Sam Steinberg's Portfolio

SAM STEINBERG

SCAD +1 470-415-0374 sam.steinberg00@gmail.com

2025 IDA Student Award Winner

2026 PORTFOLIO

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

CONTENTS

Each project begins with a cover page featuring its moodboard as the background.

For me, a moodboard isn't decoration - it's the thesis statement everything else has to answer to.

I am an interior designer with a passion for creating spaces that are both striking and deeply human.

My work is shaped by my travels, love of art, and commitment to thoughtful, research-driven design.

My goal is to utilize my need for creative outlets to elevate the built environment through sustainable and impactful design solutions. I strive to do everything authentically and intentionally to benefit the human experience.

01 JAZZ IN THE GARDEN AMAN Luxury Hospitality Design

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AZALEA’S MARKET

SENSORY SEQUENCING

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

FOUNDATIONS LEARNING

Grocery Store Design

Midway Airport Renovation

Workplace Design

Quality Hand Rendering

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01 JAZZ IN THE GARDEN

AMAN LUXURY HOSPITALITY DESIGN PRINTS OF HARMONY

Prints of Harmony defines Aman Atlanta, reflecting the brand’s ethos of peace, beauty, and intentional design.

Inspired by Atlanta’s artistic culture and jazz legacy, the design language draws from repetition and layering, then reinterpreted through Aman’s refined minimalism. Textures, colors, and materials carry the spirit of music without overwhelming the space. A recurring motif, the human fingerprint, appears in textiles, wall treatments, and furnishings, symbolizing individuality within community and honoring the makers who shape culture through craft. Within this vision and taking inspiration from Nina Simone, the hotel lobby is expressed as Jazz in the Garden. A tranquil retreat of earthy palettes, tactile materials, and layered moments. It is a space for balance of self and shared experiences ever-evolving with its guests. A place designed for movement and for quiet.

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PROJECT TYPE: Luxury Hotel Lobby & Restaurant (Group Work, 2025 Quarter 2)

2025 BRONZE IDA AWARD IN HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGN/ECO-FOCUSED LOCATION: Buckhead, Atlanta, GA This group project during Studio IV: Hospitality at SCAD. As team lead, I ensured each space maintained its own identity while speaking the same design language. I developed the space planning and renderings for the second level. We focused on designing the main public spaces of Aman Atlanta, a luxury hotel featuring a Michelin-star restaurant, a casual bistro, specialty retail, and entry across 6,100 SF at street level and 8,130 SF on the second floor (hotel lobby as featured). Guided by shared design drivers, every detail, from food to service, embodies harmony and purpose. The restaurant on level one, Simone’s, is in partnership with Chef Christopher Grossman, infusing Southern flavors with Aman’s elegance, ensuring luxury is not only seen but deeply felt.

ELEVATOR ENTRY LOBBY

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DESIGN DRIVERS LOCAL INTEGRATION

TIMELESSNESS

SENSE OF PLACE

SUSTAINABILITY

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Concierge Accent Wallpaper

Primary Floor Marble Tile

Drop-Down Accent Wallpaper

Built-In Bench Accent Wallpaper

Green Accent Wall Paint

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7 1 STAIR ENTRY 2 ELEVATOR ENTRY 3 WELCOME TABLE 2 4 RECEPTION 5 CONCIERGE & LOUNGE 8 6 COCKTAIL & COFFEE BAR 7 LOUNGE SEATING 8 JAZZ LOUNGE 9 NINA SIMONE BALLROOM 10 LUGGAGE STORAGE 11 PRIVATE OFFICE LEVEL TWO FLOOR PLAN 12 RESTROOMS

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PRELIMINARY BLOCKING DIAGRAM We knew early on that water features would play a key acoustic and visual role in the space planning.

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APPLIED THEORIES PLACE ATTACHMENT THEORY A person forms attachments to places that provide a sense of belonging and freedom (Brown & Perkins 1992, Gifford 2014). Meaning, identity, belonging, memory, and emotion are thoughtfully considered here.

SUBCONSCIOUS PERCEPTION Perception occurs when stimuli are presented even below the threshold of awareness, and these stimuli influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions (Kazdin, 2000). Repetitive patterns are implemented across floors, ceilings, walls, and furniture to create a sense of rhythm even without the live music.

