INTERIOR DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Kansas State University
College of APDesign
Interior Design
Graduating 2026
SAMMIE SKINNER
DESIGN STATEMENT
My name is Sammie Skinner. I am from Overland Park, KS, and I have been drawn to the built environment since before I can remember. Interior design has always been a passion of mine, driven by the belief that well thought out spaces can transform how people experience their environments. Spaces can have an impact not only physically, but also emotionally, and have the power to enhance users’ daily life.
I am captivated by the relationship between form and function, where aesthetic principles meet practical solutions to create spaces that are not only visually inspiring, but also deeply personal and functional. My passion stems from a meticulous attention to detail, a strong appreciation for diverse design styles, and a dedication to learning the nuances that make interiors both timeless and innovative.
I am eager to immerse myself in the professional world of design, collaborating with experienced teams to further refine my skills and contribute fresh perspectives. I am constantly striving to grow as a designer as the learning will never come to an end when it comes to the world of interior design. I always bring a detail oriented, conscientious and creative mindset to every project I undertake. I am deeply committed to excellence and believe in the value of leveraging design to foster meaningful, impactful experiences.
EDUCATION
Kansas State University Manhattan, KS
Since August 2022
Sammie Skinner
Kansas State University 3rd Year Interior Design
SKILLS
Computer Skills:
• 3D Computer Modeling: AutoCAD, Revit, Enscape, SketchUp, and Visual Impressions
• Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office and CAP 2020
• Hand drafting, perspective drawings, hand rendering and diagramming snskinner@ksu.edu (913) 274-6906 16401 Monrovia Street Overland Park, KS 66221
Hand Drawing Skills:
Expected Graduation: May 2026
College of Architecture, Planning, and Design
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
Cumulative GPA: 3.86
Dean’s List
AWARDS + ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Jeanne A. Baldwin FIIDA and James G. Baldwin Scholarship in Interior Design
May 2024
Steelcase NEXT Competition
December 2024
One of two projects from Kansas State Interior Design taken to Nationals for the Steelcase NEXT competition
6 Projects taken for Kansas State Interior Design Archives and CIDA August 2022-2024
When large projects are completed, 1-3 projects usually get taken to show future students.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Modern Business Interiors Intern
May 2024-July 2024
INVOLVEMENT
DIM Club
Digital Information and Media Team for APDesign Graphics Team
IDesign Club
Member
ASID & IIDA
Member
Alpha Delta Pi August 2022-present
Archivist Officer from 2023-2024
• Modern Business Interiors is a furniture dealership in Lenexa, KS
• Shadowed Interior Designer that worked at this furniture dealership
• Learned programs such as CET, Visual Impressions, and CAP 2020
• Drew up floor plans of existing spaces on AutoCAD
• Created budget and furniture specifications on CAP 2020
• Attended meetings with furniture dealers such as HON, Kimball International, Human Scale, etc.
• Attended sales calls and drew up reference plans with measurements of existing spaces
Kansas State Interior Design Teaching Assistant
August 2024 - present
• Worked alongside the Studio 1 professors to help the incoming students
• Worked with closely with each student and taught introduction level techniques
• Worked for 3 hours, 3 times a week
• Graded smaller projects that students completed
Design Tutor at Varsity Tutors
January 2025 - present
• Tutoring students online in design programs such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART KANSAS CITY, MO WATERCOLOR
CONTENTS
1
2
NEXT COMPETITION
First semester, Third Year
3
FLOURISH PEDIATRICS
Second semester, Second Year
4
K RESIDENCE
First semester, Third Year
5
VISITOR CENTER
Second semester, Second Year
PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE + HOBBIES
COMPILATION OF PROJECTS WATERCOLOR
1
NEXT COMPETITION
Kansas State University
First semester, Third Year
Individual Work
3 months
Top 2 Projects in Class
Next Competition
NEXT is a competition hosted by Steelcase. Each year, they propose a new building, site and program for students to work with. Students have one semester to complete the project individually. At the end of the project, the professors choose two projects to send to the National Steelcase competition and this project was one of the two chosen.
