PORTFOLIO
Duniyak
SOFIYA DUNIYAK
I am currently a third-year student at Thomas Jefferson University, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Interior Design. I have always found the world of design fascinating. My goal with this degree is to design spaces people would enjoy and find themselves coming back to.
EDUCATION
Thomas Jefferson University | BS Interior Design | 2022 - Present
University of Arkansas Rome Center | Study Abroad | August - December 2024
SKILLS
EXPERIENCE
Study Abroad | University of Arkansas Rome Center | August - December 2024
During the fall semester of my third year. I studied interior design in Rome, Italy through the University of Arkansas Rome Center program. I had the opportunity to immersive in Italian history and culture through many on-site visits, lessons, and sketches
Interior Design Intern | Aker Contractors | Phoenixville, PA | May - August 2024
In the summer of 2024, I interned at a locally owned contracting company that mainly focused on residential kitchens and bathrooms. I had the opportunity to shadow two professional interior designers and see both the business and design aspect of this field. I was able to visit various construction sites, attend client and vendor meetings. For current projects, I was asked to survey job sites, draft orthographic drawings on AutoCAD and 3d model them in Revit.
MENTOR CENTER | Design 4, Spring 2024
SMALL MEDICAL OFFICE | Design 4, Spring 2024
INTERCULTURAL RESTAURANT | Design 3, Fall 2023
MISCELLANEOUS PROJECT | Visual Journaling, Fall 2025
MENTOR CENTER: Forest of Care
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The purpose of project 2 was to create a community center that supported both seniors citizens (65+ yrs) and children (5-12 yrs). The design needed to incorporate principles of Universal Design, age appropriate interior elements, and promote interactions between generations. The client for this project was the city of Philadelphia, who were looking to build a local community mentor center in South Philly that supports the local needs of the community. This project included interdisciplinary consultation from occupation therapists, whom advised interior designers how best to utilize each given space for community growth and enrichment.
CONCEPT
In nature tree canopies occur when individual treetops connect and interweave with neighboring trees. And just like in a forest, members of the center intertwine and connect through communal activities
SMALL MEDICAL OFFICE: Dental Office
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The purpose of dental office was to create a contemporary space that is calm, comfortable, and a positive experience for the clients. The clients for this project were two physicians who partnered up to open their own dental office. In researching about dental offices, I found that it was important to have a functional and efficient dental office. This meant incorporating and improving the three function zones of a dental office; the public, clinical, and team zone. As well as, improving and maintain good physical health of the medical staff and physicians. In using professional and academically recognized sources I was about to design an ergonomically comfortable floor plan that suited the physicians physical needs and patient care.
CONCEPT
Seamlessly integrating the three functional zones of a dental office to establish comfortable and accessible spaces for both the staff and patients.
Hallway
INTERCULTURAL RESTAURANT: Manaksh
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The intercultural restaurant is a interdisciplinary and collaborative design project with an interior design peer Chloe Naylor and a visual communication student, Jordan Bethea. Throughout the project we communicated essense of Lebanese cuisine and the authentic and memorable dining experience in the different graphic and interior touch points. Touchpoints like the graphic textures, posters, coasters, and logo integrated and a part of the interior of the space.
CONCEPT
“ Lebanese restaurant interior design captures the essence of cultural vibrancy through a fusion of traditional elements like ornate mosaic tiles, intricate woodwork, and vibrant textiles, creating an inviting and authentic atmosphere. These spaces often blend modern aesthetics with historical touches, offering a sensory journey that immerses patrons in Lebanon’s rich heritage while enjoying the flavorsome cuisine, fostering a sense of warmth, community, and culinary delight. “
VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN COLLABORATION
MISCELLANEOUS PROJECT: Visual Journaling
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Visual Journaling Final Board is a synthesis of the work produced during the semester long study abroad course at the University of Arkansas Rome Center program. On-site explorations and analytical drawings of the historic city of Rome, Italy.
CONCEPT : Understanding
Throughout the semester, my sketches captured my efforts to analyze and understand the unique characteristics of each site we visited. These sites, including Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Saint Ignatius, Palazzo Barberini, and the Ara Pacis Museum, each presenting their own set of architectural and historical elements.
In response, I experimented with a variety of sketching techniques to capture their forms, proportions, and spatial relationships. This process not only helped me make sense of the complex forms but also allowed me to explore different methods of communicating the basics of each space.
Duniyak Interior Design Selected Work
Sofiya