April 2025 Portfolio - Tamanna Sachdev

TAMANNA SACHDEV tam.sachdev@gmail.com | 332-201-2249 | NY 2021-2024

Designing immersive spaces that blend sustainability, storytelling, and culture

I am a sustainable interior designer drawn to projects that explore the intersection of narrative, environment, and material. My work spans educational spaces, community hubs, and conceptual explorations—each grounded in storytelling and a strong sense of place. I translate vision into spatial clarity through design and graphic tool crafting spaces that are both immersive and intentional. Every project in my portfolio is a reflection of curiosity, care, and conscious design thinking.

EDUCATION New York School of Interior Design MPS Sustainable Interior Environments

Parsons School of Design BFA Interior Design

NIST International School International Baccaleaurate

EXPERIENCE WATG & Wimberly Interiors Designer for Interiors

Jarret Yoshida Inc. Interior Design Intern

BLINK Design Group Interior Design Intern

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01

CO-WORKING TYPOLOGIES 6 - 19

02

THE SCALE EFFECT 20 - 29

03

ELEMENTAL PLAYSCAPE 30 - 45

04

FANNY’S GARDEN RESTAURANT 46 - 59

CO-WORKING TYPOLOGIES Interior Design Studio 2 | Parsons School of Design AutoCAD | SketchUp | V-Ray | Adobe Photoshop | Physical Modeling Co-Working Typologies is an emerging concept that fosters collaboration, accessibility, and community for social impact. Designed for architecture graduates, this project encourages learning in a dynamic designer network. Inspired by the Japanese principle of kaizen (continous improvement), it promotes idea exchange, feedback, and critique. Featuring recreational spaces and a double-height library, it seamlessly integrates professional and home-like environments, enhancing community engagement and personal growth.

Spring 2021 | Collaboration with Lil Alvarez & Shania Dias

7

IDEATION

Exploring Russian Constructivist graphic style with circles and curves to evoke unity.

9

FLOOR PLANS

REFLECTED CEILING PLAN

1’ = 1/4”

1’ = 1/4”

FLOOR PLAN GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

CEILING PLATE

11

SECTION CUT | FACING WEST

Showing the different angles of daylighting throughout the year.

PHYSICAL MODEL

Skylight integration explored through model representations.

1’ = 1/4”

Mar / Sept 21st Jun 21st Dec 21st

Double-Height Library

Wet Lab Skylighting

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MATERIALS 1

2

1

3 6

6

5

4 7

3

7 8

2

8 5

4

1. Whitewashed Wood Panel 2. Burnt Sienna Fabric 3. Light Terrazzo Tile 4. Speckled Beige Terrazzo 5. Mustard Textured Linen Fabric 6. Quilted Olive Green Velvet (Upholstery) 7. Dark Grey Mosaic Tile Grid 8. Light Oak Wood Veneer

GROUND FLOOR

1. White Marble Slab 2. Olive Green Fabric 3. Mauve Fabric Circle 4. Warm Beige Matte Tile 5. Taupe Square Tile 6. Cream Limestone Tile 7. Plum Ribbed Tile 8. Fluted Concrete

FIRST FLOOR

17

21

THE SCALE EFFECT Interior Design Studio 2 | Parsons School of Design Adobe Photoshop | Physical Modeling | Hand Renderings Through iterative experimentation, this project explores a dynamic form adaptable to furniture, seating, occupancy, and wall coverings. It examines the interplay of space, human interaction, and functionality while considering the influence of natural light and shadows. By blending form exploration with a human-centered approach, the project pushes design boundaries, revealing new possibilities at the intersection of materiality, experience, and environment.

Spring 2021 |

Exploring the verb “fold” through Bristol paper, this study examines the material’s permeability and its dynamic potential in design.

Experimenting the object in different applications

FURNITURE

OCCUPYING

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ORTHOGRAPHICS

25

ORTHOGRAPHICS

27

29

ELEMENTAL PLAYSCAPE Interior Design Studio 6 | Parsons School of Design AutoCAD | Rhino | Enscape | Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator Elemental Playscape explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, exemplifying collaboration between designers and parks to create sensory-rich playgrounds that promote kinesthetic learning. By harnessing children’s movements to generate kinetic energy, the project transforms playgrounds into educational hubs, fostering environmental awareness and responsibility through interactive play.