Program Summary
This year, NEXT is a global advertisment agency with offices worldwide, soon expanding to Chicago at 811 West Fulton Market. The new 16,000 sq ft Chicago office will prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and employee wellbeing, supported by Steelcase furnishings. NEXT serves Hoka, Perrier, Glossier, and Chipotle. The company promotes a “Being More Human” workplace, creating spaces that inspire creativity, connection, and growth. NEXT’s core values include; ideation, individualization of employees, hybrid work, and enforcing collaboration between employees.
Skills Used: Revit, AutoCAD, InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
SITE INSPIRATION
RECOMBINATION OF LIGHT
Light is recombined through colored glass at the Art Institute of Chicago
Light is dispersed like it is seen here at the Crown Fountain
Curved forms draw from the fast flow of street traffic and organic architecture, like the Pritzker Pavilion
This design incorporates reflective materials to mirror the city’s iconic art forms and skyscraper reflections
CONCEPT
The way light interacts with Chicago’s architecture and public art mirrors NEXT’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and creativity in the workplace.
Different colors of light symbolize diverse perspectives, reflecting NEXT’s vision of collaboration and shared purpose. Through biocentric lighting and light therapy pods, the workplace fosters well-being, enhancing mood, creativity, and productivity for a healthier, more cohesive environment.
IDEATION INDIVIDUAL WORK HYBRID WORK
THE “LIGHTBULB” EFFECT
The space maximizes natural light through clerestory windows and reflective surfaces, complemented by biocentric lighting. This lighting design fosters ideation and creativity.
Throughout the office many spaces are alotted where NEXTers can disperse and work or relax individually.
6TH FLOOR PLAN
7TH FLOOR PLAN
COLLABORATIVE WORK
Throughout the office many flexible spaces are provided were NEXTers can “bounce ideas off of each other” virtually. Users are able to work seamlessly back and forth from home with those in the office.
Many spaces are provided that foster recombining together after dispersing. Both informal and formal collaboration spaces are provided.
GABRIEL DAWE’S ART
WELLNESS ROOM
The wellness room offers versatile support spaces designed to enhance employee well-being. Light therapy pods allow users to adjust lighting to match their mood or needs with LED light panels—for example vibrant yellow for uplifting energy or calming blue light for relaxation With these pods users can change the light to any color imaginable These pods also provide a private space for personal matters. For less private needs employees can use privacy-divided seating
RECEPTION
Upon entering the office there is a warm and inviting atmosphere. The monumental staircase and ceiling shape creates a pull into the space. The light coves help promote circulation into the space and fun pendants suggest a moment of pause at the reception. The reflective ceiling not only brightens and expands the space but also mimics the experience of standing beneath Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate.
WORK CAFE
The front of the work cafe is a versatile space designed to serve multiple purposes. It functions as an eating and socializing area but can also transform into a town hall setting. With stadium seating incorporated into the monumental stairs behind and using all the furniture already provided here, the space can comfortably accommodate about 50 people.
BACK OF WORK CAFE
This vibrant color palette fosters socialization through its lively and dynamic colors. The curving metal ceiling and chain walls draw inspiration from the flowing forms of the Pritzker Pavilion, a major gathering space for Chicago.
WILDCARD SPACE
This wildcard space serves as an ideation illumination space, designed to inspire and rejuvenate employees during moments of stress or creative blocks. Colored glass panels create dynamic interplays of light which helps to stimulate the mind.This environment fosters ideation and creativity. Modular ottomans provide flexible seating for collaboration or quiet reflection
MONUMENTAL STAIRS
The stairs are arranged parallel to each other, forming an “X” when viewed head-on. At the center, the art installation Plexus by Gabriel Dawe creates a striking focal point for the space, embodying the concept of the interplay of light. The stadium seating, integrated into the stairs, further encourages interaction, inviting users to engage with the space and fostering connection and socialization among them.
PLEXUS BY GABRIEL DAWE
TERRAZZO WITH A SLIP RESISTANT SEAL
PRIVATE OFFICES
PRIVATE OFFICE LAYOUTS
HUDDLE ROOMS
WORKSTATIONS
Each team has their own “neighborhood”, each featuring a unique color for easy identification. The layout provides individual workstations for focused tasks, complemented by collaborative areas and pin up areas close by to facilitate teamwork.
2
FLOURISH PEDIATRICS
Kansas State University
Second semester, Second Year
Individual Work
2 months
Program Summary
The second semester of Studio 4 focused on healthcare design, offering an in-depth exploration of this specialized field. The assigned project focused on designing a pediatric clinic in Topeka, KS, with specific programming requirements to guide the process. A key component of the program was the incorporation of an on-stage and off-stage healthcare clinic model.
