JOY XU
xuzhuyunjoy@outlook.com (703)-624-9189
Washington D.C.
LinkedIn : Joy Xu
EDUCATION
Marymount University Master of Interior Architecture
2023 - Expected Graduation 2026
· Phi Kappa Phi
University of Waterloo Bachelor of Statistics, Mathematics 2015 -2020
GPA 4.0/4.0
NEXT Workplace Steelcase
Designed a 16,000 planning, research ranked in the top
IDEC Student Design Interior Design Educators Winner of the intergenerational creativity, effectiveness,
SKILLS
Design Software
Revit, Enscape, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Bluebeam, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign Hand Rendering
ProCreate, Marker, Watercolor Commputer Programming Language
Python, SQL , R Studio
Personal Interest
Mushroom Foraging, Garment Sewing, Crossfit, Photography Active Memeber
Student Member of ASID, IIDA, NKBA, NEWH
ASID Student Portfolio
American Society Semi-Finalist in the from first two years and context.
Kravet Marymount Kravet Winner of the competition, based everyday life’. Evaluated
Greenbuild International Greenbuild
Volunteered at the D.C., assisting sustainability education
/RECOGNITION
Workplace Design Competition Top 28 Finalist
16,000 sf workplace, focusing on zoning, space research neurodiverse principles, and FF&E. Submission top 1% of 1,600 submitted entries in North America.
Design Competition Winner Educators Council
2024-25 design competition of a place of intergenerational connectedness and harmony. Evaluated on effectiveness, evidence-based design and presentation.
Portfolio Competition Semi-Finalist
Society of Interior Designers the 2025 Student Portfolio Competition with work years of design portfolio. Evaluted on concept, content
Marymount Design of Distinction Award Winner
2023 Marymount campus wise textile design based on given concept ‘light and shadow from Evaluated on creativity, execution and presentation.
International Conference & Expo
the two-day Greenbuild Conference in Washington, with virtual attendee inquiries and facilitating education for participants.
EXPERIENCE
Interior Design Intern - Ayers Saint Gross
Summer 2024, Washington D.C.
· Designed finish material palette for University of Connecticut Nursing School
· Tested layouts in Bluebeam, designed and documented layouts and finishes in Revit
· Chose appropriate FF&E options for client presentations across multiple projects
Graduate Assistant - Marymount University
Sep 2023 - Apr 2024, Arlignton, VA
· Lead the Installation, de-installation for monthly Cody Gallery art exhibitions
· Coordinated between artists, art curator and facility
Data Scientist - Bell Canada
Apr 2021 - Aug 2022, Toronto, Canada
· Developed a Python-based interactive dashboard for customer self-install to visualizing key metrics and daily changes
· Conducted ad-hoc data analysis, consolidated data into a unified table
I was very fortunate various cultures has driven my passion for
As I design, I think about mentality. I aim to create and change is key process begins with With a background issues goes beyond Interior Architecture lasting impressions.
Fletcher Page House in Pencil
I Design and How I Do It
fortunate to have a diverse educational background, having studied in China, Canada, and the United States. This exposure to has shaped my design approach and deepened my understanding of how environments impact mental well-being. It has for creating spaces that not only reflect cultural diversity but also support the mental health of those who experience them. about how materials and elements in a space—whether they change over time or invite interaction—can affect mood and create environments where users can engage with their surroundings, allowing them to have autonomy. This focus on interaction key to my design process, as I believe interactive spaces make a lasting memory for those who experience them. My design with drawing inspiration from one element traditionally used in a specific context and reimagining it for a new environment.
background in statistics and experience as a data scientist, I bridge logic and creativity in design. Realizing that solving real-world beyond data analysis, I developed a passion for evidence-based, human-centered interiors, leading me to pursue a Master’s in Architecture at Marymount University. Two years into this journey, I find fulfillment in creating spaces that inspire, connect, and leave impressions.
NEXT
Neuro-Inclusive Workplace Design
Workplace Design Studio III, Fall 2024
NEXT Workplace Design Competition Top 28 Finalist
LA CASA ETERNA
Residential Apartment For The Older Population
Residential Design Studio II, Summer 2024
SYMPHONY GROVE
Intergenerational Music Garden
Healthcare Design Studio IV, Spring 2025
IDEC Design Competition Studio Finalist
PLAY IN THE GRID
Is landscaping always static?
