HELLO!
My name is Samantha Espinosa, a current interior design student at The University of Florida. Growing up in Quito, Ecuador, surrounded by rich historical art and stunning architecture, I developed a keen eye for design's ability to tell stories. It fascinated me the richness of detail, culture, and art hidden in every corner. I believe in creating spaces that evoke emotions and connections. In each project, my goal is to craft environments that exude warmth and innovation, ensuring that every design narrates a distinctive story with a human touch. As I experienced and learned about various cultures throughout my life, my interior design not only involves creating functional spaces but they evokes emotions and a sense of belonging a reflection of the constant change in my journey.
I'm excited to keep learning on the journey I have ahead and eager to collaborate with others who share my passion for meaningful design. My portfolio reflects my commitment to creating spaces that connect people and make a positive impact on their lives.
EXPERIENCE
Interior Design Intern - Assistant
MCS Studio
May - August 2022 - Miami FL
Assisted with material selections and specifications
Assisted with revit tasks and retouched 3D renderings through editing software
Coordinated client and designer meetings.
Interior Design Intern - Commodities Team
Royal Caribbean Group
May - August 2024 - Miami FL
Assisted with furniture specifications for Icon 2 and 3
Created presentations for furniture and finishes reselections
Coordinated vendor meetings by setting up lunches with the team
Created material boards, organized material library
EDUCATION
Associate of Arts
Florida International University
2020 - 2022, Miami, Florida
Bachelor of Design in Interior Design
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Minor in Sustainability and The Built Environment
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
SKILLS
Concept Development
Material Selection + Specification
Space Planning
Graphic Design + Presentation
Freehand - Drafting, Rendering,
Model Making
Sketching, Painting
3D Rendering + Modeling
Photography
Fluent in English + Spanish
COURSES / ORGANIZATIONS
Adobe Photoshop Certification
Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop Issued by Credly
Member of Gator Interior Design Club
University of Florida’s interior design club aims to support members in their journey with presentations and different learning activities.
ASID Member
American Society of Interior Designers
TOOLS
Revit
AutoCAD
SketchUp
Enscape
Adobe (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator)
Office (Powerpoint, Word, Excel)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Miami, FL
samanthaespinosa.design@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadesign
(786) 812-8183
SCULPTED SERENITY
Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute Group Project
This outpatient facility is located at the second Story Development of Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute, the Center for Advanced Endoscopy, Research, and Education features modern endoscopy rooms with airborne infection control and fluoroscopy imaging capabilities and support areas for patient preparation and recovery.
The design concept takes inspiration from Florida’s coast line and the modern sophistication of Orlando. Our design strikes a balance between functionality, innovation, and the comfort of hospitality, softening a high-tech facility into a calming experience. This is achieved through the blend of organic and structured forms, enhancing both staff and patient flow for exceptional care.
All materials used are healthcare-grade, ensuring durability and compliance with healthcare standards.
Emphasis on cleanability and antimicrobial properties
RENDERED FLOOR PLAN
LOBBY
Providing comf variety in seati considering op and programm maximize patie their appointm
Staff Locker Room
PROCEDURE SUITE AND PREP + RECOVERY AREAS SECTION
Prep/Recovery Bays
Procedure Room
Positive distraction: the ceiling lighting design allows the patients to view an illuminated pattern while in the patient bed.
Directionality and Controllability of Light:
Having the option to play with artificial and natural light is preferred in a healthcare environment.
THE BURROW
Poshtel Project
The Burrow is a poshtel a hybrid between a boutique hotel and a hostel designed within the existing Margaritaville Hotel in downtown Nashville. Located near key landmarks such as Broadway and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the project targets young adult travelers seeking social, affordable lodging.
The design blends folklore-inspired details with modern sophistication, crafting hidden, cozy spaces that celebrate Nashville’s storytelling, art, and southern charm traditions. With the fox a symbol of wit and storytelling in folklore- the poshtel invites guests to connect with the city’s artistic heritage while enjoying Southern-inspired hospitality in the fox’s burrow. This space sparks curiosity, fosters connection, and encourages guests to craft their own stories within Nashville
Logo & Materials:
5 Ottoman Chair - Torii Bold
4 Aston Armchair - Minotti
3 Noguchi Rudder Table - Herman Miller
Gogan Sofa - Patricia Urquiola
2. Gogan Armchair - Patricia Urquiola
Key:
6. Armada, Poltrona - Nipa Doshi & Jonathan Levien
2 Matilda Stool - Patricia Urquiola
1 Matilda Armchair - Patricia Urquiola
3 Armada, Poltrona - Nipa Doshi & Jonathan Levien
4. Ottoman Chair - Torii Bold
Restroom
Custom-made
Custom-made Coffee Bar
Ophelia Bed King SizeMinotti
Milton NightstandMinotti
Lalula Circular SconceWarmly
King Guest Room
The Pod Center
Multipurpose Commercial Community Space
The Pod Center is based on the idea of a pod as a self-contained ecosy symbol of growth, renewal, and interconnectedness, The Pod Center is sustainable practices and initiatives throughout the center It aims to fos social cohesion by having interconnected spaces for activities and servi There is an approach to well-being by integrating elements of nature, s historical presence from the original Firestone Building.