Project Statement
This clinic incorporates color theory to emotionally and conceptually connect with its users. Soft blues and greens are used to establish a calming, soothing atmosphere that fosters healing, while brighter hues like yellow, orange, and pink add a playful touch to appeal to children. Tree motifs and nature-inspired elements are woven throughout the space, creating a comforting and familiar environment that not only helps children feel at ease, but also inspires them to spend more time in nature. The color palette reflects the vibrant seasonal changes of flourishing trees, reinforcing this connection to nature. Through these intentional design strategies, the clinic creates a nurturing space where children can flourish in every season of life.
Skills Used: Revit, AutoCAD
CONCEPT
Colors creating these emotions in children
The benefits of trees on kids
Colors of trees when flourishing during these seasons
Calming Healing Joyful Exciting Intriguing = Winter = Summer = Spring = Fall
Helping kids flourish through every season of life.
• “Tree” play area
• Branch like ceiling baffles in corridor
• Leaf references in waiting room
• Every exam room references a different season
FLOOR PLAN
• Natural light, waiting room and collaboration areas close to windows
• Clerestory windows in each exam room
• Log inspired reception desk Nature inspired choices
Color theory
• Green - soothing and promotes health
• Blue - promotes a tranquil ambience
• Yellow and orangejoy and laughter
• Pink - calming atmosphere, lowers heart rate Tree analogs
• Air purification systems, Atmos air and Puro UV
WAITING ROOM FLEXIBILITY
Through research, it was apparent that waiting rooms should be flexible and provide easily movable objects that can create boundaries or be taken away if needed. Here are a few possibilities.
RECEPTION
• Sliding door creates boundary between public areas and reception, door stops at end of track.
• No floor change underneath ADA compliant counter.
• The soffit mirrors the shape of the reception desk, establishing a vertical relationship between the two elements.
KIDS PLAY AREA ELEVATION
All colored materials shown here are made from antimicrobial plastics. This custom built play area includes;
• Peg board and shelves
• Spinning wheels
• “Climbing tree” game with interchangeable pieces
• Nook space for kids to crawl in with antimicrobial upholstered cushion above so kids don’t hit their heads
PATIENT CORRIDOR
The patient hallway features ceiling baffles designed to resemble tree branches, creating a natural, calming atmosphere. Above these baffles, Solatube lighting allows sunlight to filter through, emulating the effect of light shining through treetops. Integrated into this system is Puro UV disinfectant lighting, which ensures the cleanliness of the baffles while mirroring nature’s inherent ability to purify. Additionally, the AtmosAir purification system is seamlessly incorporated into the HVAC system, enhancing air quality throughout the clinic. This integration not only prioritizes cleanliness and safety, but also mimics the clean air provided by trees in nature.
TRIAGE STATION
Triage Station includes;
• Medical scale that is also ADA compliant
• Medical scale designed for weighing babies with storage space underneath
• Spot for nurses to write down measurements
• Custom height measurement device
EXAM ROOM EXAM ROOM CUSTOM WALL MURALS
BREAK ROOM
BREAK NOOKS
Incorporating biophilic-inspired design into the “off-stage” areas of the clinic was equally as important as it was for the “on-stage” areas. Break nooks strategically placed near large windows offer employees a dedicated space to relax and rejuvenate, benefiting from an abundance of natural light.
Each of the four exam rooms mimic trees flourishing in different seasons. These custom wall murals help to enforce this idea.
OFF-STAGE WORKSTATIONS
Variety of spaces to work are provided. In the workstation area multiple types of workspaces are provided; relaxing spaces, collaboration spaces and heads down spaces.
K RESIDENCE
Kansas State University
First semester, Third Year
Individual Work
Design Charrette - 2 weeks
Program Summary
The K Residence is a project that involves designing a sustainable, energy-efficient twostory residence using only 3 recycled shipping containers for a mid-40s male professor who recently moved to the Kansas City area. He loves mid-century modern and natural colors. The design process focuses on creative thinking, efficient problem-solving, and understanding client expectations.
Project Statement
This home is composed of three shipping containers all set at opposing angles. This angular configuration not only makes a visually engaging form, but also maximizes south-facing windows and creates efficient spatial organization. This form successfully supports a professor’s dual need for productivity and relaxation, all within a compact footprint.
