College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning
2018 - 2024
SKILLS
Photoshop Certified Associate
Illustrator Certified Associate
InDesign
SketchUp
Enscape
AutoCAD
Revit
Rhinoceros
VRay
Microsoft Office
TwinMotion
Adaptability
Communication
Teamwork
Problem Solving
Detail-Oriented
ACTIVITIES
AND AWARDS
CHAARG: Changing Health, Attitudes
+ Actions to Recreate Girls
International Interior Design Association
Dean’s List 2018 - 2023
MARIA WENDT
Recent interior design graduate with 1.5+ years of professsional experience working in a variety of design fields including retail, commercial, workplace, hospitality, and residential while completing my undergraduate degree. Demonstrates strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a passion for delivering innovative, client-focused design solutions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AWI | Intern | Cincinnati, OH | Summer 2023
• Assisted with specification sheets, lookbooks, and client presentations for both residential and commercial projects
• Created several floor plan layouts and sourced materials for single-family homes
Maintained an organized library and contacted sales reps about materials and product information
JLL Design Solutions | Intern |
Columbus, OH | Spring 2023
• Contributed Sketchup models, photoshop renderings, and intial design concepts for various retail projects
Produced a comprehensive design intent document set to articulate and convey the overall project vision
• Coordinated meetings and vendor events with sales reps
Assembled and delivered material boards for client approval
DEI
| Intern | Cincinnati, OH | Summer 2022
Collaborated with the design team on initial concepts, design development, and project milestones for banks and federal credit unions
• Drew As-Builts in AutoCAD
Rendered floor and finish plans
• Selected materials and organized layouts for client presentations
MODA4 Design
| Intern | Dayton, OH | Fall 2021
• Worked on 3D models and renderings for design development and client meetings using Sketchup and Enscape for adaptive reuse, hospitality, and commerical projects
• Produced interior elevations and generated revisions from redlined drawings in AutoCAD
• Sourced materials and finishes and contacted reps for samples
Granite
World | Intern | Park Hills, KY | Summer 2021
Assisted homeowners with cabinetry and countertop selections for remodels and new builds
• Quoted countertop jobs using drawing and estimating software
Created presentations and mood boards
• Assisted in marketing efforts and attended networking events
01 Caring for the Caretaker
Senior Capstone Project
02 Cincinnati Experience Academic Project
03 The ROMAC Academic Project
04 Patterning the Oculus Academic Project 05 MODA4
Co-op Experience
06 JLL Design Solutions
Co-op Experience
07 DEI
Co-op Experience
01 Caring for the Caretaker
Recognizing the unmet needs of healthcare professionals, this senior capstone project aims to create a sanctuary within healthcare settings through repurposing existing transitional and support spaces into designated areas for them to find moments of respite. These transformed spaces will provide environments tailored for sleep, relaxation, nourishment, and social connection, placing an emphasis on proiritizing the holistic wellness of those who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the care of others.
Impacts on Mental Health
A recent study by Mental Health America (MHA) surveyed 1,119 health care workers on the mental health impacts of COVID-19. The responses indicated that the most common impacts were:
Job Satisfaction
44% of physicians feel the effects of burnout daily (Medscape)
Frustration
Exhaustion or Burnout
Overwhelmed
Ways COVID-19 Impacted Healthcare Providers in 2020
3 in 10 nurses nationwide are likely to leave the profession for another career due to the pandemic (AMN)
300
- 400 physicians die by suicide each year
32% of physicans felt dissatisfied with their jobs between 2021 and 2022 (AMA)
95% of nurses experienced burnout within the previous three years in a 2021 survey (Nursing Central)
45% of critical care nurses experienced symptoms of moderate to severe depression in 2021 (Guttormson)
Fear of Judgement
A 2021 study of three ER Departments conducted by Sheila Bosch and Shabboo Valipoor found that the bathroom was the top most likely place for healthcare workers to “step away from work demands”, while the break room was only ranked as the fifth most likely place.
(Bosch, et al)
Unspoken Expectations
According to American Nurses Association, “35% of nurses reported rarely or never taking a break.” (Nejati et al). Similarly, a study published in 2014 by AMA insurance found that “most physicians work between 40 and 80 hours per week, with nearly 25% of physicans working between 61 and 80 hours per week.” (AMA)
More than 6.5 million lower wage healthcare workers in the U.S. will permanently leave their jobs in the next 5 years
Self Sacrifice
According to an article published during the pandemic by Dr. James Aluri, “most clinicians have grappled with working late hours, spending little time with their families, documenting at home in evenings and weekends, responding to patient emails and calls at all hours, and complying with continuously changing regulations” (Closler)
St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Florence KY 4900 Houston Road, Florence, KY 41042.