Spring 2023 |

31

PROTAGONISTS

SITE ANALYSIS Social Community: Children

Biotic Factor: Ring-Billed Seagull

PIER 46 PLAY AREA Hudson River Greenway | New York

Pier 46 hums with life—weathered piles double as living classrooms for curious kids and ecology buffs, while frisbees soar, seagulls squawk, and dogs strain at their leashes. On event days, the pier pulses with energy from concerts and outdoor films. Yet in stiller moments, beneath whispering Honey Locusts and shimmering reflections of Manhattan, it becomes a rare oasis—proof that even in New York’s chaos, calm can thrive.

Abiotic Factor: Waves / Water

Spatial Agency: Movement

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PLAY ELEMENTS

River Ranger Splash Zone

Solar Spin Shadow Play

Wind Whirl Turbine

Earth Explorer

Element: Water Sensory: Taste

Element: Daylight Sensory: Visual Perception, Proprioception

Element: Wind Sensory: Auditory

Element: Earth Sensory: Tactile

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Connecting Pipes (Water) Buckets to collect rainwater for seagulls

RIVER RANGE SPLASH ZONE | AXONOMETRIC Water Tubes and Faucets Connecting Pipes (Water) Buckets collect rainwater for seagulls Water Play Structureto(Fish Piles Inspired)

Faucets and Tubes

Water Tubes and Faucets

survival of all living organisms. It covers about 71% of the earth's surface and is found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and underground reservoirs. Water can be associated to the sense of taste, enabling a deep physical contact between the element and the human. It is vital for a child to learn about water in this playground as Hudson River Park, particularly pier 46 is well known for its deep ecosystem and maritime history, thus creating awareness through fish pile conservation sheds light on the importance of water and its aspects.

Water is one of the most essential elements of the earth and is vital for the survival of all living organisms. It covers about 71% of the earth's surface and is Greywater System: Wasted Waterreservoirs. for Irrigation found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and underground Water can be

Faucets and Tubes

SOLAR SPIN SHADOW PLAY | AXONOMETRIC Roof Base Roof Base

Discs with Shadow Holes (Solar Powered)

Collecting wateroffrom water element andcontact using between it for the associatedwasted to the sense taste, the enabling a deep physical surrounding and Itirrigation element andplants the human. is vital forpurposes. a child to learn about water in this

playground as Hudson River Park, particularly pier 46 is well known for its deep ecosystem and maritime history, thus creatingSubsurface awarenessEmitters through fish pile conservation sheds light on the importance of water and its aspects.

Surge Tank

Soft foam-like material to create a barrier for Water Play Structure (Fish Piles Inspired) safety concerns.

Discs with Shadow Holes (Solar Powered)

Greywater System: Wasted Water for Irrigation

can develop a better understanding of the between of theshadows, earth, sun, position of the sun in the sky affects therelationship length and direction kids and can other celestial bodies.

Shadows canofbe through thethe sensory of develop a better understanding theinterpreted relationship between earth, sun, visual perception in which children are encouraged to make observations on of and other celestial bodies.

Shadows can be interpreted through the sensory visual perception in which children are encouraged to make observations on shapes, expanding their creative imagination. shapes, expanding their creative imagination.

Body Light Energy) TheMovement sun and shadowsto areGenerate natural phenomena that(Kinetic can help children understand how the worldto around them works.

By learning about how the Body Movement Generate Light (Kinetic Energy) Using the science and technology behind a bike dynamo light to create a battery

position of the sun in the sky affects the length and direction of shadows, kids system that lighttechnology through pressure, movement.

Using thegenerates science and behind a pull bikeand dynamo light to create a battery can develop a better understanding of the relationship between the earth, sun, system that generates light through pressure, pull and movement. and other celestial bodies. Shadows can be interpreted through the sensory of

Push/Pull Ring for Magnet Support Roof Base Push/Pull Ring for Magnet Support

visual perception in which children are encouraged to make observations on shapes, expanding their creative imagination.