Foundation Design Studio I, Spring 2024
NEXT
NEURO-INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE DESIGN
Workplace Design Studio, Fall 2024
16,000 SQFT
Chicago, Illinois
Individual Work
Revit / Enscape
Steelcase NEXT Workplace Design Competition 2024
National Top 28 Finalist
Up to 15-20% of the U.S. population is neurodivergent, contributing unique skills and perspectives in the workplace. My design bridges the gap between increasing neurodivergent employment and the lack of inclusive workplaces by addressing sensory sensitivities.
NEXT – The Wheel advertising agency in Chicago draws inspiration from the Ferris Wheel, symbolizing diverse perspectives. The material palette reflects its weightless feel and natural phenomena, creating a sensoryfriendly space for all.
Revit and Photoshop
Experience Vertical Rotation On Staircase
Inspired by the Ferris wheel’s ROTATION, each stair landing represents a client, featuring dual LED screens and space to showcase physical models, with all five landings completing the rotating movement as you enter the space.
Custom Reception Desk
The high-gloss laminate reception desk extends from the wall, with edges blending into a privacy screen and desktop, defying gravity and creating a weightless effect like a Ferris wheel ride.
Staircase Axo
Custom Revit Massing Furniture
Client Display 2 - Shoe Company
Revit & Photoshop
Stargazing In Rotating Cafe
The cafe rotates clockwise of one rotation every hour. Material palette is inspired by Chicago architectural materials, and the originial Ferris Wheel Axle.
Ferris Wheel Axle
Corten Steel
Nom Nom Light Pendant
Terra Cotta
Season Sofa
Perforated Metal Ceiling
Chicago Common Brick
Plaster
Custom Bench With Acrylic Backing For Safety And Bottom Lit Light
Original
Custom Cafe Table Dimensions Rotating Cafe Mechanism
Rotating Rainbow Corner
The rainbow partition is mounted on an overhead track, allowing it to be moved and adjusted according to preference. The middle wall ensures privacy for users, while allowing natural light to enter. It also enables communication when adjustments to the partition are needed, balancing both light and privacy.
Custom Furniture in Revit
Revit and Photoshop
Felt Ceiling Rods to enhance acoustical control
StormCloud Fabric
Pinot Fabric
Pink Lemonade Fabric
Saffron Fabric
Sprout Fabric
Flos Goldman Table Lamp
Flos Frisbi Diffused Lamp
Ambient and Task Lighting to provide control over environment
Rotating Sensory Friendly Workstation
Rotating platform completes one rotation per hour, so slow to avoid motion sickness while offering refreshing views.
Individually dimmable lighting, incorporates with overhead lights and task lighting.
Open workstations with semi-enclosed, and enclosed work spaces supports preferences for noise and silence.
Biophilic elements reduce sensory overload, and anxiety.
Self-breathing wall panels encourages deep breathing.
Rotating Workstation Mechanism
LA CASA ETERNA
RESIDENTIAL
APARTMENT FOR OLDER ADULTS
Residential Design Studio, Summer 2024
Bethesda, Maryland
1200 SQFT
Individual Work
Floorplan by Revit, Hand Rendering
Aging in place is often the preferred choice for older adults until it becomes too difficult (NIH, 2023), as it allows them to stay connected with loved ones and manage their lives. However, only 15% have considered modifying their homes (Healthline), with improvements focusing on movement, safety, health, social support, and well-being.
The architectural and interior elements inspired by the Adobe style architecture express the play of light and shadow. Repeated curvilinear lines define the dominant architectural interior forms such as arches, walls, and windows. The lines are further integrated into interior details of the niches, fireplace, dining table, kitchen island.
An Old Tradition With A New Future
Inspiration Board
This does not only reflect clients’ ongoing journey as new immigrants to the United States at an older age, but also guides the design of this space. Adobe style is an traditional way to construct houses with mud, grass and water. It is also my client’s childhood home style, and represents worry-free, happy childhood.
Living Room Looking Into Play Room Hand Rendering in ProCreate
Coffee nook by window connecting with
reduce lonliness by with outdoor visually
Photoshop Collage
Custom pull-out tv wall adds adaptability Hand Sketch
Furniture with rich, saturated colors to aid in depth perception
Floor Plan
Universal Kitchen
The kitchen features a stove on two-height island, allowing the cook interact with guests while cooking, and accomodating her mobility challenge.
Fridge drawer and full-size fridge accomodate all height and aWge of users.
Elevation - Facing Sink
Double dishwasher drawer is good for senior living style and wheelchair user.
