Legibility + Circulation - curved edges to encourage
3. Restoration and Biophilia - natural materials and soothing,
circulation and movement
biophilic palette to reduce anxiety 4. Comfort - ergonomic seating for enhanced well-being
7.Legibility + Circulation - Lighted emergency exit signage 8.Approach + Avoidance - acoustical control
4. Table, Carolina OFS, Nineteen20
PROJECT 05
LIGHTING DESIGN
Sun Path Luminaire
Sun Path Luminaire
LIGHTING DESIGN - SCONCE DIRECT & INDIRECT LIGHT Concept: Inspired by the sun's path building orientation, this sconce seamlessly blends functionality with design. With the flexibility to switch between indirect and direct lighting, it adapts to different moods and spaces.
PROTOTYPE VIDEO
SCAN ME!
PROJECT 06
HOSPITALITY
Haus Mitre Residence
Haus Mitre Residence STUDIO 25M2
Floor plan render - layout
PROJECT INFORMATION Apartment at Haus Mitre Residence Status: Render Location: Rua Professor Dr. José Marques da Cruz, 85 - Jardim das Acacias São Paulo - SP |04707-020 Brazil
Services: Interior Architecture, 3D visualization Size: 25 m2 Interior Design: Raquel Sant’Anna
WALKTHROUGH
SCAN ME!
INTERIOR DESIGN This cozy apartment in the heart of São Paulo is designed for comfort, style, and practicality. Earthy tones and biophilic elements create a calming vibe, while a smart layout ensures organization and storage. Perfect for flexible stays with a touch of hotel sophistication Perspective view
Entryway
Elevation view from the bed
REVIT, Sketch UP, Enscape English & Portuguese
ABOUT ME
Mas te r
of
I n te ri or
A rch i te ctur e
grad uate
fr o m
Fl o ri da
I n te rn ati on al
Un i ve rs i ty , s ki ll ed in In t er io r De si gn , s pace pl an ni n g, R ev i t B I M m od el in g, and
3D
v i su ali zati o n .
St ro n g
i n ter es t
in
h uman - ce nter ed
d es ig n,
us e r
ex per ie n ce , f urn i tur e, ex pe ri me nt al de si gn , and s us tai nab il it y.
My pr oj e cts h av e r ec ei ve d re co gn i ti on , in cl udi n g two aw ards fo r m y Mas te r’ s pro je ct : th e 20 26 FI U C re ati ve R is k- Ta ki ng A war d an d th e 20 26 I ID A B RA GG Stude n t Pro j ect Aw ard, an d th e 20 25 Fes ti v al o f t he Tr ee s Sch o lar sh i p fo r a he alt h care pro je ct .
I br in g a mul ti di sc ipl in ar y pe rs pe cti ve co mbi n in g in te ri or ar ch it ec tur e wi th a backg ro un d
in
bu si ne s s,
i n cl udin g
a
pate nt ed
pro du ct
des i gn
an d
a
publ is h ed ch il dre n ’ s bo ok . I ’m par ti cul arl y in t er es te d i n o ppo rt un it ie s to use des ig n th in k in g an d space pl an ni n g t o so lv e re al- w orld ch all en g es an d cre ate m ean i ng fu l us er e x per ie n ces .
Raqu el San t ’An n a
THANK YOU!
Raquel Sant’Anna raquel.santanna@yahoo.com (305)336-7177