Body Movement to Generate Light (Kinetic Energy)

3 Way Valve

Rotating Nossle Using the science and technology behind a bike dynamo light to create a battery Rotating Nossle system that generates light through pressure, pull and movement.

Collecting wasted water from the water element and using it for surrounding plants and irrigation purposes.

Spindle Spindle Magnets Magnets Wires to light Wires to light

Lower Placed Shadow Discs Lower Placed Shadow Discs Push/Pull Ring for Magnet Support

Subsurface Emitters Surge Tank

Soft foam-like material to create a barrier for safety concerns.

Trampoline with visual access to the river

underwater

Trampoline with visual access to the river underwater

Sunken Buckets for Seagull Sunken Buckets for Seagull Nesting/Sunbathing Lower Placed Shadow Discs Nesting/Sunbathing

Sunken Buckets for Seagull Nesting/Sunbathing

Play Ropes at Different Heights

Seating / Standing Area Area Seating / Standing

Trampoline Sheet

11 | SPRING 2023 | TAMANNA SACHDEV |

Rotating Nossle

Spindle Magnets Wires to light

Battery

Light Strips Solar Powered Lighting forfor Park Lamp Post Solar Powered Lighting Park Lamp Post

Creating solar panels to help power the existing lighting.

Creating solar panels to help power the existing lighting.

Solar Powered Lighting for Park Lamp Post

Play Ropes at Different Heights Play Ropes at Different Heights

Trampoline Sheet

Battery BatteryRing Rotating

Light Strips Light Strips

3 Way Valve

Non-slip flooring with drainage and water collection system.

Non-slip flooring with drainage and water collection system.

Rotating Ring Rotating Ring

Creating solar panels to help power the existing lighting.

SolarSolar PanelPanel Solar Panel

Connection Connection

Connection

Seating / Standing Area

System BodyTiles with /Tiles System Body with Light/ Light and and System Body with Tiles / Light and Dynamo System Dynamo System InsideInside Dynamo System Inside

37

WIND WHIRL TURBINE | AXONOMETRIC

EARTH EXPLORER | AXONOMETRIC It is important for kids to learn about the wind and wind energy for several reasons. First, wind is a renewable energy source that can be used to generate electricity, and it is becoming an increasingly important part of our energy mix.

By learning about wind energy, kids can understand the importance of

Hanging Play Chimes

renewable energy and the role that it plays in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Wind can be interpreted through an auditory passage that creates a familiarity and enables them to engage with the natural rhythm and beat.

The earth and rocks are the building blocks of our planet, and understanding their composition and properties is essential for understanding the natural world. By learning about the earth and rocks, kids can gain a better understanding of geology, plate tectonics, and the formation of landforms.

Rocks can be associated with the sensory of tactile nature in which children can interact with them on a physical level, climbing and getting a sense of the formation, creating a true connection between man and nature.

LED Light

Monkey Bars and Standing Sills

Rock textures / mountain-like Battery Socket

Wind Energy to Power Light

Wind Turbine

Sitting / Hanging Bars with Seats and Play Turbines

Elevated Base

Concave Flooring Base

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39

PIER 46 PLAY AREA Hudson River Greenway, New York, NY 1/8” = 1’-0

0

Water

6

12

Daylight

18

30 FT

24

Wind

Earth

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SECTION 1/4” = 1’-0’

43

45

FANNY’S GARDEN RESTAURANT Sustainable Studio 2 | New York School of Interior Design AutoCAD | Rhino | Enscape | Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator

Inspired by Alice Waters’ Fanny at Chez Panisse, this project reimagines dining as an interactive journey for families. A farmers market welcomes guests with seasonal, local produce accessible to the public. Children can purchase ingredients and bring them into the cellar learning center, where food becomes a tool for play and discovery.

Parents enjoy a parallel fine dining experience, creating shared yet distinct moments.

Biophilia anchors the design through tree-canopy ceilings, root-inspired structures, and natural textures, fostering connection to nature. The result is a joyful, sustainable environment where learning, storytelling, and dining come together seamlessly.