ORGANIC
BIOPHILIC
Biophilic Presence Indoors
Facade View
Herb Products Display
Bottle Shelving Di
Check-out Counter
Fresh Produce Display
Check-out Counter
Sports Bag Table Display
Workout Mat Table Display
Dining Area
Mattiazzi - Zampa Chair
Blu Dot - Easy Dining Table
Viccarbe - Trivio Table
Steelcase - Elbrook
Table Collection
Tom Dixon - Outdoor Fan
Table Natural Base
Custom - Outdoor Plant Seating System
Established
Arcadia - Sm Children’s Benc
Moroso - Fish Low Table
Sons - Heidi
Viccarbe
Trestle Ta
Custom - Product Storage Shelves
Bolia - Split Pouf
CoalesseMoreThanFive Table
HABA Flagship Retail Store
Flagship Retail Store Group Project
The HABA flagship is envisioned as a sanctuary for imagination and learning. Healthy sensory stimuli and interactive display experiences invites children and families to explore their creative side.
In each space, wood and other stylized elements ensures child safety while fostering exploration and connection between generations. Central to the company ’ s ethos, HABA’s commitment to sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the shopping experience. Understanding the importance of play, HABA’s flagship aims to exhibit how toys can enrich children’s development with environmentally conscious toys.
Sketches & Ideation
Overall View From Entry
Play Zone Ages 0-5
Is an immersive and playful reimagining of HABA’s iconic wooden blocks.
Interactive Display
Built-in casework and display that allows kids to play while showcasing products.
Entry Zone
Haba Duck Acrylic Colored Blocks
Point of Sale & Customization
Shopping Cart
KEY
1. POS Station
2. Customization Station
3. Interactive Water Table
4. Quiet Jungle Zone
5. Stair Entry
6. Balcony Seating
7. Camp Cafe
8. Pretend Play Area
9. Bathrooms
RENDERED FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR
Sujiko
Experiential Restaurant
Sujiko is an underwater experiential Japanese restaurant located in Cali, Colombia. The name "Sujiko" is inspired by the Japanese salmon roe that is served in many popular Japanese dishes.
The idea behind the Sujiko brand is to provide a unique and immersive dining experience for its guests by transporting them to an underwater world where they will try a fusion of Japanese and Colombian seafood.
Tools: Autocad, Revit, Photoshop
S U J I K O
The design concept is inspired by the texture of water by incorporating interactive digital art, the effect of rippled water, natural accents such as wood, and design elements inspired by Japanese design. The ambiance of the restaurant is serene, with rich materials and colors inspired by natural oxidized metallic tones, and natural textures including wood finishes and marble accents.
RENDERED FLOOR PLAN
Bar Area
Artwork
Mixed Media Pieces
This section showcases a spectrum of creative expressions that go beyond the confines of interior projects. Through the application of mixed-media techniques,
I've crafted diverse art pieces over the years. From childhood, drawing and painting have been my enduring hobbies, seamlessly interwoven with my design sensibilities. This section offers a glimpse into my multifaceted abilities, showcasing the intersection of my passion for art and design.
“No Good-Byes” - Ink Over Paper
“Innocence” - Graphite
“Autoretrato” - Mixed Media: Graphite, Oil pastels, Color pencil
“Future” - Acrylic Over Wood
Aritzia Pop Up Container - Retail Mini Project
Object Narrative - D2 Studio Project, Mixed Media
“Holding On” - Graphite
“Drained” - Acrylic Over Wood
“Bright Side” - Graphite & Color Pencil
“Higher Self” - Mixed Media: Ink and Digital Art
“Snap Out of It” - Ink, Graphite & Color Pencil
Ruins - D3 Studio Project, Mixed Media
Ruins 3D Model - D3 Studio Project,
samanthaespinosa.design@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadesign