Issuu

design portfolio

by sarah wright interior designer

resume about me

interior architecture

revitalize wellness center symphony pointe assisted living brick & blaze pizzeria

furniture design

revival furniture set

resume about me

Hi, I’m

Sarah.

My time as a designer has shown me the importance of human-centered design and creating spaces that can be enjoyed and beloved by all who inhabit them. I believe that design is very important for what it can offer an individual in terms of a unique and comfortable experience, as well as its ability to provide people with a safe space and sense of community. Many of my projects

encourage people to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in the built environment. I have found it extremely rewarding to design spaces that focus on a close evaluation of the human experience and I look forward to continuing that journey throughout the rest of my time as a designer. Some of my favorite memories and experience in this field thus far have revolved around the close relationships I have been able to build, and I am excited to continue building connections with others who share my passion for design.

Education

Kansas State University

2020-2025

College of Architecture, Planning, & Design

Master’s of Interior Architecture

Study Abroad

Summer 2023

Kansas State University in Orvieto, Italy

Experience

Interior Design Staff - Entry Level

Hoefer Welker | Jun 2025 - Present

Responsibilities:

• Assist in development of design solutions by applying established interior design standards

• Research and select colors, finishes, & materials

• Perform site surveys & documentation

Design Intern

Katalyst Group | Summer 2024

Responsibilities:

• Produce design construction documents

• Work with Design Engineering team on projects from concept to finish

• Work on schematic design and conceptual modeling for brands

Teaching Assistant for Visual Communications 1

Kansas State University | Fall 2024

Responsibilities:

• Communicate with professor on class content

• Lead demonstrations on content

• Work with other professor on grading attendance and assignments

Graduate Teaching Assistant for Structural Systems II

Kansas State University | Fall 2023

Responsibilities:

• Communicate with professor on lab content

• Assist in running lab activities

• Work with other GTAs on grading attendance and assignments

Presentations & Awards

A Light on SAD: Holistic Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Interior Design Educators Council Conference, 2025

• Exploring how holistic health methods and light therapy can be implemented into a wellness center to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Poster Gallery presentation

Aging in Place: Design for Assisted Living Communities

Environmental Design Research Association, 2025

• Exploring how applying place attachment theories can create community in Assisted Living

• Poster Gallery presentation

MADE in Manhattan

Kansas City Design Week, 2025

• Top 5 Finalist

• Brick & Blaze Pizzeria explores taking inspiration from the design and form of a brick oven in a Neapolitan pizza restaurant

King Medal Award Nominee

Architectural Research Centers Consortium, 2025

• Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design nominee

• A Light on SAD: Designing for Light Therapy & Holistic Treatment Methods for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Strengths Assessment

Achiever

Works hard & possesses a great deal of stamina

Relator

Enjoys close relationships with others

Intellection

Introspective & appreciates intellectual discussion

Consistency

Craves stable routines & clear procedures

Maximizer

Seeks to transform the strong into the superb

revitalize wellness center wellness

project type: individual year completed: 2025 time frame: 16 weeks

software: revit, rhino 3d, enscape, adobe suite recognition: IDEC 2025 Presentation, King Medal Nominee

Revitalize Wellness Center explores how light therapy and other holistic treatment methods can be integrated into a wellness center to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Research and initial programming was completed in Fall of 2024, and the design phase was completed in Spring of 2025. Conceptually, this design encourages users to focus on fulfilling their holistic wellness needs before leading them to self-reflection and discovery. This is achieved through a gradual transition from public, groupfocused spaces to private, individual-focused spaces.

of the world’s population suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (Field, 2024)

problem statement

harmful antidepressants are often the first option for treatment (Moncrieff, 2018)

traditional light therapy regimens are limiting & inconvenient for regular use (Avery et al., 2001)

a wellness center that implements evidence from relevant design theories to create a healing space suitable for individuals suffering from SAD and provides a holistic alternative to traditional treatment methods

Attention Restoration Theory states that environments should combat fatigue (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989)

proposed solution design theories

Biophilia Theory states that nature elicits calming responses in individuals (Kellert & Wilson, 1995)

Theory of Affordances states that design directs human behavior & interactions (Gibson, 1979)

evidence-based design guidelines emphasize connections to nature & daylight

conceptual development

“Instead of fighting the darkness, you bring in the light”

luminesce through light to illuminate being

Ultimately, by embracing the interaction between luminescing and illuminating, the design of the wellness center can function not only as a place of healing but also as a space for personal discovery—where light becomes a tool for transformation, revealing both the external beauty of the environment and the internal journey of those who seek refuge within it. Through thoughtful design, the wellness center can create an immersive experience where light nurtures both body and mind, guiding individuals toward restoration and selfawareness.

parti development

connecting spaces group spaces individual spaces

bring in light & connection to nature centralize gathering & community provide moments for individual reflection

lighting conditions

(Eckhart Tolle)