Ktichen
Kitchen Elevation - Facing Island
Kitchen Details
Hand Rendering In Marker
Primary Bath Elevation- Facing Sink
Triple Arches
Three stucco arches echo the Adobe style. bring rustic charm back to a city apartment.
Primary Bath Elevation- Facing Shower
Two shower heads to accomodate different height of users and a pull-down chair to assist wheelchair user.
style. Reclaimed wood beams going through the whole living room ceiling also apartment.
RCP of the kitchen and living room
SYMPHONY GROVE
INTERGENERATIONAL MUSIC GARDEN
Healthcare Design Studio, Spring 2025
Arlington, Virginia
750 SQFT
Two person, completed in two weeks
Concept, Entire Model Building, Rendering
IDEC Student Design Competition 2025 Winner
Intergenerational spaces combat ageism by fostering mutual respect and understanding between different age groups. Additionally, they promote social cohesion, improve mental and emotional well-being, enhance lifelong learning, and encourage the sharing of knowledge and experiences across generations.
This outdoor music park features a circular infinity-inspired shape where two circles are colliding and coexisting together, one signifying young and another old. The focus is to create a space that bridges the gap between generations using music, and let two generations flow towards each other just like their relationship.
Infinity Loop
Parti
Reimagined
Why Music?
Studies have highlighted that meaningful intergenerational interactions need both structured events and unstructured, informal moments to foster most meaningful interactions between older adults and younger children (Lyndon & Moss, 2023).
Musical activities, raning from singing are well understood across both age groups, to more complex ones like playing instruments. These activities can be structured such as community choir practice, live concerts, or in unstructured moments, inspire each other during a jam session of interpreting same music differently (Jenkins, Farrer, & Aujla, 2021).
SMALL GATHERING
STORAGE
ADA BATHROOM
FLEX ROOM
MAIN GATHERING
FOOD PREP / WASTE STATION
Axonometric View
Flexibility
The storage room is equipped with movable furniture that can be easily rearranged for face-to-face intergenerational interactions.
Safety
Soft rubber flooring allows kids to play without worry. Handrails are provided in seating areas to support siting and getting up.
Interactive Technology
The intuitvely designed xylophone opens opportunities for play and imagination.
Embedded
Accessibility
Zero-threshold entrance and exit, and wheelchair manuverable rubber and concrete flooring, accomodate people of all abilities and ages.
engages individuals with hearing impairments with the music. of rough stone, offers a tactile experience for all visitors.
Natural Elements
Native, bee-friendly greenery on the ceiling wood slats and seating frames the whole space
Pull-down table allows for gaming session Revit and Photoshop
Open Gathering Space
Play sculpture provides a hiding space for kids, or double as a toy car tarck. Flexible, stackable furniture can be moved freely from the storage and use for a spontaneous jam session.
Custom Bench and Sculpture In Revit Enscape Rendering
The two padded seating nooks with storage offer a private space and reflect the concept of an infinity loop The built-in handrails ensure safety, making it easier for older adults to sit down and stand up.
PLAY IN THE GRID
Is Landscape Always Static?
Foundation Design Studio, Spring 2024
Glenstone Museum, Maryland
800 SQFT
Individual Project
SketchUp, Hand Rendering, Physical Model
Located at the Glenstone Museum in Maryland, Play in the Grid is a structure designed for engagement, rest, and reflection. It is intended to replace the current Four Grounds site—an open, sculpture-filled space surrounded by nature.
Challenging the notion of whether landscapes are always static, the Play structure offers an interactive experience with diverse functions. The first floor features movable landscape boxes, allowing visitors to rearrange and shape their environment. The second floor mirrors the grid structure below, providing spaces for both social and solitary moments of rest and reflection.
Parti
Sliding Puzzle
Elevation Perspective
Hand Rendering in ProCreate
ENTRY/EXIT
Rest - Top Floor
The top floor has varying floor height, creating spots for individual rest, reflection, or socialization.
Play - Bottom Floor
Each movable box is designed to be able to pushed using handle or pedaling a stationary bike, allowing visitors to change the landscape.
The moving window blocks allow visitors to interact with light, shadow and wind
Rendered Elevation AutoCAD & Photoshop
Top Floor View from Entrance SketchUp & Photoshop
Bottom Floor View
Physical Model and Photoshop
Residential Rendering
Hand Renderings In ProCreate
Kitchen and Bathl Rendering in ProCreate
Mushroom Daycare Center
Top: in ProCreate
An Urban Home Balcony
Bottom: in Marker
Top: Physical Material Palette
Bottom: Rendering in ProCreate