Spring 2025 |

47

CONCEPT CLIENT

FARMER’S MARKET

CUSTOMERS

SITE

BIOPHILIA

INTERACTIVE

ADAPTATION

The design grows like a tree, where the restaurant above becomes the canopy — a lively, nourishing space and the cellar be-

Chef Alice Waters

Seasonal & Local Produce

Children & Parents

Nature Forms

Educational

Public access to local produce.

Family-friendly, playful experience.

Visual connection with nature.

Hands on learning.

Children’s Recipes

by Alice Waters

low extends as roots, grounding the experience in learning, growth, and cycles of renewal.

Pioneer of the farm-to-table movement.

317 Greenwich St, New York, NY,

From purchase to learning cycle.

Interactive meal experience.

Slow, Organic Edible Education

Tribeca.

Residential area.

Biomorphic Forms.

Chef Interaction.

Engagement with Food.

Storytelling.

Simple Recipes.

Tactile Learning.

First Floor: Tree Canopy

Cellar: Roots

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FLOOR PLAN | RESTAURANT

MECH EQUIP

BLDG ENT

FARMER’S MARKET

KITCHEN

DINING

DN 13R

ENTRANCE

11’-0” HT

OPEN PREP AREA

FREEZER

FREEZER

A

A

WOMEN’S RM RECEPTION

MEN’S RM

Section A-A

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FLOOR PLAN | CELLAR LEVEL | LEARNING AREA MANAGERS ROOM SPRINKLER ROOM EMPLOYEES LOUNGE

FOOD PREPARATION FOOD PREPARATION COOKING STUDIO

FREEZER

READING NOOK

LOCKERS

PLANT POTTING

B

MECH EQUIP ROOM STORAGE

B

COMPOST ROOM MEN’S RM COMMUNITY WALL

SENSORY WALL

WOMEN’S RM

Section B-B

53

DESIGNING WITH SOUND & STRUCTURE

BIOPHILIC CEILING DESIGN

Dining Area | Acoustic & Illumination Design | Interactive Dining

Cellar Learning Space | Hanging Garden

LED Lighting Leafy Greens Aeroponic Mist

Cloth Medium Acoustic Absorption

Solution Chamber

Integrated LED Lighting

The area is designed with circular tables anchored by tree-like structures, whose canopies integrate acoustic and lighting panels while allowing adjacent space for chef preparation and interactive dining.

Sketch Components Adapted from Aerofarm

Drawing inspiration from AeroFarms’ growing system, the ceiling transforms into a suspended garden, fostering biophilia by reconnecting occupants with nature through an immersive living environment.

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SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS | EXPLODED AXON Kitchen: Water efficient strategies | Low Flow Fixtures

Healthy Materials & Low VOC paints

Acoustic Panels Integrated into Ceiling Design

Indoor Lighting (Downlights from Ceiling Panels)

Air Quality | Seating Banquettes - Implementing HEPA-13 Air Diffuser

Farmers Market

Public Access to Farmers Market Pick-Up

Food Prep Area: Water efficient strategies | Low Flow Fixtures

Food Prep Area: Energy Star Equipment

Compost Room: Odor Control

Smart meters that track real-time usage and detect leaks/overuse

Occupant Sensor Lighting

Drip Irrigation for Plants

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MATERIALS BAUX - Felt Tile recycled PET felt

Low VOC Paints recycled PET felt

Ashwood FSC Certified

BAUX Felt Tile recycled PET felt

Siltech | Carnegie 71% polyurethane, 29% silicone water & bleach cleanable

Terratek WC (Wood Plastic) bio based dynamic forms low VOC & non toxic

Xorel Wallcovering | Carnegie made from sugarcane bio-based

Recycled Stainless Steel food safe & hygenic non-porous & non reactive

Dura Table Top polyester based surface material suitable for dining

Paper Stone Counter Tops easy maintenance and cleanability for restaurants low maintenance

Terrazzo Flooring easy maintenance and cleanability for restaurants

Terrazzo Flooring easy maintenance and cleanability for restaurants

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TAMANNA SACHDEV tam.sachdev@gmail.com | 332-201-2249 | linkedin.com/in/tamanna-sachdev