1st level ceiling

2nd level ceiling

atrium lighting strategies

1st level atrium lounge maximizing

biomimicry

supplement natural light with artificial daylight-imitating light

3rd level ceiling

light atrium

light therapy

offices

restrooms

staff lounge

maintenance

reception social lounges

exercise studio

nutrition bar

workshop classroom group therapy

meditation nooks

consultation rooms

private therapy rooms

ceiling design strategies

2nd level social lounge

curve emphasizes atrium form

creates volumetric experience & visual movement

textured surface mimics water reflects light to create visual interest & absorbs sound diffuse light emphasize socialization space with warm glow

light therapy room experience

focus nooks

allows for individual work & rejuvenation

CoeLux Sky Spot

replicates daylight with a bichromatic effect

social counter

allows for flexibility in socialization or individual tasks

Light Glass Panel

replicates natural daylight through high output & circadian lighting controls

lounge spots

allows for relaxation & offers a sense of prospect and refuge

Sky Factory Luminous Window

simulates window view in order to create a strong interior to exterior connection

levels of experience within atrium

open overlook quiet reflection

provides illumination for personal contemplation third level

second level

fixed seating resting spot

allows for a quiet moment away from social spaces

first level

flexible & fixed seating social hub

acts as central space for rejuvenation & socialization

view of nutrition bar

view of group therapy room

view of light atrium lounge

view of light therapy room

symphony pointe healthcare

project type: group year completed: fall 2024 time frame: 16 weeks

software: revit, rhino 3d, enscape, adobe suite recognition: EDRA 2025 Presentation

Symphony Pointe is an adaptive reuse Assisted Living Center, located in Omaha, Nebraska. Completed as a group project in my Capstone studio, this project aims to redefine assisted living from end-of-life to a new chapter in life and provide a new model of care for seniors. This is achieved by fostering a sense of community and offering residents the comforts associated with home. This center aims to enrich residents and the community through creative activities and collaboration. Symphony Pointe offers a multitude of amenities including a salon, library, worship space, and three wellness courtyard gardens.

view of main entry

design for sustainability

create a sense of place aim to be above ADA minimums design for holistic development

research-based design

universal design requires no modification for people with disabilities

consider elements of comfort, identity, and belonging to create place attachment

creating a sense of place allows for people to form emotional bonds to their physical environments

conceptual development

an increase in ease of life leads to a decrease in disease and fosters good health

collective harmony

This Assisted Living Center applies the idea of Collective Harmony with the intent of fostering social connections, enhancing well-being, and supporting independence, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for all. Embracing forms, weaving structural elements, and continuous details will welcome residents and community members into spaces that aim to promote socialization and engagement between residents.

formal development

resident personalization

apartment development

view of studio apartment

courtyard development

courtyard

view of north courtyard

view of creativity hall

view of front approach

view of nook seating

view of reception

brick & blaze pizzeria hospitality

project type: partner year completed: spring 2024 time frame: 12 weeks

software: revit, rhino 3d, enscape, adobe suite recognition: MADE in Manhattan Top 5 Finalist

Completed as a partner project in an independent study course, Brick & Blaze is located in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neightborhood of Charleston, South Carolina and showcases the heart of Neapolitan pizza-making. This pizzeria revolves around the brick oven, and is where all of the spaces originate from. Celebrated, vaulted structure draws from the form of a brick oven and fills the entire space with warmth. Layered forms and seamless details combine with soft, intimate lighting to provide a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the overall warmth of the space. Brick & Blaze integrates the essence of the brick oven not only in its cooking process but also in its design philosophy, creating a unified and inviting environment for all users.

conceptual development

spatial planning massing

brick oven is the heart of pizza-making celebrated & arched structure layered details & forms cozy & welcoming

connection to site

framed photos, prints, & artistic renderings of local sites

skyline mural

design development location

Brick & Blaze is located in the CannonboroughElliotborough neightborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. It is described as having the perfect mix of old world and new world elements, and many of Charleston’s highest rated restaurants lie within its limits.

branding development

domus titling font choices

outdoor patio entry & facade seating bar & wine display

option one option two color

rime pendant

under the bell pendant

chroma pendant

first floor ceiling plan

roofing

acrylic sheet

gypsum board

mezzanine ceiling plan

steel trusses

high bay light

wall washer

custom chandelier

view from main entry

view of mezzanine bar

view of banquette seating

revival set furniture

project type: group year completed: fall 2023 time frame: 16 weeks

software: rhino 3d materials: red oak & acrylic

Completed as a group project in my second furniture design course, Revival aims to bring life and elegance back to a slowly dying industry. As bookstores continue to struggle, Revival will offer store owners the opportunity to create an intriguing space that will bring customers back for good. By introducing modern materials to traditional furniture forms, the furniture pieces will revive the lively spirit within any bookstore. A reading chair, footstool, bookshelf, and floor lamp come together in a set suitable for any comfortable reading nook.

view of collection

conceptual development

Reworking Traditional Forms

Looking at traditional forms for reading chairs, shelves, and lamps, we were able to abstract traditional forms in the new furniture set. The connection to traditional forms creates a cohesive look with the bookstore it sits in.

Modern Materials

Incorporating acrylic into the form of the furniture creates a more vibrant feel to the traditional forms. The acrylic draping over the traditional wooden structure showcases the intertwining of traditional in modern while still maintaining the function.

Comfort is Key

Comfort is a main driver in drawing in customers to stay for long periods of time. The ergonomics of seating along with the additional privacy elements create a sense of security in the set.