Preliminary Bar Sketch

Barstool Leather

Fluted Marble Tile

COCKTAIL & COFFEE BAR

Marble Flooring

Bar Wall & Ceiling Cladding

Ceiling & Wall Accent Metal

Backlit Onyx

RECEPTION DESK

Drop-Down Accent Wallpaer

Preliminary Reception & Concierge Sketch

Desk Stone

Ceiling & Wall Parquet Wood

Accent Wall Paint

JAZZ LOUNGE

Velvet Drape

Ceiling & Wall Accent Wallpaper

Velvet on Custom Panel

Brass on Custom Panel

Wood Flooring

Accent Ceiling & Wall Paint

Preliminary Sketch

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AZALEA’S MARKET

GROCERY STORE DESIGN THE AZALEA’S RESILIENCE

Azalea’s Market is more than a grocery store—it is a symbol of resilience and renewal. Designed to bloom in the very place it is needed most, responding directly to the challenges of food accessibility. Much like the rose that grew from concrete, it thrives in its environment to provide neighbors with fresh food, convenience, and a sense of belonging. The brand identity draws inspiration from the natural world, reflecting strength, stability, and growth. Earthy browns ground the brand in warmth and tradition, while vivid greens represent freshness and vitality. These tones create a palette that translates seamlessly across signage, interiors, and packaging to form a cohesive, welcoming experience. More than just a market, Azalea’s is a lasting symbol of hope and progress, helping shape the future of Downtown.

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PROJECT TYPE: Grocery store design (Group Work, 2024 Quarter 4)

OPENED SEPTEMBER 2025.

LOCATION: 25 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA

MAYOR DICKENS AT GRAND OPENING

MATERIAL PALETTE FOR GROCERY AREAS

“Atlanta’s first municipal grocery store with fresh and local goods.”

Azalea Fresh Market opened in 2025, supported by approximately $8 million in funding, including grants and loans from the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta. The 20,000 square foot store at 25 Peachtree St. NW is a publicprivate partnership with Savi Provisions to address food insecurity Downtown. The city purchased a former Walgreens for $6.7 million, operated by Savi and affiliated with the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA). A privately run, publicly funded model designed for profitability to eliminate need for government subsidies within three years. What began as a ten-week academic concept secured millions in funding. The original space planning and terrazzo floor remain intact, a rare instance of student work in the built store.

BUBBLE DIAGRAM This preliminary bubble diagram was referenced by all interiors teams to create individual prioritizations. I researched many precedents to nail down programming requirements in this diagram.

DESIGN CHALLENGE 01: Researching two-level grocery stores is key here.

The restrooms located upstairs as soon as guests step off of the escalator was an eyesore noticed during site visit. I proposed creating an accent wall for privacy and to address the structural column. Transforming a challenge into a feature moment, seen in this sketch.

PRELIMINARY SKETCH FOR ACCENT WALL UPSTAIRS

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DESIGN CHALLENGE 02:

THE SUPPER CLUB CODE REQUIREMENTS

ENTRY

LOWER LEVEL The owner of SAVI Provisions suggested finishing out the basement (which was previously only a stockroom).

At first, this seemed like an exciting challenge to provide more community space, as seen in the floor plan to the right, an exclusive supper club. From client consultations, we quickly learned how expensive and unrealistic it became to fit it into this project scope.

THE LIFE SAFETY PLAN I led code analysis with Professor’s oversight.

ENTRY

MATERIAL PALETTE FOR PROPOSED RESTAURANT

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THE FINAL DECISION:

UPSTAIRS COMMUNAL AREA

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STOCK ROOM REMAINS ON THE LOWER LEVEL

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INVESTORS

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1 ENTRY 2 FRESH PRODUCE 3 FLORAL 4 FREEZERS & COOLERS 5 BEER & WINE 6 BAKED GOODS 7 GRAB & GO 8 CHECKOUT 9 STOCK ELEVATOR LEVEL ONE

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UPSTAIRS DINING & COMMUNITY SPACE TODAY

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DESIGN DRIVERS

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FRESH 3

CONVENIENT 5

COMMUNITY AFFORDABLE ARTISAN

1 ACCENT WALL 2 GSU SECTION 3 DRY & PAPER GOODS 4 BEAUTY 5 STORAGE 6 STOCK ELEVATOR 7 RESTROOMS LEVEL TWO

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RENDERING IN CLIENT PRESENTATION