Skills Used: Revit, AutoCAD, InDesign
DIAGRAMS
Configuration
The three containers are all set on top of each other at opposing angles and the extra 80 sqft helps connect these spaces. The 73 sqft area is a double volume where the stairs are and the 7 sqft is where the fireplace is.
Sun Orientation
The sun in the winter will warm the house through the large, south facing windows. however, in the summer the sun will be blocked by overhangs. The angles that the containers are set at ensures every part of the house receives sunlight.
Passive Heating and Cooling
Every large south facing window has a clerestory window across from it to ensure that wind can pass through the home. There is also an attic fan at the top of the double volume so when hot air rises it can be released.
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
LIVING ROOM KITCHEN
CUSTOM BUILT-INS
UPSTAIRS OBLIQUE
STAIR BUILT-IN
LIVING ROOM BUILT-IN
CLOSET BUILT-IN
BATHROOM SHELVES
VISITOR CENTER
Kansas State University
Second semester, Second Year
Individual Work
Design Charette - 3 weeks
Program Summary
Students were tasked with creating a schematic design for a visitor center located at a site of their choice, using a single roll of trace paper.
Project Summary
The client owns a plot of land near Antelope Canyon and plans to build a new visitor center that reflects the surrounding environment through thoughtful and creative design. The center should include three main spaces: a reception desk, a gift shop, and an exhibit space.
The design concept is inspired by the sense of discovery found while exploring Antelope Canyon, where each twist and turn reveals something new. The visitor center embraces this idea with intriguing partitions that subtly block the view, encouraging guests to discover what lies around each corner. This sense of anticipation and excitement will enhance the experience, sparking curiosity about the land’s history and leading visitors toward the canyon itself.
Skills Used: Hand Drawings, Diagramming, Perspective and Oblique Drawing
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Modern Business Interiors Intern
May 2024-July 2024
• Modern Business Interiors is a furniture dealership in Lenexa, KS
• Shadowed Interior Designer that worked at this furniture dealership
• Learned programs such as CET, Visual Impressions, and CAP 2020
• Drew up floor plans of existing spaces on AutoCAD
• Created budget and furniture specifications on CAP 2020
• Attended meetings with furniture dealers such as HON, Kimball International, Human Scale, etc.
• Attended sales calls and drew up reference plans with measurements of existing spaces
FURNITURE SELECTIONS + DESIGNS
SUMMARY
I was an interior design intern at Modern Business Interiors (MBI), a commercial furniture sales company. I shadowed the lead interior designer, Brittani Richardson, along with salesmen Colt McArthur and David Brite.
Typical Day
A typical day started with a morning meeting with a commercial furniture sales representative. Afterward, I often went on sales calls with Colt or David, where we measured and sketched spaces. Back at the office, I drafted these plans in AutoCAD and collaborated with Brittani on design solutions. Once we finalized the design, we rendered it, created a furniture specification list, and prepared a budget sheet for each project.
Biggest Learning Curve
The biggest learning curve I faced was learning to create a budget spec. Many of the terms were unfamiliar, and the process was new to me. However, after working through a few on my own, I quickly understood what each column represented.
Biggest Surprise
The biggest surprise was discovering just how detailed and varied commercial furniture can be. I never realized how many design choices exist for a chair alone - casters, chair bases, mechanisms, seat pans, adjustable arms, arm pads, lumbar support, and more; and that’s just one piece of furniture! I was fascinated by the level of detail manufacturers put into every design decision.
Furniture I picked out for a assisted living home.
Drawings and renderings for a classroom.
Drawings and renderings for an office.
Above: Sammie Skinner, MBI Intern, marking up a floor plan.
To the left: An office floor plan and rendering I designed here at MBI. The client wanted a “U” shaped desk, a
chair, two guest chairs and 4 lateral file drawers.
HOBBIES - PAINTING + DRAWING
Highschool
Drawing 1 + 2
Painting 1 + 2
College
Intro to Oil painting
Etsy
Selling small gold framed paintings on etsy
Illustrations
Illustrated for a poetry book written by Linda Lankford (seen on the far right)
THANK YOU!
Sammie Skinner
College of APDesign
Kansas State University
Interior Design
Graduating 2026