Established as a small hospital 1861 by Henrietta Cleveland and the Sisters of the Poor, St. Elizabeth Healthcare has been proudly serving the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region for more than 160 years. As a Catholic healthcare ministry, their mission is to “provide comphensive and compassionate care to improve the lives of the people we serve.” Their flagship location is situated in a suburban area surrounded by with the immediate surroundings of academic and medical facilities. The building itself is integrated within a sloped hillside with small pockets of green spaces.
Proximity to Nature Access to Natural Light Shelter and Privacy
Proximity to Staff Areas Noise Control Accessibility
Proposed Floor Plan
Concept Diagram
TRAVERSE
Location:
ER Staff Entrance
Before embarking on their duties, healthcare professsionals are encouraged to paused momentarily within this tranquil space, allowing them to center themselves, prepare for the tasks ahead as well as reflect on their day’s work before departing.
Materials
Enlarged Floor Plan
Look and Feel
Staff Corridor Rendering
MEDITATE
Location:
Staff Break Room
These semi-private meditation pods located near the sleep rooms offer a brief moment of quiet reflection and relaxation. By prioritizing self-care and taking time to nourish their mental and emotional health, users can return to their duties with renewed clarity, focus, and resilience.
Nap Room Elevation
Look and Feel
Staff Corridor Rendering
RETREAT
Location:
Staff Break Room
Consisting of quiet nap and sleep rooms, this space is ideal for providing rest and rejuvenation during breaks. This allows healthcare professionals to to alleviate the stress of their demanding roles and restore their body and mind.
Materials
Nap Room Floor Plan
Look and Feel
Staff Corridor Rendering
CONNECT
Location:
Staff Break Room
This area is an open break space designed to encourage nourishment, and social interaction, and relaxation. Connect serves as more than just a break room—it’s a sanctuary where users can replenish their energy and find moments of peace and camaraderie amidst the demands of their workday.
Materials
Break Room Enlarged Plan
Look and Feel
Staff Corridor Rendering
02 Cincinnati Experience
This project was done in collaboration with a partner with the intention of a fresh redesign of the current cafeteria space in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The design concept ties in with the enivronmental qualities and progression through the city of Cincinnati. Through visual and interactive experiences, users are able to enjoy aspects and areas of Cincinnati that they may not be able to otherwise enjoy during their hospital stay. These experiential spaces create a sense of freedom and exploration while also providing an interactive learning experience.
Concept Diagram
Overall Plan
Section B
A
Section
Seven Hills Play Area
Union Terminal Play Area
Union Terminal Dining
Union Terminal Play Area
Cityscape Seating
Seven Hills Dining Area
Cityscape Seating
Findlay Market
03 The ROMAC
This project was done in collaboration with group members Emmaline Miller, Michayla Brenning and Lauren Hege in efforts to restore and revitalize the historical Regal Theater located in Cincinnati’s West End as a multicultural arts center. Our design concept for the redesign of the Regal Theater higlights emerging local artists and provides an exciting space for the local community and visitors. Linear design elements juxtapose organic forms throughout thr space to enhance a bold and playful ambiance. This contrast is reinforced with sophisticated color choices and material selections.
Exterior Render
Inspiration Board
Material Palettes
Floor Plans
Overall Sections
Theater Concept
Theater Render
Main Entrance
Bar Area
Lobby Area
Performance Stage
03 Patterning the Oculus
The intention of this project was to create a culturally inspired cafe design for the Oculus in New York City. Influenced by the Japanese culture, inspiration was taken from the ashanoha pattern. The ashanoha is a geometric motif that resembles a hemp leaf and symbolizes growth and good health. In the early interation process, the units were aggregated and arranged to form archways between each unit to allow for people to enter. The overall structure is designed to complement the existing architecture and fit well within the space.
Diagrams
Section
Site Plan
Section
Perspective
05 Speakeasy Miso
This project was in the pre-design phase during my co-op at MODA4. It is an adaptive reuse project for a former masonic temple in dowtown Troy that will be repurposed as a sushi restaurant. My primary role was to help create a 3D model with the lead interior designer and produce preliminary renderings for design development and client meetings. I also picked up redlines for the construction document sets in AutoCAD.
Mood Board by Kerry Kralich
CAD Floor Plan by Team Members
Merchandise and Reception
Bar Area
Dining Area
Bar Tables
06 JLL Design Solutions
While majority of the work I produced at JLL Design Solutions is confidential, my primary responsibilities included putting together inspiration boards, material boards, 3D modeling in Sketchup and rending in Photoshop for Hudson retail stores across the country. I also served as the main point of contact for sales reps in terms of library updates and vendor presentations.
Physical Material Board
Material Board
Digital
Candy Store Mood Board
07 Ashland Credit Union
This project was a complete renovation of an existing financial credit union in Ashland, Kentucky that I worked on at DEI. My primary role was to render the floor and wall finish plans, help with material selections, and assist the lead interior designers with presentation materials.