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03 SENSORY SEQUENCING

MIDWAY AIRPORT RENOVATION THE REVIVAL OF AIRPORT SECURITY

The concept addresses three distinct experiential zones inspired by air traffic. Rewind occurs in the pre-security area, where intentional moments of calm are woven into the approach. Designed pockets that allow passengers to reset and prepare before the inevitable stress ahead. Pause is the queue and checkpoint itself: the forced waiting at baggage drop and security screening where anxiety builds in the pipeline. Play begins the moment passengers clear security; where freedom of movement returns and the design celebrates departure, arrival, and the momentum of travel itself. Grounded in sensory integration theory, four primary senses are intentionally heightened or dampened allowing the sequence of spaces to flow together and provide comfort to various user types. Sensory Sequencing alleviates the stress of security through thoughtful design of transition spaces, honoring the natural ebbs and flows of life that bring people to airports in the first place.

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PROJECT TYPE: Airport Renovation (Individual Work, 2025-26 Senior Capstone) LOCATION: Chicago, IL CONTEXT: Based on the data, the top concerns among air travelers are the hassle of security checkpoint and flying itself. TSA checkpoint is an important part of airport safety the designer cannot control; a pipeline users are forced through and accept as a part of flying. The goal of this project is to reduce this inevitable stress in Midway, Chicago in the transition zones directly before and after security. Taking inspiration from sensory rooms for children, such elements are applied at a larger scale. Sponsored by Southwest Airlines, the color palette and shapes seen in the design are inspired from their logo and branding.

THE SITE

5700 S. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60638

ENTRY VIEW: PRE-SECURITY

PROJECT SCOPE

To Gates

Airport Building Orange “L” Line Cicero Drive Car Rentals Parking Garage Aviation Academy Park 8-25 MPH winds from Dec-Apr

80° high avg. in Jul

In Scope Arrival Path Not In Scope

28° low avg. in Jan

Preliminary Sketch

POST-SECURITY CALLOUT

TSA CHECKPOINT

TSA CHECKPOINT

Path of entry from train

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THE POST-SECURITY RELIEF THE QUIET PODS

PARTI: REW IN

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LED screen on the wall and ceiling to immerse users into nature Optional essential oil diffuser to reduce stress Tablet mounted on the wall to adjust screen, light, and audio

VIEW ONCE CLEARED THROUGH SECURITY APPLIED DESIGN THEORIES

SPATIAL LAYOUT 7 7

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Sensory Integration Theory

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2 POST-SECURITY CALLOUT

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Biophilia

Neuroaesthetics

1 SEATING W/ DEPARTURE SCREENS 2 QUIET PODS 3 WATER FEATURES W/ BENCH & WATER FOUNTAIN 4 CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA 5 CAFE 6 CAFE STORAGE/BACK OF HOUSE 7 RETAIL KIOSKS 8 BAKERY 9 SCENT GARDEN 10 PRAYER ROOM 11 MAMAVA POD

CENTRAL VIEW 1 PRE-SECURITY CALLOUT

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CONCEPT DESIGN LANGUAGE

Seating Options

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

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BUILDING SECTION

SE PAU

REW

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WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE

USER TYPES

SENIOR TRAVELERS

ASSISTED TRAVELERS

EMPLOYEES & STAFF BUSINESS TRAVELERS

LEISURE TRAVELERS

FAMILY TRAVELERS

Material Palette

Furniture Selections

STOP & SMELL THE ROSES

APPLYING SENSORY INTEGRATION THEORY & NEUROAESTHETICS

Preliminary Sketches

Noise is buffered through zoning clear loud and quiet spaces, giving users the ability to opt in or opt out of stimulation on both macro and micro scales.

Scent is dominant at approach, using olfactory cues to signal transition, and reappears in a garden moment post-security.

Touch grounds users of all backgrounds through tactile elements in the children's play area, individual quiet rooms, and unique water features that welcome flyers to Chicago.

Sight proves most crucial immediately before and after the TSA checkpoint, where ample open space and biophilic focal points enable natural wayfinding.

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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

WORKPLACE DESIGN

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FOUNDATIONS LEARNING

QUALITY HAND RENDERING

MODERN ART DECO CHAIR STUDY

Marker & colored pencil on white marker paper

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SAM STEINBERG

2025 IDA Student Award Winner +1 470-415-0374 sam.steinberg00@gmail.com

MODERN ART DECO KITCHEN STUDY Marker & colored pencil on grey paper

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